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SummaryCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) expresses a wide spectrum of disease severity. We investigated the profile of IgG and IgG subclass antibody responses to SARS– CoV-2 in Tunisian patients with COVID-19 according to disease severity (86 patients with severe disease and 63 with mild to moderate disease). Two in house developed ELISA with excellent performance were used to test for antibodies to the nucleocapsid (N) protein and the receptor-binding domain of the spike antigen (S-RBD) of SARS-CoV-2. IgG, IgG1 and IgG3 antibodies were significantly higher in patients with severe disease compared to non-severe disease. Antibodies to S-RBD or the N protein were dominated by IgG1 and IgG3 or IgG1/IgG3 and IgG2 subclasses respectively. In patients with severe disease, IgG antibodies ‘ appearance to S-RBD was delayed compared to the N protein. IgG subclass imbalance may reflect the pathophysiology of COVID-19 and may herald disease aggravation. This study brings information on the immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 in North African patients and completes the picture drawn on COVID-19 in different African populations and worldwide.

Hepcidin a 25-amino-acid and highly disulfide bonded hormone, is the central regulator of iron homeostasis. In this chapter we propose ferritin as a peptide carrier to promote the association of the hybrid hepcidin/ferritin nanoparticle with a particular cell or tissue for therapeutic or diagnostic use. Indeed, human ferritin H-chain fused directly (on its 5’end) with camel mature hepcidin was cloned into the pASK-43 plus vector and expressed using BL21 (DE3) pLys E. coli strain. The transformed E.coli produced efficiently hepcidin-ferritin construct (hepcH), consisting of 213 amino acids with a molecular weight of 24 KDa. The recovered product is a ferritin exposing hepcidin on outer surface. The hepcH monomer was characterized by immunoblotting using a monoclonal antibody specific for human ferritin and a polyclonal antibody specific for hepcidin-25. The results were also confirmed by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The recombinant native human ferritin and the commercial human hepcidin-25 were used as controls in this experiment. The assembly of hepcH, as an heteropolymer molecule, was performed in presence of denatured human ferritin-H and -L chains. After cysteine oxidation of the recombinant nanoparticles, cellular binding assays were performed on mammalian cells such as mouse monocyte–macrophage cell line J774, HepG2 and COS7.

Vero cells are nowadays widely used in the production of human vaccines. They are considered as one of the most productive and flexible continuous cell lines available for vaccine manufacturing. However, these cells are anchorage dependent, which greatly complicates upstream processing and process scale-up. Moreover, there is a recognized need to reduce the costs of vaccine manufacturing to develop vaccines that are affordable worldwide. The use of cell lines adapted to suspension growth contributes to reach this objective. The current work describes the adaptation of Vero cells to suspension culture in different serum free media according to multiple protocols based on subsequent passages. The best one that relies on cell adaption to IPT-AFM an in-house developed animal component free medium was then chosen for further studies. Besides, as aggregates have been observed, the improvement of IPT-AFM composition and mechanical dissociation were also investigated. In addition to IPT-AFM, three chemically defined media (CD293, Hycell CHO and CD-U5) and two serum free media (293SFMII and SFM4CHO) were tested to set up a serum free culture of the suspension-adapted Vero cells (VeroS) in shake flasks. Cell density levels higher than 2 × 106 cells/mL were obtained in the assessed conditions. The results were comparable to those obtained in spinner culture of adherent Vero cells grown on Cytodex 1 microcarriers. Cell infection with LP-2061 rabies virus strain at an MOI (Multiplicity of Infection) of 0.1 and a cell density of 8 ± 0.5 × 105 cells/mL resulted in a virus titer higher than 107 FFU/mL in all media tested. Nevertheless, the highest titer equal to 5.2 ± 0.5 × 107 FFU/mL, was achieved in IPT-AFM containing a reduced amount of Ca++ and Mg++. Our results demonstrate the suitability of the obtained VeroS cells to produce rabies virus at a high titer, and pave the way to develop VeroS cells bioreactor process for rabies vaccine production.

