WO2020069465A1

WO2020069465A1 - Compositions, methods and uses for broad-spectrum multi-targeted antigen complexes

Info

Publication number: WO2020069465A1
Application number: PCT/US2019/053691
Authority: WO
Inventors: Theodore Randolph; Robert Garcea
Original assignee: The Regents Of The University Of Colorado, A Body Corporate
Priority date: 2018-09-28
Filing date: 2019-09-27
Publication date: 2020-04-02

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention provide for novel compositions and methods for making and using a thermally stable human papilloma virus (HPV) formulation or other stabilized multimeric virus formulation. Certain embodiments concern lyophilizing HPV formulations in the presence or absence of adjuvants. Other embodiments concern lyophilizing HPV capsomere vaccines in order to increase stability of an immunogenic composition against HPV infection for storage, delivery and use. In yet other embodiments, a single immunogenic composition can include a thermally stable formulation of multiple virus serotypes. Yet other embodiments disclosed herein concern compositions and methods regarding broad-spectrum multi-targeted antigen complexes lyophilized in formulations of use to prolong stability and/or enhance immunogenicity. Other embodiments concern exposing lyophilized multi-targeted antigen complexes to elevated temperatures to enhance immunogenicity of the antigens of the complex to multiple pathogens.

Description

COMPOSITIONS, METHODS AND USES FOR BROAD-SPECTRUM

MULTI-TARGETED ANTIGEN COMPLEXES

PRIORITY

[0001] This PCT application claims priority to Continuation-in-Part Application filed September 28, 2018 as U.S. Application No. 16/146,686 which claims priority to U.S. 371 Application No. 15/309,169 filed November 04, 2016 which claims priority to PCT Application No. PCT/US2015/029529 filed May 06, 2015 which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 61/989,365 filed May 06, 2014. These applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

FIELD

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention provide for novel compositions and methods for making and using a thermally stable human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine or immunogenic formulation or other stabilized multimeric virus vaccine or immunogenic formulation. Certain embodiments concern lyophilizing HPV formulations in the presence or absence of adjuvants. Other embodiments concern lyophilizing HPV capsomere vaccines and other immunogenic agents to increase stability or reduce degradation of the vaccine and/or agents for storage, delivery and use. In yet other embodiments, a single immunogenic formulation can include a thermally stable composition of multiple virus serotypes. Certain embodiments concern lyophilizing multi-targeted antigen complexes in the presence of various agents to increase stability or reduce degradation of antigenic agents prolonging storage stability, delivery and use. In yet other embodiments, a single immunogenic formulation can include a thermally stable composition of a broad-spectrum multi-targeted antigenic composition against multiple pathogens. In some embodiments, a stabilizing formulation can include a hypertonic mixture including one or more disaccharide and one or more volatile salts for lyophilization and prolonged storage of the multi-targeted antigens (e.g. RG1 HPV16VLP) or the like. In yet another embodiment, exposure to elevated temperatures of a stabilized, lyophilized broad-spectrum multi- targeted antigen complex disclosed herein can increase cross-reactivity of the complex against multiple pathogens compared to a control when reconstituted and introduced to a subject.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Papillomaviruses infect a wide variety of different species of animals including humans. Infection is typically characterized by the induction of benign epithelial and fibro-epithelial tumors, or warts at the site of infection. Each species of vertebrate is infected by a species-specific set of papillomaviruses, including several different papillomavirus types. For example, more than one hundred different human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes have been isolated. Papillomaviruses are highly species-specific infective agents. For example, canine and rabbit papillomaviruses cannot induce papillomas in heterologous species such as humans. Neutralizing immunity to infection against one papillomavirus type generally does not confer immunity against another type, even when the types infect a homologous species.

[0004] In humans, papillomaviruses can cause genital warts, which is a prevalent sexually- transmitted condition. HPV low-risk (lr) types 6 and 11 are most commonly associated with benign genital warts (e.g., condylomata acuminate ). While most HPV-induced lesions are benign, lesions arising from certain high-risk (hr) papillomavirus types e.g., HPV-16 and HPV-18, can undergo malignant progression. Moreover, infection by one of the malignancy-associated papillomavirus types is considered to be a significant risk factor in the development of cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is the third most common cancer in women worldwide. Most cervical cancer cases occur in women living in developing countries where availability of vaccines and preventative screenings, such as pap smears are limited. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the etiologic agent associated with cervical cancer, and therefore vaccines against HPV would be very beneficial in reducing the disease prevalence in developing countries.

[0005] Delivering an effective HPV vaccine or other multi-targeted antigenic complex compositions to developing countries comes with many challenges. Ideally, the cost of a (e.g., HPV) vaccine for developing countries needs to be relatively inexpensive. Additionally, keeping vaccines at a temperature sufficient to maintain the composition and reduce degradation can be difficult when delivering vaccines to remote regions and limited refrigerated space is available for vaccine storage. The recommended temperature ranges for transporting vaccines in refrigeration or cooler temperatures are narrow. If liquid vaccine formulations are exposed to freezing or elevated temperatures, degradation or loss of efficacy can result. Fimitations of maintaining a vaccine in refrigerated storage are even more pronounced when delivering the vaccine in a developing country.

[0006] HPV-16 is the most common of the HPV genotypes involved in cervical cancer making up about 50% of cervical cancers. Prevalence of HPV- 18 ranges from approximately 8-31% of cervical cancers depending on the geographical location. HPV-45 is the third most frequent oncogenic HPV type. Other cancer-related genotypes include HPV-31 , HPV-33, HPV-52, HPV-58, HPV-35, HPV-59 and HPV-56. One of the issues involved with the production and use of HPV vaccines has been effective in providing effective storage and transportation of the vaccines where storage conditions can reduce degradation or increase stability of a viral vaccine formulation.

SUMMARY

[0007] Embodiments of the present invention provide for novel compositions and methods for making and using a thermally stable human papilloma virus (HPV) formulation or other stabilized multimeric virus formulation. Certain aspects concern partially or fully lyophilizing or freeze-drying HPV formulations in the presence or absence of one or more adjuvants or other immune- stimulating agents. Other embodiments described herein concern lyophilizing HPV capsomere vaccines or freeze-drying HPV capsomeres constructs to increase stability or decrease degradation or disassembly of the vaccines or constructs during storage, transportation, delivery and use.

[0008] In some embodiments, lyophilized glassy-state HPV vaccines can be developed using any HPV antigen in combination with an adjuvant. In certain embodiments, HPV- 16 and HPV-18 as well as HPV-31 , HPV-33, HPV-35, HPV-39, HPV-45, HPV-51 , HPV- 52, HPV-56, HPV-6, HPV-l 1 , HPV-30, HPV-42, HPV-43, HPV44, HPV-54, HPV-55, and HPV-70 are contemplated of use herein. In other embodiments, lyophilized glassy-state HPV vaccines can be developed using HPV Ll capsomere proteins as an antigen combined with an adjuvant. Adjuvants contemplated herein include, but are not limited to, aluminum hydroxide or aluminum hydroxide with glycopyranoside lipid A (GLA). In some embodiments, an adjuvant can include an aluminum salt including but not limited to, one or more of aluminum hydroxide, aluminum phosphate and aluminum sulfate, or combinations thereof. In other embodiments, the aluminum salt can be in the form of an aluminum hydroxide gel (e.g., ALHYDROGEL™). Other adjuvants contemplated herein include, but are not limited to, calcium based salts including calcium phosphate, muramyl dipeptide, oligodeoxynucleotides containing CpG motifs, bacterial flagellins, saponins such as Quils. ISCOM and QS21 , resquimod, MF59 emulsions, squalene emulsions, cytokines such as IL-2, IL-12 and GMCSF, silica, polynucleotides, toxins, such as cholera toxin, toxoids, such as cholera toxoid, serum proteins, other viral coat proteins, other bacterial-derived preparations, block copolymer adjuvants, such as Hunter's TITERMAX™ adjuvant (VAXCEL, Inc., Norcross, Ga.); RIBI adjuvants (available from Ribi ImmunoChem Research, Inc., Hamilton, Mont.), liposomes, and microparticles of polymers such as poly-(lactic acid) and poly-(lactic-co-glycolic acid).

[0009] In certain aspects of the invention, vaccine formulations can be lyophilized for example, where an Ll pentamer remains intact. In addition, these combinations can reduce detrimental modifications to critical neutralizing epitopes of the Ll pentamer. In other embodiments, HPV vaccines or compositions disclosed herein preserved antibody titer by increasing stability and/or decreasing disassembly or degradation. In other embodiments, the antigen compositions described herein can reduce antibody titer loss at temperatures of about 40°C to about 50°C to about 60°C degrees to about 70°C for up to several weeks to months making it possible to store and transport vaccine compositions at an increased temperature for a longer duration. It is anticipated that these principles can be applied to other vaccine formulations, including vaccines formulated with virus-like particles, vaccine formulations containing live, attenuated viruses and vaccines containing protein antigens can all benefit from the compositions and methods disclosed herein.

[0010] In other embodiments, vaccine compositions of the instant invention can be used to vaccinate subjects in order to reduce consequences of a viral infection or potentially prevent infection and side effects of a viral infection. For example, compositions of HPV 16 Ll capsomere proteins in combination with adjuvants can be lyophilized and transported to remote areas for distribution and administration to subjects in need. In other embodiments, vaccine formulations described herein can be used alone or in combination with other agents used to prevent HPV infections in a subject (e.g., GARDASIL™ and CERVARIX™).

[0011] In other embodiments, vaccine or immunogenic compositions disclosed herein can contain multiple types of HPV Ll capsomeres that can be used to immunize or vaccinate subjects in need thereof. In accordance with these embodiments, compositions of mixtures of HPV 16 Ll capsomeres, HPV 18 LI capsomeres, HPV31 capsomeres and/or HPV 45 capsomeres can be co-lyophilized and transported to remote areas for distribution and immunization of subjects in need. In certain embodiments, various combinations of any HPV Ll capsomeres can be combined with adjuvants and co-lyophilized and transported to remote areas for distribution and immunization of subjects in need.

[0012] In other embodiments, vaccine or immunogenic compositions disclosed herein can contain multimeric compositions of HPV16 Ll, HPV18 Ll, HPV 31 Ll, and HPV45 Ll capsomeres, for example. In accordance with these embodiments, immunogenic compositions disclosed herein can also contain particulate adjuvants such as aluminum or aluminum salt adjuvants, for example aluminum hydroxide or aluminum hydroxide with glycopyranoside lipid A (GLA), as well as glass-forming agents, such as trehalose and/or sucrose. In some embodiments, these immunogenic compositions can be co- lyophilized, stored and/or transported to remote areas where they can be reconstituted with no loss of multimeric structure or immunogenicity.

[0013] Certain embodiments provide for novel compositions and methods for a thermally stable broad-spectrum multi-targeted antigen formulation. Some aspects of the current invention concern partially or fully lyophilizing or freeze-drying the broad-spectrum multi- targeted antigen formulation in the presence of a hypertonic mixture. Other embodiments described herein concern lyophilizing broad-spectrum multi-targeted antigen constructs (e.g., RG1 HPVl6VLPs) to increase stability or decrease degradation or disassembly of the constructs during storage, transportation and delivery resulting in a reduction of product loss and reduction of loss of efficacy.

