Abstract
Viral vectors and viral vaccines are invaluable tools in prevention and treatment of diseases. Many infectious diseases are controlled using vaccines designed from subunits or whole viral structures, whereas other genetic diseases and cancers are being treated by viruses used as vehicles for delivering genetic material in gene therapy or as therapeutic agents in virotherapy protocols. Viral vectors and vaccines are produced in different platforms, from traditional embryonated chicken eggs to more advanced cell cultures. All these expression systems, like most cells and cellular tissues, are known to spontaneously release extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs share similar sizes, biophysical characteristics and even biogenesis pathways with enveloped viruses, which are currently used as key ingredients in a number of viral vectors and licensed vaccine products. Herein, we review distinctive features and similarities between EVs and enveloped viruses as we revisit the downstream processing steps and analytical technologies currently implemented to produce and document viral vector and vaccine products. Within a context of well-established viral vector and vaccine safety profiles, this review provides insights on the likely presence of EVs in the final formulation of enveloped virus products and discusses the potential to further resolve and document these components.
Highlights
When it comes to viruses mixed with coproduced extracellular vesicles (EVs), the distinction becomes even more challenging as EVs exist in a wide spectrum of populations, which is further broadened by virus production
We go through distinctive features and similarities between EVs and enveloped viruses as we describe the downstream processes and analytical methods currently used in the production of viral vectors and vaccines
The translation to the clinic of these complex biomolecular structures for treatment and prevention of diseases is challenged by the new findings in the emerging field of EVs that share many features with enveloped viruses from their physical characteristics to their biogenesis
Summary
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. It has been hypothesized that viruses hijack the host pathways for vesicle trafficking [19], and one cannot deny the similarities between the biogenesis of viruses and EVs due to the implication of common proteins such as the ESCRT machinery once again, SNARE, SNAP and the cargos resemblance [20] When it comes to viruses mixed with coproduced EVs, the distinction becomes even more challenging as EVs exist in a wide spectrum of populations, which is further broadened by virus production. Viral components (left to right): envelope protein, Few studies have been designed to compare viruses to coproduced EVs in cell culture viral genome, viral capside. We go through distinctive features and similarities between EVs and enveloped viruses as we describe the downstream processes and analytical methods currently used in the production of viral vectors and vaccines.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