Sheep pox virus initially adapted to replicate in primary lamb kidney cells was adapted to Vero cells by serial passages in monolayer cultures. After nine passages the virus was able to correctly replicate in Vero cells, virus titer achieved was 10 5.875 TCID 50 (median tissue culture infective dose) ml −1 . To optimize the production process, the effects of MOI (multiplicity of infection), TOI (time of infection) and the culture medium were investigated. Cell infection at a MOI of 0.005 concurrently with cell seeding showed the best results in terms of specific virus productivity. The effect of MEM enrichment with several components was investigated using the experimental design approach. 67 experiments were performed in 6-well plates to select the best combination. The highest titer was achieved when MEM was supplemented with 5 mM glucose, 5 mM fructose and 25 mM sucrose. Spinner culture confirms these data; virus titer was 10 7.375 TCID 50 ml −1 . In addition Vero cells were cultivated in a 7-l bioreactor in batch mode on 3 g l −1 Cytodex1, and infected at cell seeding at a MOI of 0.005. Maximal virus titer was 10 7.275 TCID 50 ml −1 . This corresponds to 44-fold factor enhancement compared to spinner cultures conducted in MEM + 2% FCS.

Subcultivation of Vero cells grown in a proprietary animal component-free medium named IPT-AFM, on microcarriers, was studied. TrypLE Select, a non-animal-derived protease, was used as an alternative to trypsin for cell passaging. We first studied the effect of increasing concentrations of TrypLE Select toward cell growth and then studied the inactivation of the protease using either soybean trypsin inhibitor (STI) or the soy hydrolysate Hypep 1510, in six-well plates. Data showed that cell growth was impaired by residual level of TrypLE Select; STI was identified as an efficient agent to neutralize this effect. To restore cell growth and inactivate TrypLE Select, STI should be added to the medium at least at 0.2 g L(-1). Cells were also grown in spinner flask on 2 g L(-1) Cytodex1 in IPT-AFM. In these conditions, the cell detachment yield was equal to 78 ± 8 %. Furthermore, cells exhibited a typical growth profile when using the dislodged cells to seed a new culture. A cell detachment yield of 70 ± 19 % was also achieved when the cells were grown in a 2-L stirred bioreactor in IPT-AFM, on 3 g L(-1) Cytodex1. This protocol can be of great interest to scale-up the process of Vero cells cultivation in IPT-AFM on Cytodex1 from one stirred bioreactor culture to another.

Measles vaccination remains the most efficient way to control the spread of the virus. This work focuses on the production of a measles vaccine using stirred conditions as an advanced option for process scale up. Non-porous Cytodex 1 microcarriers were used to support MRC-5 cell growth in suspension cultures. Virus replication was first optimized in spinner flasks, and the effects of various operational parameters were investigated. Cell infection with AIK-C measles strain at an MOI (multiplicity of infection) of 0.005, without glucose regulation and in M199 medium, resulted in a virus titer of 10⁶·²⁵ TCID₅₀ (median tissue culture infective dose)/ml. To optimize the production process in a 7-l bioreactor, we carried out various perfused cultures using minimum essential medium (MEM) + 5% FCS diluted with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). We achieved a high cell density level (4.1 × 10⁶ cells/ml) with an efficient use of the medium when MEM + 5% FCS diluted with PBS at 25% was used during the cell amplification step. Optimization of measles production in MRC-5 cells grown on Cytodex 1 beads in a 7-l bioreactor showed that perfusion was the most efficient when compared to repeated-batch culture. Perfusion at a rate of 0.25 V (reactor volume)/day showed the highest specific productivity (1.6 IVP [infectious virus particle] cell⁻¹ day⁻¹). Testing of several stabilizers containing pharmaceutically improved components such as sugars, amino acids, and charged ions showed that the formulation composed of sucrose and MgCl₂, led to the maintenance of the infectivity of the AIK-C measles virus strain to a significant level, when stored at +28 °C, +4 °C and -60 °C.