[0014] In some embodiments, broad spectrum multi-targeted antigens can be lyophilized and dried to create powdered formulations. In certain embodiments, constructs can include RG1 HPVl6VLPs or similar (US Patent No. 9,149,503 is incorporated herein in its entirety for all purposes). In other embodiments, multi-targeted antigen complexes can be lyophilized and dried to create a powdered formulation subjected to elevated temperatures (e.g. 40-60° C) then reconstituted to enhance an immune response in a subject to the targets represented by the multi-targeted antigen and to enhance cross-reactivity.

[0015] In certain embodiments, compositions disclosed herein include, but are not limited to, one or more volatile salts. In accordance with these embodiments, one or more volatile salts can include, but are not limited to, one or more of ammonium acetate, ammonium formate, ammonium carbonate, ammonium bicarbonate, triethylammonium acetate, triethylammonium formate, triethylammonium carbonate, trimethylamine acetate trimethylamine formate, trimethylamine carbonate, pyridinal acetate and pyridinal formate, or combinations thereof.

[0016] In other embodiments, formulations of use herein can include one or more non-reducing disaccharides including, but not limited to, trehalose, sucrose and lactose, and optionally, additional glass-forming agents. Glass-forming agents can include, but are not limited to, hydroxyethyl starch, glycine, glycine and mannitol, cyclodextrin, and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (povidone) or combinations thereof.

[0017] In some embodiments, formulations of use herein can include a multi-targeted antigen (e.g., VLP assembled from an HPV Ll protein or polypeptides derived from different viral or bacterial species), one or more disaccharide and one or more volatile salt or volatile salt buffer. In accordance with these embodiments, a multi-targeted antigen can be a complex made up of antigens derived from several pathogens (e.g. immunogenic epitopes), a non-reducing disscharide can include one or more of trehalose, sucrose, lactose, or the like and one or more volatile salts can include one or more of ammonium acetate, ammonium formate, ammonium carbonate, ammonium bicarbonate, triethylammonium acetate, or the like. In certain embodiments, a stabilizing formulation of use to prolong shelf life of a multi-targeted antigen, such as RG1 HPVl6VLPs or similar constructs or other multifaceted antigen complexes can include a hypertonic mixture including trehalose and ammonium acetate.

[0018] In certain aspects of the instant disclosure, immunogenic formulations of broad- spectrum multi-targeted antigen formulations can be lyophilized for example, where the broad-spectrum construct remains essentially intact; for example, reducing degradation of the subunits or polypeptide fragments. In addition, these formulations can reduce detrimental modifications to critical neutralization epitopes of an assembled antigen. In other embodiments, broad-spectrum multi-targeted antigen formulations can preserve immunogenicity e.g. ability to induce neutralizing-antibody titer by increasing stability and/or decreasing disassembly or degradation of the broad spectrum multi-targeted antigen complexes. In other embodiments, multi-targeted antigen compositions described herein can be stabilized to preserve immunogenicity (e.g., reduce antibody titer loss) following incubating lyophilized complexes at temperatures of about 40°C, to about 50°C to about 60°C, to about 70°C degrees for a few hours, to a day, to up to several days, up to a week, up to several weeks, up to a month or up to several months making it possible to store and transport these lyophilized compositions at an increased temperature for a longer duration. In certain embodiments, immunogenic compositions of broad-spectrum multi-targeted antigens, (e.g., RG1 HPVl6VLPs, flavivirus such as dengue, yellow fever; alphavirus such as Chikungunya or EEV or other antigen-containing complexes) or similar multi-targeted construct formulations can include particulate adjuvants such as aluminum or aluminum salt adjuvants; for example, aluminum hydroxide but not limited to, one or more of aluminum hydroxide, aluminum phosphate and aluminum sulfate, or combinations thereof. In other embodiments, compositions disclosed herein can include a disaccharide or glass forming agent such as trehalose as well as a volatile salt such as ammonium acetate. In accordance with these embodiments, multi-targeted antigen construct formulations can be lyophilized ( e.g . rapid drying or tray-dried) to prolong shelf life of the active agents.

[0019] In yet other embodiments, these stored formulations can be stored at elevated temperatures (at about 40 to about 70°C) and subsequently reconstituted for use against infection by the multiple targeted pathogens. In certain embodiments, the broad spectrum multi-targeted antigen complexes can be stored at elevated temperatures (at about 40 to about 70° C) for a few hours, to one day, to several days, to a week, several weeks, or a month or 2 months or 3 months or more, prior to reconstitution to enhance cross reactivity of the multi- targeted antigen complex against two or more targets (e.g. pathogens or serotypes).

[0020] In other embodiments, vaccine or immunogenic compositions disclosed herein can contain broad-spectrum multi-targeted antigen constructs. In accordance with these embodiments, immunogenic compositions disclosed herein can also contain particulate adjuvants such as aluminum or aluminum salts, for example aluminum hydroxide or aluminum hydroxide with glycopyranoside lipid A (GLA), as well as disaccharide agents or glass-forming agents, such as trehalose and/or sucrose in combination with broad- spectrum multi-targeted antigen constructs. In some embodiments, these immunogenic compositions can be co-lyophilized, and/or stored at elevated temperatures and/or transported to remote areas where they can be reconstituted with little to essentially no loss of multimeric structure or immunogenicity of the constructs or change in adjuvant particle size distribution.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0021] The following drawings form part of the instant specification and are included to further demonstrate certain aspects of particular embodiments herein. The embodiments may be better understood by reference to one or more of these drawings in combination with the detailed description presented herein.

[0022] FIGS. 1A-1C are photographic representations of electron microscope images of certain embodiments presented herein, before lyophilization (A), immediately after lyophilization and reconstitution (B), and after storage in the lyophilized state and reconstituted (C). [0023] FIG. 2 represents an exemplary histogram plot of Stern-Volmer constants for time 0 vaccine (immunogenic) formulations of certain embodiments presented herein.

[0024] FIGS. 3 A and 3B are exemplary graphical representations of HPV 16 Ll capsomere reactivity to V5 (A) and L 1(B) antibodies measured using absorbance at 450 nm, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 4 represents histogram plots of particle size and concentration of HPV vaccines under various storage conditions, according to certain embodiments herein.

[0026] FIGS. 5A and 5B represent graphic illustrations of anti-HPV-l6 antibodies (A) and neutralizing antibodies (B) after one (grey circles) and two (black circles) vaccine injections for protein (P), protein + alum (PA), protein+alum+GLA (PAG), GARDASIL, and CERVARIX™ vaccines.

[0027] FIGS. 6 A and 6B represent a graphic illustration of time 0 and incubated vaccines using anti-HPV-l6 antibodies (A) and neutralizing antibodies (B) after one (grey circles) and two (black circles) vaccine injections for protein (P), protein + alum (PA), protein+alum+GLA (PAG), GARDASIL, and CERVARIX vaccines.

[0028] LIGS. 7A and 7B represent graphic illustrations of dose response curves for antibody neutralization studies (A) and antibody incubation study in mice (B) for certain vaccine compositions according to embodiments disclosed herein.

[0029] LIGS. 8 A and 8B are photographic representations of electron microscope transmissions of certain embodiments presented herein, before lyophilization (A), and after lyophilization and reconstitution (B) of HPV16 Ll capsomeres.

[0030] LIGS. 9A and 9B are photographic representations of electron microscope transmissions of certain embodiments presented herein, before lyophilization (A), and after lyophilization and reconstitution (B) of HPV18 Ll capsomeres.

[0031] LIGS. 10A and 10B are photographic representations of electron microscope transmissions of certain embodiments presented herein, before lyophilization (A), and after lyophilization and reconstitution (B) of HPV31 Ll capsomeres.

[0032] LIGS. 11A and 11B are photographic representations of electron microscope transmissions of certain embodiments presented herein, before lyophilization (A), and after lyophilization and reconstitution (B) of HPV45 Ll capsomeres.

[0033] LIG. 12 is a photographic representation of an electron microscope transmission of an embodiment presented herein, after lyophilization and reconstitution of a tetravalent formulation containing HPV16 Ll, HPV18 Ll, HPV31 Ll, and HPV45 Ll capsomeres. [0034] FIGS. 13A-13C are photographic representations of SDS Page and Western Blot analysis of certain embodiments presented herein, before lyophilization (A), and after lyophilization and reconstitution (B) of HPV16 Ll , HPV18 Ll, HPV31 Ll , and HPV45 Ll capsomeres, and (C) before lyophilization ("PRE") and after lyophilization and reconstitution ("POST") of a tetravalent formulation containing HPV16 Ll, HPV18 Ll, HPV31 Ll , and HPV45 Ll capsomeres.

[0035] LIG. 14 represents a table reflecting exemplary data where serum antibody titers in mice raised by vaccination with a construct (lyophilized RG1 HPV16 VLP) of various embodiments disclosed herein and incubated at indicated temperatures and times were measured.

[0036] LIGS. 15A and 15B represent some data obtained from an exemplary neutralization assays (Ll-PBNA, L2-PBNA) to detect serum neutralization titers against HPV16 as well as some cross-neutralization data against other indicated HPV types raised by immunization of mice with certain embodiments disclosed herein (lyophilized RG1 HPV16 VLP stored at indicated times and temperatures). (D/day; W/week and M/month)

[0037] PIG. 16 represents a histogram plot of a mouse model testing stimulation of T cell responses after immunization with a broad-spectrum HPV complex stored in exemplary compositions at various indicated temperatures for 1 month, when splenocytes are exposed to various indicated agents including positive and negative controls.

[0038] PIG. 17 represents an image of an exemplary negative stain electron micrograph of RG1-HPV16 VLPs demonstrating intact VLPs in certain embodiments disclosed herein.

[0039] PIG. 18 represents a table reflecting exemplary data where serum antibody ELISA titers in mice raised by vaccination with a construct (RG1 HPV16 VLP) of various embodiments disclosed herein and incubated at indicated temperatures for 1 month were measured illustrating effects of lyophilized compared to liquid vaccine formulations.

[0040] PIGS. 19A and 19B are tables of representative data illustrating effects of indicated temperatures on lyophilized compared to liquid formulations of RG1-HPV16 VLP with respect to induction of neutralizing antibody titers to indicated HPV types in mice following vaccination with various broad-spectrum multi-targeted complexes of certain embodiments disclosed herein.

[0041] PIG. 20 is a histogram plot of IRN-g induction by ELISPOT in mice based on T cell response to indicated stimuli following vaccination with RG1 HPV16 VLP antigen stored under indicated temperature conditions for 1 month comparing lyophilized to liquid formulations.

Definitions

[0042] In order to facilitate an understanding of the invention, the following definitions are provided.

[0043] As used herein,“a” or“an” may mean one or more than one of an item.

[0044] As used herein,“about” may mean up to and including plus or minus five percent, for example, about 100 may mean 95 and up to 105.

[0045] Capsid protein: the structural protein of a virus, e.g., enveloped or non-enveloped, which constitutes the capsid structure. Generally, there are several capsid proteins which are often described by whether they are the predominant (major) constituent or lesser (minor) constituent of capsid structure.

[0046] Conformational antibody: refers to an antibody that specifically binds an epitope expressed as a correctly-folded Ll or L2 protein but not on denatured Ll or L2 protein.

[0047] Capsomere: refers to a structure that makes up the larger viral capsid structure that is generally a pentamer of one type of capsid proteins. In the case of HPV, a native capsomere comprises a pentamer of Ll capsid proteins that may be associated with one L2 capsid protein.