Vero cells growth and rabies production in IPT-AF medium, a property animal-component-free medium are described in this work. Kinetics of cell growth and rabies virus (strain LP 2061) production were first conducted in spinner flasks. Over eight independent experiments, Vero cell growth in IPT-AF medium, on 2 g/l Cytodex 1 was consistent. An average Cd (cell division number) of 3.3+/-0.4 and a specific growth rate micro of 0.017+/-0.006 h(-1) were achieved. Such performances were comparable to those obtained in serum-containing medium (MEM+10% FCS). Rabies virus production on Vero cells in IPT-AF medium was also optimised in spinner flasks. The effects of multiplicity of infection (MOI), regulation of glucose level at 1 g/l and cell washing step, were investigated. The highest virus titer was achieved when the cells were infected at an MOI of 0.1; this level was equal to 10(7) FFU/ml. The step of medium exchange before cell infection can be omitted; nevertheless in this case glucose level should be maintained at 1 g/l to avoid a decrease of specific virus productivity. Process optimisation in a 2-l stirred bioreactor pointed out that the aeration mode was the prominent parameter that affected cell growth in IPT-AF medium and on Cytodex 1 microcarriers. An acceptable level of cell density (cell density level of 1.5x10(6) cells/ml) was achieved when cells were grown in batch mode and using headspace aeration. Nevertheless, this aeration mode is not optimal for large-scale culture. The addition of Pluronic F68 at 0.1% at 24 h post inoculation as well as the switch from surface aeration mode to the sparged mode, 2 days after the start of the culture, had markedly improved cell growth performance. A cell density level of 5.5x10(6) cells/ml was reached when cells were grown in a 2-l bioreactor, on 3 g/l Cytodex 1 in IPT-AF medium and using the recirculation culture mode. Cell infection at an MOI of 0.1 and using perfused culture, resulted in a maximal virus titer of 3.5x10(7) FFU/ml. The activity of the pooled inactivated rabies virus harvests showed a protective activity that meets WHO requirements.

Rabies virus strain production in Vero cells grown on Cytodex 1 in a 2 L stirred tank bioreactor and in a medium free of components of human or animal origin (VP-SFM) is described. Cell banking procedure in VP-SFM supplemented with an animal components free mixture (10%DMSO+0.1%methylcellulose) was reported and cell growth after revitalization was assessed. Vero cells exhibited growth performances (specific growth rate and cell division number) similar to that obtained in serum containing medium. To design a scalable process that is totally free of animal-derived substances, two proteases: TrypLE Select and Accutase, were assessed as an alternative to trypsin which is routinely used for cell passage. Growth performance of Vero cells grown in VP-SFM and MEM+10% fetal calf serum (FCS) over four passages and subcultivated with either TrypLE Select or Accutase was evaluated. TrypLE Select showed the best performance in terms of specific growth rate and cell division number. Kinetics of cell growth and rabies virus production (LP2061/Vero strain) were investigated in spinner flask and in a 2 L bioreactor. In spinner flask, a maximal cell density level of 1.85x10(6) cells/mL was achieved when the cells were grown in VP-SFM on 2 g/L Cytodex 1. Cell infection experiments conducted at an MOI of 0.3 and without the medium exchange step, typically needed for serum containing rabies virus production, resulted in a maximal virus titer equal to 2x10(7) (Fluorescent Focus Unit) FFU/mL. In stirred tank bioreactor, Vero cell growth in VP-SFM on 3 g/L Cytodex 1 was shown to be sensitive to the aeration mode. Sparging the culture was detrimental for cell growth, whereas cell density level was greatly enhanced when only headspace aeration was used. A cell density level of 2.6x10(6) cells/mL was obtained when the cells were grown on 3g/L Cytodex 1 and in batch culture mode. Cell infection at an MOI of 0.1 without any medium exchange, yielded a maximal rabies virus titer of 2.4x10(7) FFU/mL. Furthermore, Vero cell growth in a 2 L bioreactor using recirculation culture mode during cell proliferation step and perfusion for virus multiplication phase was investigated. In comparison to batch culture, a higher cell density level that was equal to 5x10(6) cells/mL was reached. Cell infection under conditions similar to batch culture, resulted in a maximal virus titer equal to 1.38x10(8) FFU/mL. The potency of the pooled inactivated virus harvests showed an activity of 2.58 IU/mL which was comparable to that obtained in serum supplemented medium.