[0048] “Capsid” as used herein refers to the structural portion of a virus, e.g., HPV that is comprised of capsomeres. In the case of HPV, the viral capsid is comprised of 72 capsomeres.

[0049] “Chimeric protein” as used herein refers to a protein created when two or more genes that normally code for two separate proteins recombine, either naturally or as the result of human intervention, to code for a protein that is a combination of all or part of each of those two proteins.

[0050] "Multi-targeted antigen" as used herein refers to an antigen complex where the antigen can be derived from bacteria, viruses, fungi, or segments, fragments, polypeptides, peptides, epitopes or similar subunit derived thereof. For example, as used herein a multi-targeted antigen can be a single complex of multiple antigens or antigenic fragments wherein the single complex is capable of eliciting multiple protective immunogenic responses at the same time, for example, simultaneously to multiple agents.

DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS [0051] In the following sections, various exemplary compositions and methods are described in order to detail various embodiments. It will be obvious to one skilled in the art that practicing the various embodiments does not require the employment of all or even some of the details outlined herein, but rather that concentrations, times and other details may be modified through routine experimentation. In some cases, well-known methods or components have not been included in this description.

[0052] In certain embodiments, compositions, methods and uses for stabilizing HPV vaccine formulations are disclosed. A formulation or application of a formulation that can stabilize viral vaccines from for example, from degradation or disassembly of a viral structure is disclosed. In certain embodiments, compositions disclosed herein can be used to reduce loss of titer of lyophilized HPV formulations. In certain embodiments, compositions disclosed herein can concern a combination of two or more agents (e.g., adjuvant or adjuvant-like agent) provided to an HPV vaccine formulation where the formulation is then lyophilized.

[0053] In some embodiments, vaccine formulations can be lyophilized in the presence of glass-forming excipients, and sufficient liquid can be removed during lyophilization that the dried or essentially dried vaccine formulation or immunogenic composition exhibits a glass transition temperature that is higher than the anticipated storage temperature. For example, the anticipated storage temperature may be room temperature.

[0054] In certain embodiments, one or more agents provided to a vaccine or immunogenic formulation disclosed herein can include, but is not limited to, one or more aluminum-salt adjuvants, one or more buffer systems containing one or more one volatile salts, one or more one glass-forming agents, one or more immunologically-related co-stimulatory agents and one or more multimeric protein antigens where the multimeric protein antigens contain multiple representatives of a single antigen or multiple representatives of different antigens or serotypes.. In certain aspects, a formulation can be combined to create a liquid vaccine or immunogenic formulation. In other aspects, an immunogenic or vaccine formulation can be frozen to create a frozen immunogenic or vaccine formulation. In yet other aspects, the vaccine formulation or immunogenic formulation can be lyophilized to create a dried or essentially dried vaccine or immunogenic composition. In yet other embodiments, the virus compositions disclosed herein can go through a glassification step in the presence of one or more adjuvants. Certain embodiments disclosed herein concern incubation of lyophilized multi-targeted antigen complexes exposed for prolonged periods at elevated temperatures to enhance immune response to the multiple targets that make up the multi-targeted antigen and induce enhanced cross-reactivity to various types or serotypes of pathogenic organisms such as viruses, bacteria, fungi or the similar (e.g, flaviviruses, alphaviruses etc.)· In one exemplary embodiment, a broad-spectrum multi-targeted antigen complex contemplated in formulations and methods disclosed herein can include a RG1 HPV-VLP or similar.

[0055] In some embodiments, a multimeric viral protein complex as part of a vaccine or immunogenic composition can include one or more capsomeres formed from proteins derived from a viral capsid. For example, a multimeric viral protein can include a pentamer assembled from LI proteins of the human papilloma virus. In some embodiments, a multimeric viral protein is an HPV 16 Ll capsomere. In other embodiments, a multimeric viral protein can include capsomeres of HPV18 Ll protein, HPV31 Ll protein or HPV45 Ll protein, alone or in combination with HPV 16 Ll. In other embodiments, a multimeric viral protein is another HPV complex such as a virus-like particle (VLP) or other viral complex with similar characteristics to a capsomere wherein the glassy excipients disclosed herein stabilize the viral complex when stored or transported at increased temperatures avoiding the need for long-term refrigeration.

[0056] In other embodiments, vaccine or immunogenic compositions disclosed herein can contain multimeric compositions of HPV16 Ll , HPV18 Ll, HPV 31 Ll , and HPV45 Ll capsomeres, for example. In accordance with these embodiments, immunogenic compositions disclosed herein can also contain particulate adjuvants. In certain embodiments, particulate adjuvants can be aluminum or aluminum salt adjuvants, for example aluminum hydroxide or aluminum hydroxide with glycopyranoside lipid A (GLA). In other embodiments, these compositions can include glass-forming agents. Glass forming agents can include but are not limited to, trehalose, sucrose, raffinose, ficoll, dextran, sucrose, maltotriose, lactose, mannitol and glycine, hydroxyethyl starch, glycine, cyclodextrin, and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (povidone).

[0057] In some embodiments, these immunogenic compositions can be co-lyophilized, stored and/or transported to remote areas where they can be reconstituted with little to essentially no loss of multimeric structure or immunogenicity.

[0058] In some embodiments, the aluminum salt adjuvant of the vaccine composition can include one or more of aluminum hydroxide, aluminum phosphate and aluminum sulfate, or combinations thereof. In other embodiments, the aluminum salt can be in the form of an aluminum hydroxide gel (e.g., ALHYDROGEL™) or other consistency. In certain embodiments, the aluminum salt adjuvant includes aluminum hydroxide. In some embodiments, a broad-spectrum multi-targeted antigen construct can be combined with an aluminum salt adjuvant, for example, aluminum hydroxide (aluminum agent:‘alum’) at a ratio of 1 pg complex to 5 pg aluminum salt adjuvant. Other ratios contemplated herein can be 1 :1 ; 1 :2; 1 :3; 1 :4; 1 :6; 1 :7; 1 :10; 1 :15; l ;20 or the like.

[0059] In certain embodiments, a buffer of use in compositions disclosed herein can include, but is not limited to, one or more volatile salts. In accordance with these embodiments, one or more volatile salts can include, but are not limited to, one or more of ammonium acetate, ammonium formate, ammonium carbonate, ammonium bicarbonate, triethylammonium acetate, triethylammonium formate, triethylammonium carbonate, trimethylamine acetate trimethylamine formate, trimethylamine carbonate, pyridinal acetate and pyridinal formate, or combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, a volatile salt can be ammonium acetate or ammonium formate.

[0060] In other embodiments, a glass-forming agent (e.g., when freeze-dried the compositions form a glass instead of crystalizing) disclosed herein can include one or more of trehalose, sucrose, ficoll, dextran, sucrose, maltotriose, lactose, mannitol, hydroxyethyl starch, glycine, cyclodextrin, and povidone, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the glass-forming agent is present in a weight-to-volume (w/v) concentration of from about 1 % to about 20%, or about 5% to about 15% in a liquid vaccine formulation prior to lyophilization. In other embodiments, the glass-forming agent can be trehalose present in a concentration of from about 8% to about 20% w/v in the liquid vaccine formulation prior to lyophilization. In another embodiment, the glass forming agent can be trehalose at a concentration of about 9.5% w/v in the liquid vaccine formulation or immunogenic composition prior to lyophilization. Glass-forming agents that can be used in accordance with the various embodiments of the present disclosure can include, but are not limited to, trehalose, sucrose, ficoll, dextran, sucrose, maltotriose, lactose, mannitol, hydroxyethyl starch, glycine, cyclodextrin, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, and the like.

[0061] In some embodiments, compositions disclosed herein can include both a buffer composed of volatile salts and a glass forming agent at concentrations that are hypertonic prior to lyophilization, but that as a result of buffer volatilization during the lyophilization process become isotonic upon reconstitution. [0062] In some embodiments, a co-stimulatory agent of a vaccine or immunogenic composition disclosed herein can include one or more of lipid A, lipid A derivatives, monophosphoryl lipid A, chemical analogues of monophosphoryl Lipid A, CpG containing oligonucleotides, TLR-4 agonists, flagellin, flagellins derived from gram negative bacteria, TLR-5 agonists, fragments of flagellins capable of binding to TLR-5 receptors, saponins, analogues of saponins, QS-21, purified saponin fractions, ISCOMS and saponin combinations with sterols and lipids, or combinations thereof. In other embodiments, the co-stimulatory agent can be about 0.05 mg/mL Glycopyranoside lipid A (GLA) or similar agent having similar effects.

[0063] In some embodiments, a vaccine composition can be formulated to include about 0.1 mg/mL HPV 16 Ll capsomere, about 0.5 mg aluminum hydroxide gel ( e.g., ALHYDROGEL), about 0.05 mg/mL Glycopyranoside lipid A (GLA) in 54 mM histidine HC1 (pH about 7.1), and about 9.5 w/v% trehalose.

[0064] In some embodiments, stability of vaccine or immunogenic compositions disclosed herein can be enhanced by the addition of nonionic surfactants. In accordance with these embodiments, surfactants can be added to vaccine or immunogenic formulations at concentrations ranging from approximately 0.1 times the critical micelle concentration of the surfactant in the vaccine composition, to approximately 20 times the critical micelle concentration of the surfactant in the vaccine composition before, during or after lyophilization of the composition. Suitable nonionic surfactants include, but are not limited to, polysorbates such as Tween 20, Tween 40, Tween 60 and Tween 80, poloxamers for example Polaxamer 188 and Poloxamer 407, Poloxamer 235, Poloxamer 335, Brij, alkylphenol hydroxypolyethylene surfactants such as Triton X100, Triton XI 14 and Triton X405, and Oligoethylene glycol monoalkyl ethers such as Genapol.

[0065] In certain embodiments, compositions, methods and uses for stabilizing multi- targeted antigen formulations are disclosed. A formulation or application of a formulation that can stabilize antigenic vaccine complexes against; for example, against degradation or disassembly of a viral structure is contemplated. In certain embodiments, compositions disclosed herein can be used to reduce loss of titer of lyophilized multi-targeted antigen formulations (e.g., HPV or other papilloma viruses or other viruses such as flavivirus, filoviruses or alphavirus). In other embodiments, compositions disclosed herein can concern a combination of two or more agents (e.g., adjuvant or adjuvant-like agent) provided to a multi-targeted antigenic formulation where the formulation is then lyophilized.

[0066] In certain embodiments, a multi-targeted antigen contemplated herein can include antigens derived from two or more pathogenic organisms. In accordance with these embodiments, a multi-targeted antigen can include antigens from multiple species or multiple pathogens complexed to for a multi-targeted antigen. For example, a chimeric viral complex, live attenuated virus complexes, multi-peptide cytomegalovirus (CMV)-modified vaccinia Ankara (MV A) vaccine, Plasmodium falciparum multiple-antigen peptide vaccines, PnuBioVax (PBV multi-antigen, serotype-independent prophylactic vaccine against S. pneumoniae disease, ALVAC(2), melanoma multi-antigen therapeutic vaccine, bacterial backed complexes ( e.g . salmonella, MVA constructs), flavivirus antigenic complexes, alphavirus antigenic complexes are contemplated herein.

[0067] In some embodiments, vaccine formulations can be lyophilized in the presence of one or more disaccharide and one or more volatile salt and sufficient liquid can be removed during lyophilization that the dried or essentially dried vaccine formulation or immunogenic composition is stabilized from degradation. In other embodiments, these complexes can be stored for one day, one week, one month or more. One anticipated storage temperature of lyophilized complexes disclosed herein can be room temperature or higher (e.g. about 30° C to about 60°C).

[0068] Embodiments of the present invention provide for novel compositions and methods for a thermally stable broad-spectrum multi-targeted antigen formulation. Certain aspects concern partially or fully lyophilizing or freeze-drying a broad-spectrum multi-targeted antigen formulation in the presence of a hypertonic mixture. Other embodiments described herein concern lyophilizing broad-spectrum multi-targeted antigen constructs (e.g. RG1 HPVl6VLPs) to increase stability or decrease degradation or disassembly of the constructs during storage, transportation, delivery resulting in a reduction of product loss and reduction of loss of efficacy.

[0069] In some embodiments, broad spectrum multi-targeted antigens are lyophilized and dried to create powdered formulations. In certain embodiments, multi-targeted antigens can include two or more viral antigens from the same or difference species or serotypes (e.g. dengue virus). In certain embodiments, constmcts can include RGl-VLPs, RG1 HPVl6VLPs or similar (U.S. Patent No. 9,149,503 is incorporated herein in its entirety for all purposes). [0070] In certain embodiments, compositions disclosed herein include, but are not limited to, one or more volatile salts. In accordance with these embodiments, one or more volatile salts can include, but are not limited to, one or more of ammonium acetate, ammonium formate, ammonium carbonate, ammonium bicarbonate, triethylammonium acetate, triethylammonium formate, triethylammonium carbonate, trimethylamine acetate trimethylamine formate, trimethylamine carbonate, pyridinal acetate and pyridinal formate, or combinations thereof.

[0071] In other embodiments, formulations of use herein can include one or more non reducing disaccharides including, but not limited to, trehalose, sucrose and lactose, and additional glass forming agents, as necessary, including, but not limited to, hydroxyethyl starch, glycine, glycine and mannitol, cyclodextrin, and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (povidone) or combinations thereof.

[0072] In certain aspects of the instant disclosure, immunogenic formulations of broad- spectrum multi-targeted antigenic formulations, for example, can be lyophilized where the broad-spectrum multi-targeted antigen construct remains intact once lyophilized. In addition, these combinations can reduce detrimental modifications to critical neutralizing epitopes of an assembled multi-targeted complex. In other embodiments, broad-spectrum multi-targeted construct compositions and methods disclosed herein preserve antibody titer by increasing stability and/or decreasing disassembly or degradation. In certain embodiments, antigen compositions described herein can be stabilized to reduce antibody titer loss by lyophilization in buffers disclosed herein. In other embodiments, lyophilized multi-targeted antigenic complexes can be stored at elevated temperatures of about 40°C to about 50°C to about 60°C degrees for up to several weeks to several months making it possible to store and transport these compositions at an increased temperature for a longer duration. In certain embodiments, immunogenic compositions of multi-targeted antigens or the like can be frozen on precooled shelves of a lyophilizer and dried under vacuum creating an essentially dry powder formulation. In other embodiments, multi-targeted antigens or the like formulations including trehalose and ammonium acetate can be lyophilized and dried to prolong shelf-life of the active agents for storage and transport or enhance immunogenicity.

"Multimeric" Protein

[0073] Generally, as the complexity of vaccine compositions increases, long term stability decreases, especially at elevated temperatures. In some cases, vaccines compositions comprising multiple subunits (e.g., multimeric) can have greater complexity than vaccine compositions that are made of single proteins. For example, vaccine compositions comprising antigens based on multiple capsomere subunits are generally more complex and more resistant to forming stable vaccine compositions. In some cases, embedding a capsomere within glassy matrices formed during lyophilization can enhance thermal stability of the vaccine composition by stabilizing the tertiary structure of the capsomeres.

[0074] In some embodiments, thermal stability of tertiary structure of a viral complex can be assessed by any method known in the art. In other embodiments, thermal stability of tertiary structure of a viral complex can be assessed using various methods including, but not limited to, front face fluorescence. For example, front-face fluorescence can be used to examine tertiary structure of HPV 16 Ll capsomeres. In certain embodiments, front-face fluorescence can use acrylamide quenching to assess the tryptophan environment in each vaccine formulation, and a Stern-Volmer constant can be calculated based on the fluorescence. A high Stern-Volmer constant is generally indicative of greater tertiary instability, which allows tryptophan residues to be more easily quenched. For example, a lower Stern-Volmer constant is generally indicative of less tertiary instability (e.g., a more native protein structure), which reduces tryptophan quenching. Thus, these comparisons can be made on a complex to assess stability of the complex at a given temperature in compositions described herein.

[0075] In other embodiments, a non-reducing disaccharide disclosed herein can include one or more of trehalose, sucrose, lactose, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the disaccharide concentration in a weight-to-volume (w/v) can be from about 1 % to about 20% (w/v), or about 5% (w/v) to about 15% (w/v) in a liquid vaccine formulation prior to lyophilization. In other embodiments, the glass-forming agent can be trehalose present in a concentration of from about 8% to about 20% (w/v) in the liquid vaccine formulation prior to lyophilization. In another embodiment, the glass-forming agent can be trehalose at a concentration of about 10% w/v in the liquid vaccine formulation or immunogenic composition prior to lyophilization.

[0076] In some embodiments, compositions disclosed herein can include a hypertonic buffer composed of volatile salts and a disaccharide agent at various concentrations (1.0% to 20% (w/v)) prior to lyophilization. In other embodiments, a broad- spectrum multi- targeted antigenic construct disclosed herein included in a stabilizing composition for lyophilization or other purpose can be from about 0.01 mg/mL to about 5.0 mg/mL, or about 0.01 mg/mL to about 3.0 mg/mL; or about 0.01 mg/mL to about 2.0 mg/mL; or about 0.05 mg/mL to about 1.5 mg/mL. In some embodiments, a multi-targeted antigen construct can be formulated in a stabilizing composition for lyophilization or other purpose can be from about 0.05 mg/mL to about 2.0 mg/mL.

[0077] In some embodiments, stability of vaccine or immunogenic compositions disclosed herein can be enhanced by the addition of nonionic surfactants. In accordance with these embodiments, surfactants can be added to vaccine or immunogenic formulations at concentrations ranging from approximately 0.1 times the critical micelle concentration of the surfactant in the vaccine composition, to approximately 20 times the critical micelle concentration of the surfactant in the vaccine composition before, during or after lyophilization of the composition. Suitable nonionic surfactants include, but are not limited to, polysorbates such as Tween 20, Tween 40, Tween 60 and Tween 80, poloxamers for example Poloxamer 188 and Polaxamer 407, Poloxamer 235, Poloxamer 335, Brij, alkylphenol hydroxypolyethylene surfactants such as Triton X100, Triton XI 14 and Triton X405, and oligoethylene glycol monoalkyl ethers such as Genapol.

[0078] In some embodiments, thermal stability of tertiary structure of a broad-spectrum multi-targeted complex can be assessed by any method known in the art. In other embodiments, thermal stability of tertiary structure of broad-spectrum multi-targeted complexes can be assessed using various methods including, but not limited to, front face fluorescence. For example, front face fluorescence can be used to examine tertiary structures of certain complexes. In certain embodiments, front face fluorescence can use acrylamide quenching to assess the tryptophan environment in each vaccine formulation, and a Stern-Volmer constant can be calculated based on the fluorescence. A lower Stern- Volmer constant is generally indicative of less tertiary instability ( i.e., a more native protein structure), which reduces tryptophan quenching. In certain embodiments, these comparisons can be made on a complex to assess stability of the complex at a given temperature in compositions described herein.

VLPs and Capsomeres

[0079] Virus-like particles or VLPs: the capsid-like structures that result upon expression and assembly of a papillomavirus Ll DNA sequence alone or in combination with an L2 DNA sequence. VLPs are morphologically and antigenically similar to authentic virions. VLPs may be produced in vivo, in suitable host cells or may form spontaneously upon purification of recombinant Ll and/or L2 proteins. Additionally, they may be produced using capsid proteins Ll and L2, fragments or mutated forms thereof, e.g., Ll or L2 proteins that have been modified by the addition, substitution or deletion of one or more amino acids. Ll and L2 mutants that fall within the scope of the present invention are those that upon expression present at least one native PV conformational epitope. Methods to assemble VLPs are known in the art, as would be readily appreciated and is understood by one of ordinary skilled based on the present disclosure.

[0080] Correctly-folded Ll or L2 protein: Ll or L2 protein, fragment thereof, or mutated form thereof, (either monomeric, in the form of small oligomers (dimers-tetramers) or (capsomeres), which, upon expression, assumes a conformational structure that presents one or more conformational HPV Ll or L2 epitopes present on native viral capsids or VLPs and is suitable for assembly into VLPs. In the present invention, a correctly folded HPV Ll or L2 protein will present one or more HPV Ll or L2 conformational epitopes.

[0081] A conformational LI or L2 HPV epitope: generally refers to an epitope expressed on the surface of correctly-folded Ll or L2 protein which is also expressed by an Ll or L2 protein or fragment, or mutated form thereof, which is also expressed by an Ll or L2 protein of a corresponding wild-type, infectious HPV. It is well accepted by those skilled in the art that the presentation of conformational epitopes is essential to the efficacy (both as prophylactic and diagnostic agents) of HPV Ll or L2 protein immunogens.

[0082] A conformational neutralizing Ll or L2 HPV epitope: generally refers to an epitope expressed on the surface of correctly-folded Ll protein, fragment or mutated form thereof, which is also expressed by an Ll or L2 protein of a corresponding wild-type, infectious HPV, and which elicits neutralizing antibodies. It is well accepted by those skilled in the art that the presentation of conformational neutralizing epitopes is essential to the efficacy (both as prophylactic and diagnostic agents) of HPV Ll or L2 protein immunogens.

[0083] Embodiments herein provide for compositions and methods for stabilizing vaccine or immunogenic formulations and prolong stability during storage for HPV vaccines or immunogenic compositions. In some embodiments, an HPV chimeric protein of compositions disclosed herein can include a papillomavirus L2 capsid polypeptide having a papillomavirus capsid protein Ll -binding domain and a second polypeptide comprising at least one immunogenic epitope, wherein the polypeptides are fused at their amino or carboxy-terminal ends. The papillomavirus L2 capsid polypeptide can include the full- length papillomavirus L2 capsid protein as well as truncated versions of the L2 protein containing an Ll capsid protein binding region. Additionally or alternatively, the present disclosure provides a chimeric protein comprising a papillomavirus Ll protein linked by at least one amino acid to a second polypeptide comprising at least one immunogenic epitope. The papillomavirus Ll capsid polypeptide can include the full-length papillomavirus Ll capsid protein as well as truncated versions of the Ll protein.

[0084] Certain embodiments can include vaccine formulations of capsomeres, including but not limited to, truncated Ll with or without L2 viral proteins. In some embodiments, capsomeres include truncated Ll proteins. Truncated proteins contemplated herein can include those having one or more amino acid residues deleted from the carboxy terminus of the Ll protein, or one or more amino acid residues deleted from the amino terminus of the L 1 protein, or one or more amino acid residues deleted from an internal region of the protein. In accordance with these embodiments, a capsomere vaccine formulation or immunogenic composition can include Ll proteins truncated at the carboxy terminus.