We studied Vero cell growth on Cytodex 1 (3 g/l) and MEM supplemented with foetal calf serum (FCS) in a 2-l bioreactor using continuous (recirculation and perfusion) and batch culture modes. We achieved a cell density level equal to 4.35 × 10 6 cells/ml using the recirculation culture mode while perfused cultures yielded a higher cell density level equal to 4.73 × 10 6 cells/ml. However, as compared to the recirculation culture mode, the specific medium consumption rate was two-fold higher. Batch culture of Vero cells resulted in 2.2 × 10 6 cells/ml with a specific medium consumption rate similar to recirculation culture. Rabies virus production (LP 2061/Vero strain) by Vero cells was also investigated. We analysed in spinner flasks, the effects on virus multiplication of multiplicity of infection (MOI), regulation of glucose level to 1 g/l and type of medium. The highest virus titer was reached when cells were infected at an MOI of 0.3 in M199 medium supplemented with 0.2% of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and without regulating glucose level. In these conditions, virus titer was equal to 1.5 × 10 6 fluorescent focus units (FFU)/ml. We then evaluated rabies virus production by Vero cells grown on 3 g/l of Cytodex 1 using recirculation culture mode during the growth phase. Cells were infected at the optimal conditions previously determined. The maximal virus titer was equal to 2 × 10 7 FFU/ml. The activity of the experimental vaccine prepared showed a protective activity that meets WHO requirements.

We studied BHK-21 cells growth in a 2-l bioreactor and investigated the effects of microcarrier concentration, type of growth medium, culture mode and serum concentration. The highest cell density reached was equal to 4x10(6) cells/ml and was achieved in minimum essential medium supplemented with Hanks' salts, non-essential amino acids and 5% fetal calf serum, using a perfusion culture mode and a microcarrier concentration of 4 g Cytodex 3/l. We studied rabies virus production (PV/BHK-21 strain) by BHK-21 cells grown at the optimal conditions determined previously. We analyzed the effects of multiplicity of infection (MOI) and type of medium used for virus multiplication in spinner-flasks and showed that the highest virus titer reached (when the cells were infected at a MOI of 0.3) in M199 medium supplemented with 0.2% of bovine serum albumin was equal to 8.2x10(7) Fluorescent Focus Units (FFU)/ml. When we grew the cells in a 2-l perfused bioreactor, we obtained a maximal virus titer of 3x10(8) FFU/ml. In addition, we scaled-up to a 20-l bioreactor and obtained similar results for cell density and virus titer. The experimental vaccine we developed meets WHO requirements for vaccine potency. Each run yielded about 40,000 doses of potent vaccine.

Taguchi’s methods were used for the design of an experimental strategy aimed at optimizing cell density and monoclonal antibody (mAb) production from a spinner flask hybridoma culture. 23G11 is an antibody to the human leukocyte adhesion molecule, CR3 or β 2 integrin (CD11b/CD18). It recognizes specifically the A-domain of the α subunit CD11b. Anti β 2 integrin monoclonal antibodies hold a great potential for preventing inflammation mediated tissue injuries. An L8 orthogonal experimental design was used to investigate four different culture components: stirring speed, nature of serum, concentration of serum and nature of media (RPMI 1640 or RPMI 1640 supplemented with glucose and glutamine). The experiments were conducted using two levels for each factor studied and a direct ELISA test was used to estimate the level of antibody production. Statistical analysis of the collected data pointed to the stirring speed and serum concentration, and the interaction between these parameters, as the components that affected cell growth. Antibody production was affected by these factors and by the nature of medium but also by the following two interactions: stirring speed/nature of serum and stirring speed/concentration of serum. This study emphasizes the value of using Taguchi’s methods as a basis for optimization of mAb production from a hybridoma culture, in cost effective and significantly less labor intensive ways.

IPT-AFM is a proprietary animal component free medium that was developed for rabies virus (strain LP 2061) production in Vero cells. In the present work, we demonstrated the versatility of this medium and its ability to sustain the growth of other cell lines and different virus strains. Here, three models were presented: Vero cells/rabies virus (strain LP 2061), MRC-5 cells/measles virus (strain AIK-C) and BHK-21 cells/rabies virus (strain PV-BHK21). The cell lines were first adapted to grow in IPT-AFM, by progressive reduction of the amount of serum in the culture medium. After their adaptation, BHK-21 cells grew in suspension by forming clumps, whereas MRC-5 cells remained adherent. Then, kinetics of cell growth were studied in agitated cultures for both cell lines. In addition, kinetics of virus replication were investigated.