[0085] Immunogenic epitopes are those that confer protective immunity, allowing a mammal or other animal to resist (delayed onset of symptoms or reduced severity of symptoms), as the result of its exposure to the antigen of a pathogen, disease or death that otherwise follows contact with the pathogen. Protective immunity can be achieved by one or more of the following mechanisms: mucosal, humoral, or cellular immunity. Mucosal immunity is primarily the result of secretory IgA (sIGA) antibodies on mucosal surfaces of the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary tracts. The sIGA antibodies are generated after a series of events mediated by antigen-processing cells, B and T lymphocytes that result in sIGA production by B lymphocytes on mucosa-lined tissues of the body. "Humoral immunity" is the result of IgG antibodies and IgM antibodies in serum. "Cellular immunity" can be achieved through cytotoxic T lymphocytes or through delayed-type hypersensitivity that involves macrophages and T lymphocytes, as well as other mechanisms involving T cells without a requirement for antibodies. The primary result of protective immunity is the destruction of the pathogen or inhibition of its ability to replicate itself.

[0086] Embodiments of the present disclosure can include a complex including chimeric proteins and further include a papillomavirus Ll polypeptide, protein or fragment thereof, or substantially identical protein or fragments. Papillomavirus Ll polypeptides of the present invention include polypeptides that retain their ability to bind to papillomavirus L2 polypeptides of the present invention. The complexes disclosed herein can include Ll capsid protein fragments that upon expression present conformational, neutralizing epitopes. These fragments can include full length papillomavirus Ll capsid proteins as well as internal, carboxy- and amino-terminal deletions, and proteins having specific cysteine mutations that prevent assembly into VLPs. The deletion may range in size from 1 to about 100 amino acids, preferably 1 to 50 amino acids, and more preferably from about 1 to 25 amino acids. It is essential that the deletion still allow for the expression of a capsid protein, e.g., HPV Ll protein, that when expressed in fused or non-fused form presents at least one conformational, neutralizing epitope.

[0087] Complexes disclosed herein can be in the form of a capsomere. Capsomeres of the present invention will generally have a stoichiometry of about one chimeric protein of the present invention to about five papillomavirus Ll capsid proteins, although capsomeres of greater or lesser stoichiometry are also contemplated.

[0088] In another embodiment, the capsomeres of the present invention can be assembled into a VLP. In this embodiment, assembly can be performed using methods known in the art. The present invention includes methods to assemble a VLP using capsomeres of the present invention at acidic to physiological pH. Most preferred are methods to assemble VLPs using capsomeres of the present invention at physiologic pH. In the case of polypeptide sequences which are less than 100% identical to a reference sequence, the non identical positions are preferably, but not necessarily, conservative substitutions for the reference sequence.

[0089] Conservative substitutions typically include substitutions within the following groups: glycine and alanine; valine, isoleucine, and leucine; aspartic acid and glutamic acid; asparagine and glutamine; serine and threonine; lysine and arginine; and phenylalanine and tyrosine. Similar minor variations may also include amino acid deletions or insertions, or both. Guidance in determining which amino acid residues may be substituted, inserted, or deleted without abolishing biological or immunological activity may be found using computer programs well known in the art.

[0090] Viral proteins of the present disclosure may be derived from any papillomaviruses, including human papillomavirus. For example, HPV Ll and L2 DNA sequences exhibit significant homology to Ll s and L2s of different serotypes of HPV. Therefore, HPV Ll or L2 nucleic acid sequences can be obtained, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art based on the present disclosure.

[0091] In some embodiments, the HPV Ll or L2 DNA disclosed herein derived from an HPV which is involved in cancer or condylomata acuminata, e.g., HPV-16, HPV-18, HPV-31, HPV-33, HPV-35, HPV-39, HPV-45, HPV-51, HPV-52, and HPV-56 are involved in cancer, and HPV-6, HPV-l l, HPV-30, HPV-42, HPV-43, HPV44, HPV-54, HPV-55, and HPV-70, are involved in warts. However, the subject capsid proteins may be produced using any HPV Ll DNA and further include any L2 DNA, if desired.

[0092] Proteins and capsomeres disclosed herein can be produced in a variety of ways, including production and/or recovery of natural proteins, production and/or recovery of recombinant proteins, and/or chemical synthesis of the proteins. The proteins and polypeptides disclosed herein can be expressed in a prokaryotic microbial host, e.g., bacteria such as E. coli, that can be cultured under conditions that favor the production of capsid proteins. This will largely depend upon the selected host system and regulatory sequences contained in the vector, e.g., whether expression of the capsid protein requires induction. Proteins and polypeptides of the present disclosure may also be expressed in any host cell that provides for the expression of recoverable yields of the polypeptides in appropriate conformation. Suitable host systems for expression of recombinant proteins are well known and include, by way of example, bacteria, mammalian cells, yeast, and insect cells. One expression system of use to produce complexes disclosed herein can include E. coli expression system used in the Examples, as this system provides for high capsomere yields. However, HPV Ll and L2 proteins, as well as other viral capsid proteins, can be produced in other systems. For example, yeast and baculovirus-infected insect cell cultures can be used.

[0093] Suitable vectors for cloning and expressing polypeptides of the present invention are well known in the art and commercially available. Further, suitable regulatory sequences for achieving cloning and expression, e.g., promoters, polyadenylation sequences, enhancers and selectable markers are also well known. The selection of appropriate sequences for obtaining recoverable protein yields is routine to one skilled in the art.

[0094] Other embodiments can include polynucleotides that encode chimeric proteins and complexes/capsomeres. Accordingly, any nucleic acid sequence, which encodes the amino acid sequence of chimeric proteins and complexes/capsomeres, can be used to generate recombinant molecules that express chimeric proteins and complexes/capsomeres. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art based on the present disclosure that as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code, a multitude of nucleotide sequences encoding chimeric proteins and complexes/capsomeres of the present disclosure, some bearing minimal homology to the nucleotide sequences of any known and naturally occurring gene, may be produced. Thus, the disclosure contemplates each and every possible variation of nucleotide sequence that could be made by selecting combinations based on possible codon choices. These combinations are made in accordance with the standard triplet genetic code as applied to the nucleotide sequence of naturally occurring chimeric proteins and complexes/capsomeres of the present disclosure, and all such variations are to be considered as being disclosed.

[0095] Chimeric proteins and capsomeres have application in both prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines and diagnostics. The suitability of the chimeric proteins and capsomeres produced for use as vaccines or as diagnostic agents can be confirmed by reaction with antibodies or monoclonal antibodies which react or recognize conformational epitopes present on the intact vision and based on their ability to elicit the production of neutralizing antiserum. Suitable assays for determining whether neutralizing antibodies are produced are known to those skilled in the art based on the present disclosure. This is an essential characteristic of HPV capsid proteins or other viral capsid proteins, which are to be used in HPV or other viral vaccines. In this manner, it can be verified whether the polypeptides of the present disclosure will elicit the production of anti-HPV neutralizing antibodies. Thus, other expression vectors and expression systems can be tested for use in the present disclosure.

[0096] Certain embodiments disclosed herein concern using adjuvants to increase immunogenicity of viral complex compositions or formulations for vaccines. Adjuvants are typically substances that generally enhance the immune response of a patient to a specific antigen. Suitable adjuvants include, but are not limited to, other bacterial cell wall components, aluminum based salts, calcium based salts, silica, polynucleotides, toxins, such as cholera toxin, toxoids, such as cholera toxoid, serum proteins, other viral coat proteins, other bacterial-derived preparations, block copolymer adjuvants, such as Hunter's TITERMAX™ adjuvant (VAXCEL, Inc., Norcross, Ga.); RIBI adjuvants (available from Ribi ImmunoChem Research, Inc., Hamilton, Mont.) and saponins and their derivatives, such as QUIL A™ (available from Superfos Biosector A/S, Denmark). Carriers are typically compounds that increase half-life of a composition or agent in a subject. Suitable carriers include, but are not limited to, polymeric controlled release formulations, biodegradable implants, liposomes, bacteria, viruses, oils, esters and glycols. [0097] Certain embodiments of the present application include polypeptides that elicit an immune response to an HPV antigen in a subject. An elicited immune response may be either prophylactic, preventing later infection by the specific viral type targeted, or may be therapeutic, reducing the severity of disease. An immune response includes a humoral, e.g., antibody, response to that antigen and/or a cell-mediated response to that antigen. Methods to measure an immune response are known to those skilled in the art. If one or both types of immune response are present, they may protect a subject from any disease caused by an agent, for example, by the agent from which the viral complex was derived. In accordance with the present disclosure, the ability of an immunogenic composition to protect or treat a subject in need thereof from disease can refer to the ability of a capsomere or chimeric protein of the present disclosure to treat, ameliorate and/or prevent disease or infection caused by the agent or cross reactive agent, by eliciting an immune response against an antigen derived from the disease-causing agent and contained within a protein or capsomere of the present disclosure. It is to be noted that a subject may be protected by an immunogenic composition disclosed herein even without detection of a humoral or cell- mediated response to the immunogenic composition. Protection or reducing the risk of developing a viral infection can be measured by methods known to those skilled in the art.

[0098] In certain aspects, because it is known that more than one HPV type may be associated with an HPV infection, vaccines or immunogenic compositions can include stable HPV capsid proteins derived from more than one type of HPV where the compositions have been lyophilized with glass-forming excipients to increase their stability to non-refrigerated temperatures. For example, HPV 16 and 18 are known to be associated with cervical carcinomas, therefore, a vaccine for cervical neoplasia can include VLPs of HPV 16; of HPV 18; or both HPV 16 and 18. In fact, a variety of neoplasias are known to be associated with PV infections. For example, HPVs 3a and 10 have been associated with flat warts. A number of HPV types have been reported to be associated with epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV) including HPVs 3a, 5, 8, 9, 10, and 12. HPVs 1 , 2, 4, and 7 have been reported to be associated with cutaneous warts and HPVs 6b, 1 1 a, 13, and 16 are associated with lesions of the mucus membranes. Thus, the subject vaccine formulations may comprise a mixture of capsid proteins or fragments derived from different BPV types depending upon the desired protection.

[0099] Other embodiments concern pharmaceutical immunogenic compositions for use in reducing the risk of onset or treating a condition caused by a pathogenic virus or more than one pathogenic vims ( e.g ., HPV, HPV serotypes, alphavimses and flavivimses). Any known pharmaceutically acceptable excipient is contemplated herein.

[0100] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is a method to elicit an immune response to a chimeric protein or capsomere of a lyophilized or dehydrated composition (after hydration), comprising administering to the subject a composition disclosed herein. The vaccines will be administered in prophylactically or therapeutically effective amounts. That is, in amounts sufficient to produce a protective immunological response. Generally, the vaccines will be administered in dosages ranging from about 0.1 mg protein to about 20 mg protein, more generally about 0.001 mg to about 1 mg protein. Single or multiple dosages can be administered.

[0101] Administration of the subject capsid protein-containing vaccines may be effected by any pharmaceutically acceptable means, e.g., parenterally, locally or systemically, including by way of example, oral, intranasal, intravenous, intramuscular, and topical administration. The manner of administration is affected by factors including the natural route of infection. The dosage administered will depend upon factors including the age, health, weight, kind of concurrent treatment, if any, and nature and type of the particular viral, e.g., human, papillomavirus. The vaccine may be employed in dosage form such as capsules, liquid solutions, suspensions, or elixirs, for oral administration, or sterile liquid formulations such as solutions or suspensions for parenteral or intranasal use.

[0102] In yet other embodiments, multi-targeted antigen complexes can be lyophilized and stored in elevated temperatures of about 40°C to about 60°C for a pre-determined period of days to months (e.g. 1 day, 1 week, several weeks to a month or more) to enhance immunity when introduced to a subject to a broad range of types or serotypes of pathogenic organisms. For example, enhancing epitope availability or enhancing neutralization effects of a composition as a result of exposure to these elevated temperatures during storage. In certain embodiments, enhanced immunogenicity can occur simultaneously to the represented antigens of the complex or for enhance cross-reactivity. This aspect of the instant invention is surprising and unexpected as elevated temperatures typically are thought to have an adverse effect on immunogenicity of multi-complexed agents. In accordance with these embodiments, exposure to increased temperatures as reference above of a stabilized, lyophilized multi-targeted antigen (e.g. RG1 HPV VLP or other viral or bacterial complex such as alphavirus or flavivimses), of the instant application, can increase cross-reactivity of the reconstituted complex against multiple pathogenic types or serotypes when introduced to a subject. In certain embodiments, a subject contemplated herein can be a human subject or other mammalian subject such as a pet or livestock exposed to or at risk of infection from a pathogen. In some embodiments, any pathogenic papilloma virus is contemplated herein. In some embodiments, animal pathogens are contemplated such as bovine papillomavirus, cottontail rabbit papillomavirus or other human or animal-related pathogenic papilloma virus. In yet other embodiments, viruses of use in broad-spectrum multi-targeted antigenic complexes can be from the Filoviridae family such as Ebola and Marburg viruses; or the Arenaviradae family, such as Lassa virus or the Bunyaviridae family such Crimean-Congo or Rift Valley virus; or Coronal virus family such as MERS and SARS or the Paramyxoviridae family such as Nipah and Hendra viruses; or the Flavivirus family such as West Nile, dengue (serotypes 1-4), Yellow fever and Japanese Encephalitis Virus or the Alphavirus family such as Chikungunya, Eastern Equine, Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis, Zika virus or Western Equine Encephalitis. In certain embodiments, formulations of the instant invention can be administered to host animals that carry various viruses or to humans or animals to prevent infection or reduce the risk of infection by targeted pathogens using a broad spectrum multi-targeted complex having undergone exposure to formulas and conditions disclosed herein (e.g. lyophilization and prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures).

[0103] Other viruses contemplated herein can include other pathogens such as other DNA or RNA viruses (e.g. enveloped or non-enveloped). In some embodiments, the viruses are enveloped viruses. In other embodiments, the viruses are non-enveloped viruses. In certain embodiments, formulations and methods disclosed herein can be used to create stabilized, lyophilized complexes of one or more of smallpox, herpes, chicken pox, hepatitis B or the like,

[0104] Yet other embodiments concern protein antigens of use to create a broad-spectrum multi-antigen containing construct including, but not limited to, rotavirus, foot and mouth disease virus, influenza A virus, influenza B virus, influenza C virus, H1N1, H2N2, H3N2, H5N1, H7N7, H1N2, H9N2, H7N2, H7N3, H10N7, human parainfluenza type 2, herpes simplex virus, Epstein-Barr virus, varicella virus, porcine herpesvirus 1, cytomegalovirus, lyssavirus, Bacillus anthracis, anthrax PA and derivatives, poliovirus, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis E, distemper virus, Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis, feline leukemia virus, reovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, Lassa fever virus, polyoma tumor virus, canine parvovirus, papilloma virus, tick borne encephalitis virus, rinderpest virus, human rhinovirus species, Enterovirus species, Mengovirus, paramyxovirus, avian infectious bronchitis virus, human T-cell leukemia-lymphoma virus 1 , human immunodeficiency virus-l , human immunodeficiency virus-2, lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, parvovirus B19, adenovirus, rubella virus, yellow fever virus, dengue virus (e.g. serotypes 1-4), bovine respiratory syncitial virus, corona virus, Bordetella pertussis, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Bordetella parapertussis, Brucella abortis, Brucella melitensis, Brucella suis, Brucella ovis, Brucella species, Escherichia coli, Salmonella species, Salmonella typhi, Streptococci, Vibrio cholera, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Shigella, Pseudomonas, tuberculosis, avium, Bacille Calmette Guerin, Mycobacterium leprae, Pneumococci, Staphlylococci, Enterobacter species, Rochalimaia henselae, Pasteurella haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, Chlamydia trachomatis, Chlamydia psittaci, Lymphogranuloma venereum, Treponema pallidum, Haemophilus species, Mycoplasma bovigenitalium, Mycoplasma pulmonis, Mycoplasma species, Borrelia burgdorferi, Legionalla pneumophila, Colstridium botulinum, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Yersinia entercolitica, Rickettsia rickettsii, Rickettsia typhi, Rickettsia prowsaekii, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium malariae, Schistosomes, trypanosomes, Leishmania species, Filarial nematodes, trichomoniasis, sarcosporidiasis, Taenia saginata, Taenia solium, Leishmania, Toxoplasma gondii, Trichinella spiralis, coccidiosis, Eimeria tenella, Cryptococcus neoformans, Candida albican, Apergillus fumigatus, coccidioidomycosis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, malaria circumsporozoite protein, malaria merozoite protein, trypanosome surface antigen protein, pertussis, alphaviruses, adenovirus, diphtheria toxoid, tetanus toxoid, meningococcal outer membrane protein, streptococcal M protein, Influenza hemagglutinin, Ebola virus, cancer antigen, tumor antigens, toxins, Clostridium perfringens epsilon toxin, ricin toxin, pseudomonas exotoxin, exotoxins, neurotoxins, cytokines, cytokine receptors, monokines, monokine receptors, plant pollens, animal dander-derived antigens, and dust mite-derived antigens.

[0105] Certain embodiments disclosed herein can include kits of use for storage and transport of one or more multi-targeted antigen construct disclosed herein, one or more container and/or one or more lyophilized multi-targeted antigen construct or broad-spectrum multi-targeted antigen complex. In certain embodiments, kits contemplated herein can be kits able to withstand elevated temperatures and/or low temperatures, for use at temperature-ranges as disclosed herein (e.g. 4°C to about 80°C). In accordance with these embodiments, a kit can include a container having a lyophilized multi-targeted antigen construct in trehalose and ammonium acetate or similar agent as disclosed herein.

EXAMPLES

[0106] This disclosure is further illustrated by the following non-limiting examples. All scientific and technical terms have the meanings as understood by one with ordinary skill in the art. The examples which follow illustrate the methods in which the chimeric compositions of the present disclosure may be prepared and used and are not to be construed as limiting the disclosure in sphere or scope. The methods may be adapted to variation in order to produce compositions embraced by this disclosure but not specifically disclosed. Further, variations of the methods to produce the same compositions in somewhat different fashion will be evident to one skilled in the art based on the present disclosure.

Example 1

[0107] In certain exemplary methods, it is known that liquid vaccines that contain microparticulate adjuvants such as aluminum hydroxide may be particularly prone to damage resulting from accidental freezing, because of the tendency of these adjuvants to agglomerate during freezing. Limitations of refrigerated storage for vaccines are even more pronounced when delivering vaccines to a developing country or region. Lyophilization can be used to embed vaccine antigens and adjuvants within glassy organic matrices, providing an environment where combination of low molecular mobility and low moisture content assist in minimizing antigen degradation. By utilizing high concentrations of glass forming excipients and in certain cases rapid freezing rates, agglomeration and ultimate degradation caused by microparticulate adjuvants can be avoided or minimized during the lyophilization process.

[0108] Embodiments of the present disclosure can be used to increase stability and/or immunogenicity of vaccine formulations through the use of lyophilization to preserve or stabilize the immunogenic complexes. Lyophilization of various vaccine formulations have been demonstrated to decrease protein degradation by, for example, immobilizing vaccine components in a high viscosity glassy matrix with low water content. In some cases, a high glass transition temperature allows for storage in a glassy state at elevated temperatures without significantly increasing protein degradation. For example, trehalose can be used to stabilize the protein in both the liquid and the solid state and can increase the glass transition temperature. Storage of the vaccine formulations below the glass transition temperature allows for the formulation to be stored in a glassy state. [0109] Lyophilized formulations of the present disclosure generally have low water content and do not absorb water during storage. Low water content can help prevent degradations from occurring. Although particle sizes of adjuvants can vary, it was found that cooling rate and trehalose concentration are two factors that can affect aluminum adjuvant particle size after lyophilization. However, particle size was found to remain constant after storage and antigen tertiary structure was found to be preserved after lyophilization.

[0110] In some embodiments, the immunogenicity of vaccine formulations that have undergone lyophilization can be increased by the addition of adjuvants. For example, aluminum salts such as aluminum hydroxide can create a humoral (Th2) response, and Toll like receptor 4 (TLR4) agonists such as glycopyranoside lipid A (GLA), can create a cellular (Thl) response. The addition of agonists such as these can increase antibody titers and increase the rate of seroconversion, even after storage at 40°C.

Vaccine Characterization

[0111] In certain exemplary methods, it is desirable to store vaccine formulations below both the lyophilized formulation glass transition temperature. The onset glass transition temperature for lyophilized placebo formulations was found to be 97.2°C ± 3.4°C, and when an adjuvant was added (e.g., aluminum salt), the onset glass transition temperature for lyophilized placebo formulations was found to be between 102.6°C ± 5.2°C. The addition of protein to these formulations did not significantly affect the glass transition temperature. By storing vaccines (immunogenic formulations) below the glass transition temperature, protein(s) do not immediately denature upon storage and lyophilized vaccines can be stored in a glassy state with extremely low mobility. A storage temperature of 50°C was selected to evaluate stability if vaccine formulations for subsequent experimental evaluation.

[0112] Certain exemplary embodiments of the vaccines or immunogenic compositions of the present disclosure were characterized in liquid form before lyophilization, immediately after lyophilization reconstitution, and after storage at 50°C for 12 weeks in both liquid and lyophilized forms. Vaccines were analyzed for capsomere appearance, for example, front face fluorescence was used for tertiary structure, V5 and Ll assays were used for conformational epitope reactivity, and FlowCAM was used for particle size and concentration.

[0113] As illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to visualize HPV 16 Ll capsomeres before lyophilization (A), immediately after lyophilization and reconstitution (B), and after storage in the lyophilized and reconstituted state (C). Before lyophilization, HPV 16 capsomeres are uniformly spherical in nature. After lyophilization and reconstitution, capsomere proteins are similar to their initial state. Additionally, storing the lyophilized vaccine for 12 weeks at 50°C did not affect capsomere appearance. These data demonstrate that the quaternary structure of HPV 16 Ll capsomeres is preserved after lyophilization. The scale bar represents 100 nm.

[0114] Additionally, capsomeres were maintained as a pentamer of Ll proteins during lyophilization as demonstrated by retention of the capsomere peak in size exclusion chromatography. The area under the peak was integrated to be 422, 0, 413, and 415 arbitrary units for liquid HPV 16 Ll capsomere, stored liquid HPV 16 Ll capsomere, lyophilized HPV 16 Ll capsomere, and stored lyophilized HPV 16 Ll capsomere respectively (data not shown). After storage at 50°C in the liquid state the capsomere protein was completely lost, demonstrating that the instant compositions and methods were capable of preserving/stabilizing the complex as observed by presence of a capsomere peak in the treated conditions.