The use of Vero cells for rabies vaccine production was recommended from the WHO in 2005. A controlled production process is necessary to reduce the risk of contaminants in the product. One step towards this is to turn away from animal-derived components (e.g. serum, trypsin, bovine serum albumin) and face a production process in animal component-free medium. In this study, a proteomic approach was applied, using 2-D differential gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry to compare rabies virus propagation in Vero cells under different cultivation conditions in microcarrier culture. Protein alterations were investigated for uninfected and infected Vero cells over a time span from 1 to 8 days post-infection in two different types of media (serum-free versus serum-containing media). For mock-infected cells, proteins involved in stress response, redox status, protease activity or glycolysis, and protein components in the endoplasmic reticulum were found to be differentially expressed comparing both cultivation media at all sampling points. For virus-infected cells, additionally changes in protein expression involved in general cell regulation and in calcium homeostasis were identified under both cultivation conditions. The fact that neither of these additional proteins was identified for cells during mock infection, but similar protein expression changes were found for both systems during virus propagation, indicates for a specific response of the Vero cell proteome on rabies virus infection.

A protocol to detach Vero cells grown in an in-house animal component free medium (named IPT-AF medium) on Cytodex 1 microcarriers was developed. 6-well plates were used to investigate the effect of the following parameters: the toxicity of TrypLE Select a non-animal derived protease used as an alternative to trypsin for routine cell subcultivation in IPT-AF medium and the inactivation of TrypLE Select using either soybean trypsin Inhibitor (STI) or Hypep 1510 (a soy peptone). The toxicity of these inhibitors towards cell growth was also studied. Data showed that residual TrypLE Select in the culture medium impaired Vero cell growth. To restore cell growth and inactivate TrypLE Select, soybean trypsin inhibitor should be added to the medium. The developed protocol was first tested in spinner flask; cells were growth on 2 g/l Cytodex 1 in IPT-AF medium. At day 6, once the cell density had reached its maximum (around 2 × 106 cells/ml), cells were detached from Cytodex 1 beads by the addition of the recombinant enzyme. After a contact time of 10 min, STI was added. Cell yield detachment obtained under these conditions, was equal to 69%. Furthermore, the detached cells were used to inoculate a new culture on Cytodex 1; cells exhibited a typical growth profile. The protocol was also validated for cells grown in a 2-L stirred bioreactor, in IPT-AF medium on 3 g/l Cytodex 1. Data were similar to those previously achieved in spinner flask; a cell detachment yield of 56% was obtained. In conclusion, the developed protocol will facilitate the scale-up of the process that we developed for Vero cells cultivation in IPT-AF medium, on Cytodex 1 microcarriers and in a 2-L bioreactor.

On-line monitoring of mammalian cells cultures used in the production of various biologicals is important for the optimisation and control of these processes. Besides traditional sensors such as pH, temperature and dissolved oxygen the viable biomass in cell cultures could be monitored on-line. Dielectric spectroscopy or capacitance, offers an attractive tool for the estimation of this parameter; it has the advantage of only measuring the viable cell density.

This work describes the development of an animal-component free medium (IPT-AFM) that allows an optimal growth of Vero cells, an adherent cell line used for the production of viral vaccines. Statistical experimental design was applied to identify crucial nutrients that affect cell growth. Using Medium 199 or MEM as a basal medium, a serum-free medium (SFM) referred as IPT-SFM that only enclosed transferrin as a component of animal origin was developed at first. Then, the composition of IPT-SFM was further improved to obtain an animal-component free medium named IPT-AFM. IPT-AFM contains M199 as a basal medium, plant hydrolysates, epidermal growth factor, ethanolamine, ferric citrate, and vitamin C. Among various plant hydrolysates, specific combinations of soy (Hypep 1510) and wheat gluten (Hypeps 4601 and 4605) hydrolysates, were identified to promote cell growth; whereas individual Hypeps had a minor positive effect on cell growth. Nevertheless, the removal of serum did influence cell attachment. Coating tissue-culture flasks with teleostean, a product extracted from cold water fish skin, had not only enhanced cell attachment but also improved cell growth performance in static cultures. Different non-animal proteases were also assessed as an alternative to trypsin. TrypLE Select, a recombinant trypsin, gave the best cell growth performances. Kinetics of cell growth in IPT-AFM were investigated in T-flasks, cell growth was comparable with that obtained in MEM+10% fetal calf serum (FCS). A mean cell division number equal to 2.26 +/- 0.18 and a specific growth rate micro 0.019 +/- 0.003 h(-1) were achieved in IPT-AFM.