Example 2

[0115] In another exemplary method, to examine the tertiary structure of HPV 16 Ll capsomere proteins, front-face fluorescence was used. In one example, the tryptophan environment in each vaccine formulation was assessed, acrylamide quenching was performed, and a Stern-Volmer constant was calculated. A high Stern-Volmer constant is indicative of more unfolding of the protein allowing for fluorescence of tryptophan residues to be more easily quenched by acrylamide, whereas a lower Stern-Volmer constant indicates that the tryptophan residues were more difficult to access, which indicates that the tertiary structure is a more native-like protein tertiary structure. The Stern-Volmer constant remained constant for the initial liquid state, the reconstituted and lyophilized state, and for the lyophilized incubated and reconstituted state (e.g., after storage), for both protein and protein + alum vaccines, as illustrated in FIG. 2. These data demonstrate that the tertiary structures of the vaccines in these embodiments were retained after lyophilization and storage. The protein + alum vaccines had a slightly lower Stern-Volmer constant which may be due to tryptophan residues adsorbing the aluminum hydroxide adjuvant and therefore being less accessible to acrylamide.

[0116] Experiments were also conducted to demonstrate the reactivity of HPV 16 Ll capsomeres to two antibodies, V5 (FIG. 3A) and Ll (FIG. 3B). Fl antibody reactivity was used to monitor the structure of many epitopes of the Ll subunit in the capsomere, and V5 antibody reactivity was used to monitor a conformational neutralizing epitope presented by the pentamer. As demonstrated, reactions with both antibodies were retained during the lyophilization process, as well as after elevated temperature storage in the lyophilized state (FIG. 4). The positive control used for comparison was a fresh sample of the HPV 16 Ll capsomere protein, while the negative control used was a polyomavirus structural protein, VP1, a structural equivalent to Ll.

Example 3

Vaccine lmmunogenicity

[0117] Because HPV 16 Ll capsomere protein was preserved during storage as provided above, immunogenicity of the stored vaccine as compared to the initial vaccine was evaluated. Particle concentrations were assessed prior to testing immunogenicity. As shown in FIG. 4, the concentrations of particles greater than 2 microns (pm) remained fairly constant through lyophilization and storage, with approximately 5xl0⁴ particles/mL for placebo groups and protein formulations and 5xl0⁶ particles/mL for placebo + alum and protein + alum formulations.

[0118] Vaccine immunogenicity was assessed by measuring total anti-HPV 16 Ll capsomere antibody titers (FIG. 5A) as well as neutralizing antibody titers (FIG. 5B). A dose response relationship was demonstrated for lyophilized vaccines (protein (P) and protein + alum (PA)), at doses of 7, 5, 3, and lpg/dose, for GARDASIL™ at doses of 5, 3, and lpg/dose, and for CERVARIX™ at doses of 4, 3, 2, and lpg/dose. All of the doses administered were in the linear range based on the murine model used. All doses of formulations containing the adjuvant aluminum hydroxide had significantly (p<0.05) greater immune responses than formulations containing only protein after one and two injections, except the 5pg dose after two injections (p=0.46). The addition of aluminum hydroxide increased the antibody titers one order of magnitude from protein alone. GLA did not significantly increase the antibody titers (p>0.05) after one or two injections. Additionally, lyophilized vaccines containing adjuvants preformed equally as well if not better than commercially available vaccines based on total IgG antibody titers.

[0119] Lyophilized vaccine formulations were incubated at 50°C for 12 weeks and then injected into mice at 5 and 1 pg/dose since these were found to be in the linear range of the immune response. GARDASIL™ and CERVARIX™ were injected at 5 and 1, and 4 and 1 pg/dose, respectively. Due to a limited supply of GARDASIL™, only one dose was administered for the incubated vaccines. As illustrated in FIG. 6A, lyophilized vaccines produced anti-HPV 16 Ll capsomere antibody titers similar to their non-incubated counterparts with the exception of the protein only vaccines at a 5pg dose after two vaccine injections. Neutralizing antibody titers are illustrated in FIG. 6B. GARDASIL™ had similar titer values after one injection, but CERVARIX™ had significantly (p=0.008) decreased titers. The predicted half-life of GARDASIL™ at 42 °C is a few months; however, these data demonstrate that at a longer incubation time, even at 50°C, high antibody titers were maintained.

[0120] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate graphical representations of dose response curves for an antibody neutralization study (A) and an antibody incubation study in mice (B) for various vaccine formulations, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0121] Taken together, these data demonstrate that lyophilized HPV 16 Ll capsomere vaccines remained stable and highly immunogenic after an elevated storage temperature of about 50 °C for the 12 weeks tested, stabilizing the formulation for storage, delivery and use. The potentially lower cost of the capsomere protein, in conjunction with the high thermostability of the lyophilized vaccine, makes these preparations excellent candidates for HPV vaccines, for example, for developing countries where access to these types of vaccines is reduced.

Example 4

[0122] In another exemplary method, preparation of HPV vaccine formulations, alum- adjuvanted HPV vaccine formulations and alum- and MPLA-adjuvanted HPV vaccine formulations containing capsomeres of HPV16 LI, HPV18 Ll, HPV31 Ll or HPV45 Ll, as well as tetravalent HPV vaccine formulations containing mixtures of capsomeres of HPV16 Ll, and alum- and MPLA-adjuvanted HPV vaccine formulations containing capsomeres of HPV16 LI, HPV18 Ll, HPV31 Ll or HPV45 Ll were generated.

[0123] In certain examples, aqueous protein solutions were formulated to contain either HPV 16, 18, 31, or 45 capsomeres at a concentration of 0.05 mg/mL. Lormulations were prepared in 100 mM histidine buffer at pH 7.1 with 9.5 w/v% trehalose as 1 mL aliquots a, a-Trehalose dehydrate and L-histidine monohydrochloride monohydrate were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich (St. Louis, MO). Each HPV strain was formulated in three ways: (i.) with no adjuvant present, (ii.) with 0.5 mg/mL aluminum from ALHYDROGEL™ and (iii.) with 0.5 mg/mL aluminum from ALHYDROGEL™ with 0.05 mg/mL MPLA. ALHYDROGEL™ adjuvant 2% (also referred to herein as alum) (e.g., E.M. Sergeant Pulp & Chemical Co, Inc., Clifton, NJ). Synthetic monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA) a glyclopyranoside lipid A adjuvant; (for example, Avanti Polar Lipids, Inc. Alabaster, AL.)

[0124] In one example, formulations containing ALHYDROGEL™ were rotated end-over- end at 8 rpm in 1.5 mL polypropylene microcentrifuge tubes at 4°C for 1 hour to allow capsomere adsorption onto adjuvant. Additionally, a formulation containing 0.0125 mg/mL of all four HPV capsomere types (16, 18, 31, and 45) was made without adjuvant as a control.

[0125] Comparisons of TEM images that were recorded before lyophilization and after lyophilization and reconstitution (FIGS. 8-11) for formulations containing capsomeres of each type alone (HPV16 LI, HPV18 Ll, HPV31 Ll or HPV45 Ll), as well as tetravalent vaccine formulations containing all four HPV capsomere types (FIG. 12), demonstrated that the pentameric conformation of the HPV capsomere were retained through the lyophilization and reconstitution process.

[0126] Western blot analysis of aluminum hydroxide-adjuvanted formulations of vaccines containing HPV16 Ll capsomeres, HPV18 Ll capsomeres, HPV31 Ll capsomeres, or HPV45 Ll capsomeres sampled prior to lyophilization and after lyophilization and reconstitution demonstrated that antigenic epitopes were retained after lyophilization and reconstitution (FIGS. 13A-13C). Furthermore, samples from tetravalent vaccine formulations containing aluminum hydroxide adjuvant also showed retention of antigenic epitopes after lyophilization and subsequent reconstitution, as measured using ELISA assays.

[0127] In FIGS. 8 A and 8B, TEM images of HPV16 Ll capsomeres were captured before lyophilization (A) and after lyophilization and reconstitution (B).

[0128] In FIGS. 9A and 9B, TEM images of HPV18 Ll capsomeres were captured before lyophilization (A) and after lyophilization and reconstitution (B).

[0129] In FIGS. 10A and 10B, TEM images of HPV31 Ll capsomeres were captured before lyophilization (A) and after lyophilization and reconstitution (B).

[0130] In FIGS. 11A and 11B, TEM images of HPV45 Ll capsomeres were captured before lyophilization (A) and after lyophilization and reconstitution (B).

[0131] In FIG. 12, TEM images of a tetravalent vaccine formulation containing HPV16 L 1 , HPV18 Ll , HPV31 Ll, and HPV45 Ll capsomeres were captured after lyophilization and reconstitution. These data demonstrate that all of the above HPV vaccine formulations exhibited the pentameric conformation of the HPV capsomere throughout the lyophilization and reconstitution process.

[0132] As illustrated in FIGS. 13A and 13B, vaccine formulations containing HPV16 Ll, HPV18 Ll, HPV31 Ll, or HPV45 Ll capsomeres were subjected to SDS Page and Western Blot analysis before lyophilization (A), and after lyophilization and reconstitution (B). Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 13C, a tetravalent formulation comprising HPV 16 Ll, HPV 18 Ll, HPV31 Ll, and HPV45 Ll capsomeres of HPV16 Ll, HPV18 Ll, HPV31 Ll, and HPV45 Ll capsomeres was also subjected to SDS Page and Western Blot analysis before lyophilization ("PRE") and after lyophilization and reconstitution ("POST"). For Western Blot analysis, a protein ladder was included in the lane directly to the left of each of the vaccine formulation samples. These data demonstrate that the pentameric conformation of each of the above HPV vaccine formulations was conservation the throughout lyophilization and reconstitution process. Example 5

[0133] In certain exemplary methods, broad-spectrum HPV immunogenic compositions were tested in various formulations for stability at elevated temperatures. In one method, an ELISA assay was performed to assess titer of various formulations subjected to lyophilization and storage for prolonged stability. In exemplary Fig. 14, immune sera samples raised against lyophilized and reconstituted formulations of an exemplary construct, RG1-VLP that had been stored under various temperature conditions were tested by an HPV16 Ll-VLP and RG1 peptide ELISA in 4-fold serial dilutions (1 :200- 1 :204,800). Rabbit sera raised against HPV 16 Ll-VLP and RG1-VLP, and a BPV Ll- raised monoclonal antibody, were used as positive or negative controls. Titers were graded positive for mean OD values greater than OD of pre-sera + 3 standard deviations n.d. indicate not determined. See Fig. 14 where stability is demonstrated at various temperatures up to an elevated temperature of about 50 °C.

[0134] As illustrated in Fig. 14, titers were maintained at all temperatures tested.

Example 6

[0135] In another exemplary method, a pseudovirion-based neutralization assay (PBNA) was performed after storage of the HPV constructs at various temperatures and times. As illustrated in Fig. 15A and Fig 15B L 1 -PBNA (See for example, Buck 2004, 2005) was performed to detect neutralizing antibodies against hr. HPV16, and cross-neutralizing antibodies against hr. HPV18, 31, 39 and cutaneous Beta type HPV5. L2-PBNA (See for example Day 2012) was performed against HPV39 and HPV5 to more sensitively detect potential cross-neutralization, and improved antibody titers detected were demonstrated (See the bold print). Surprisingly, cross-neutralizing titers against multiple HPV types such as HPV types 8, 18 31 and 39 were enhanced (instead of reduced) after a thermal treatment consisting of incubation for 1 month at 50 °C.