We studied BHK-21 cells growth in a 2 liter bioreactor and investigated the effects of microcarriers concentration, nature of growth medium, culture mode and serum concentration. We have reached a cell density of 4×106 cells/ml under the following growth conditions: Medium: MEM supplemented with Hank’s salts, non essential amino acids and 5% FCS, Culture mode: perfusion, Microcarriers concentration: 4 g/l of Cytodex 3

We have carried out the adaptation of BHK-21 cells to two serum free (Ex Cell 520 and HyQ PF CHO) and three animal protein free media: Ex Cell 302, HyQ PF CHO MPS and Rencyte BHK. After a direct switch or a gradual adaptation, we have achieved BHK-21 cells growth in the following media: HyQ PF CHO, HyQ PF CHO MPS, Rencyte BHK and Ex Cell 302. The most suitable media for BHK-21 cells growth, with respect to cell density and specific growth rate, were HyQ PF CHO and HyQ PF CHO MPS. Hence we have selected these media to study cell growth and the production of rabies virus. Kinetic studies of cell growth in spinner flasks using the selected media have shown that a maximal cell density of 2x10(6) cells x ml(-1) was reached in both media. For rabies virus production, the viral titer obtained was 1.7x10(6) FFU x ml(-1) in HyQ PF CHO as well as in HyQ PF CHO MPS medium. The optimization of rabies virus production by BHK-21 cells grown in a 2 l bioreactor using the selected media, pointed to the following parameters: culture mode, perfusion rate and multiplicity of infection (MOI), as being the critical factors for achieving a good virus yield. When tested in mice, the activity of the experimental vaccines prepared on HyQ PF CHO MPS medium has shown a protective activity that meets WHO requirements.

Rabies encephalo-myelitis is often fatal. Sixty thousand death and 10 millions post-exposure treatment are reported yearly among human. This viral infection remains a serious public health concern particularly in developing countries where dog, especially stray dog, is the main reservoir. Thus, mass vaccination of dogs seems to be the best way to prevent the contamination of man in these countries.

BackgroundVero cells are adherent cell lines commonly used for theproduction of viral vaccines. We had developed an ani-mal component free medium that allows an optimalgrowth of this cell line in stirred bioreactor [1,2]. Wehad also showed that Vero cells grown in this medium(called IPT-AFM) sustained rabies virus replication, andresulted in an overall yield comparable to the levelobtained in serum-supplemented medium.IPT-AF medium contains plant hydrolysates, namelysoy (Hypep 1510) and wheat gluten hydrolysates(Hypeps 4601 and 4605). These peptones were shown topromote cell attachment and growth. However, althoughthese components are of non-animal origin, their use invaccine production process has several drawbacks,mainly due variability between lots.The aim of this work is to identify active peptidesfrom these hydrolysates that show a positive effect oncell adhesion, attachment and growth. For this purpose,the hydrolysates were fractionated using chromatogra-phy and precipitation techniques. The effect of the iso-lated fractions on Vero cells growth were tested in 24and 6-well cell culture plates using experimental designapproach. Fractions that sustain cell growth, werefurther tested in stirred culture on Cytodex1 microcar-riers, to confirm their positive effect on Vero cellsgrowth.Materials and methodsCell line: Vero cells adapted to IPT-AF medium asdescribed in Rourou et al. [2] were used in this study.Media: M199 medium was purchased from Invitro-gen, IPT-AFM was prepared as detailed in Rourou et al.[2]. Hypeps were provided by Sheffield Bio-Science.