Example 7

[0136] In another exemplary method, splenocytes were harvested from groups immunized with lyophilized RG1-VLP in certain exemplary compositions stored for 1 month at 4°C, 20°C, 37°C or 50°C and ex vivo stimulated with either HPV16 or HPV18 L 1 -VLP, or medium and Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin A (SEA) as controls. Evaluation was performed using an ImmunoSpot® Analyzer (CTL) and Immunospot Software 5.0. (See for example, Fig. 16)

[0137] It was demonstrated in these exemplary methods that high-titer antibodies directed against HPV16 Ll-VLP and the RG1 peptide were detected in all lyophilized RG1-VLP- raised immune sera by ELISA (Fig. 14). Notably, antibody titers were maintained even when lyophilized RG1-VLP were stored at elevated temperatures. Immune sera were neutralizing by Ll-PBNA against HPV16 (titers of 3,200-51,200) and cross-neutralizing against hr HPV18, 31 and 39, and Beta HPVS (titers ranging from 50-3,200) in the majority of temperature groups (Figs. 15A and 15B). Improved cross-neutralization was detected by more sensitive L2-PBNA particularly against HPV39 (titers of 50-800) and for some groups against HPVS (titers of <50200). In this example, following incubation at higher temperatures lyophilized RG1-VLP maintain the ability to induce (cross-)neutralization with a trend towards reduced cross-neutralization seen in the highest temperature group (50°C). By ELISPOT (Fig. 16), IFNy was induced by stimulation of splenocytes with HPV16 L 1 -VLP, but not HPV18 Ll-VLP, in all tested storage temperature groups, which indicates maintained ability to raise a T cell response regardless of storage temperature of the RG1-VLP.

Example 8

Preparation of lyophilized RG1 VLPs in thermostable glassy matrices

[0138] In one exemplary method, RG1-HPV VLPs were buffer-exchanged into a solution containing 100 mM histidine, pH7.l Scanning electron micrographs (See Fig. 17) of the

RG1-HPV VLP solutions revealed the presence of intact virus-like particles, with spiky protuberances. The solutions of RG1 HPV16 VLPs were mixed with trehalose and alum to form a mixture containing 10 wt/vol % trehalose, 0.5 mg/mL Alhydrogel® alum microparticles, and 0.1 mg/mL RG1 HPV VLPs. Other solutions were prepared in a similar fashion, but additionally contained 0.05 mg/mL of the immune co-stimulatory agent monophosphoryl lipid A. 1 mL aliquots of the solutions were filled into 3 mL Schott Fiolax lyophilization vials. The vials were placed on precooled (-40° C) shelves of a Lyostar pilot- scale lyophilizer. Samples were dried under vacuum (60 mTorr) and vials were sealed under nitrogen. Samples of the lyophilized formulations were stored in temperature-controlled incubators at 4, 20, 37 and 50 °C for a period of 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month. After storage, samples were reconstituted with 1 mL of water for injection, and 100 microliter doses of the resulting solution were administered to mice. Fig. 4 represents an exemplary image of a scanning electron micrograph of RG1-HPV VLPs demonstrating intact virus-like particles after buffer exchange into 100 mM histidine, pH 7.1.

Example 9

Preparation of lyophilized RG1 VLPs in thermostable glassy matrices:

Lyophilized Broad-Spectrum Multi -Targeted Antigen Immunizations

[0139] In one exemplary method, immunogenicity/thermostability of lyophilized in comparison to non-lyophilized RG1-VLP were incubated at increased temperatures for approximately one month. In these methods, RG1-VLP are virus-like particles (VLP) assembled from chimeric Human Papillomavirus (HPV) type 16 Ll major capsid protein incorporating the cross-neutralization epitope, RGF of HPV16 L2 (e.g. 20 amino-acid residues 17-36). RGl-VLPs were mixed with aluminum hydroxide (aluminum agent: ‘alum’) at an exemplary ratio of 1 pg RG1-VLP plus 5 pg alum. Other ratios than 1 :5 are contemplated of use in the current disclosure such as 1 :1 ; 1 :2; 1 :3; 1 :4; 1 :6; 1 :7; 1 :10; 1 :15; l ;20 or the like. The broad-spectmm multi-antigen-containing formulation was lyophilized to generate a dry powder vaccine or, as control, was left untreated as liquid.

[0140] To evaluate thermostability of a broad-spectrum multi-antigen-containing complex (e.g, RG1-VLP) formulation to elevated temperatures, lyophilized and untreated alum- adjuvanted RG1-VLP, respectively, were incubated at about 4, 37, 50, or 70°C over about a one-month period followed by analysis of immunogenicity. See for example, Figure 18.

Example 10

[0141] Following elevated temperature treatment, lyophilized broad-spectrum multi-antigen- containing complexes (e.g. RG1-VLP) were reconstituted in PBS, female Balb/c mice (groups of n=5) were immunized (2pg VLP + lOpg alum per mouse and dose) 3 times intramuscularly (intramuscular: IM) in 2 weeks intervals (weeks 0, 2, 4). Immunizations of mice with non- lyophilized (liquid) treated broad-spectmm multi-antigen-containing complex (RG1-VLP) + alum, or untreated liquid broad-spectrum multi-antigen-containing complex (RG1-VLP) + alum (RGl+alum; RG1-VLP were treated with alum-adjuvant immediately before each immunization), or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) alone served as a negative control. (Pre-) immune sera were drawn before immunization and two weeks after the final boost (week 6), pooled for groups (5 sera each) and analyzed by HPV16 Ll-VLP and RG1 peptide ELISA. See for example, Figure 18 (Cross-) neutralizing activity against high-risk mucosal HPV 16, 18, 31, 39, or high-risk cutaneous beta HPV5, 8 was assessed using Ll- and L2-pseudovirion-based neutralization assays (PBNA). See for example, Figures 19A and 19B.

Example 11

[0142] In another embodiment, antibody assays using an ELISA testing system demonstrated that using broad-spectrum multi-antigen-containing complex ( e.g . RG1-VLP) (generated in Sf9 insect cells and purified by gradient centrifugation) or alternatively, a synthetically generated broad-spectrum multi-antigen-containing complex (RG1 synthetic biotinylated peptide) as antigen, respectively, indicate the induction of prominent antibody titers (e.g. 12,800-51,200) against both HPV16 Ll and L2 antigen components in mice immunized with lyophilized vaccine irrespective of extended incubation at higher temperature (Fig. 14 and 18). In contrast, liquid vaccine formulations incubated at 50°C or 70°C induced largely reduced (200-800) or undetectable (0) ELISA titers at these elevated temperatures (Fig. 5). Sera generated against freshly prepared RG1-VLP + alum formulation, or PBS served as positive and negative controls, respectively.

[0143] (Cross-)neutralization of immune sera against high-risk mucosal types HPV16/18/31/39 and cutaneous Beta HPV8 was further assessed by Ll - and L2 -pseudovirion- based neutralization assays (PBNA). Sera were serially diluted 4-fold from 1 :50 to 1 :204,800; pre- sera diluted 1 :50 were non-neutralizing (not shown).

[0144] The Ll-PBNA detected type-specific neutralization against HPV16 (titers of 3,200- 12,800) in sera of mice treated with lyophilized vaccine formulation stored at 4, 37, 50, 70°C (Fig. 19A). In contrast, storage of the (non-lyophilized) liquid immunogenic broad-spectrum multi-targeted antigens for one month at 50 or 70°C destroyed immunogenicity, indicated by undetectable neutralizing activity to HPV 16 (titer of 0) by Ll-PBNA.

Example 12

[0145] When immune sera were tested for cross-neutralization against multiple antigens, HPV18/31/39/8, titers ranging from 0-3200 were observed for groups of mice vaccinated by both lyophilized or non-lyophilized (liquid) RG1-VLP stored for prolonged time at temperatures of 4, 37, 50, 70°C. Sera raised against freshly prepared RG1-VLP + alum formulation, or PBS served as positive and negative controls, respectively. See for example Figures 19 A.

[0146] Immune sera were further analyzed by L2-PBNA, which is more sensitive for detection of neutralizing antibodies directed to L2 (RG1). See for example Figures 19B. Sera were serially diluted 4-fold from 1 :50 to 1 :l2,800; pre-sera diluted 1 :l00 were non-neutralizing (not shown).

[0147] By L2-PBNA, sera from mice immunized with liquid broad-spectrum multi-targeted antigen (RG1-VLP) + alum incubated at 50°C or 70°C for 1 month showed undetectable neutralization to HPV18, 39, 8 (Figure 19B). In contrast, lyophilized vaccine formulation exposed to the same thermal conditions induced neutralization titers of 50-800 following 50°C, and titers of 0-50 following 70°C incubation to HPV18, 39, 8 types (Figure 19B). Neutralization titers are shown. HPV18-PBNA was performed twice with both results shown.

[0148] It is noted that these observations indicate that lyophilization of a broad-spectrum multi-targeted antigen complex (e.g. RG1-VLP) formulated in alum confers thermostability to elevated temperature exposure over an extended period of one month with respect to immunogenicity, e.g., the ability to induce antisera that (cross-)neutralize several high-risk mucosal and cutaneous pathogens (e.g. HPV types). However, a trend towards reduced cross neutralization was seen in the highest temperature treatment group (70°C). Therefore, incubation between 40 and 60°C may be preferred for certain complexes contemplated herein. Example 13

[0149] To determine if immunization with lyophilized broad-spectmm multi-targeted antigen (e.g. RG1-VLP) exposed to elevated temperatures induce a cellular immune response, spleens of two mice per group immunized with liquid or lyophilized broad-spectmm multi-targeted antigen (e.g. RG1-VLP) + alum stored at 4, 50, or 70°C for one month were removed, spleenocytes were harvested and pooled, and stimulated with 1 pg HPV16 or HPV18 Ll VLP; or 10 pg Staph. Aureus Enterotoxin (SEA), or medium alone as controls.

Example 14

[0150] In other exemplary methods, a T-cell response, which can be indicated by measuring IFN-g levels using for example, ELISPOT, was induced in splenocytes from mice immunized with lyophilized and non-lyophilized broad-spectmm multi-targeted antigen complex formulations (e.g. RG1 VLP) independent of the extended incubation temperature (See for example, Fig. 16 and 20). Compositions and methods for providing superior multi-targeted antigen complex formulations having improved immunogenicity have been identified while reducing the need for cold-chain transport requirements, facilitating global distribution of these broad-spectmm multi-targeted antigen complexes for administration to humans, livestock or other animals.

Example 15

[0151] In another exemplary method, protein antigens can be obtained from a virus or other pathogenic organism such as a pathogenic alphaviruses, filoviruses or flaviviruses or other virus, bacteria or fungus and combined as a chimera or other broad-spectrum multi-targeted construct. The broad-spectrum multi-targeted constructs can then be combined with compositions disclosed herein and rapidly frozen and lyophilized. Following lyophilization, the lyophilized broad-spectrum multi-targeted constructs can be stored for a pre-determined period of time to elevated temperatures of about 45 °C to about 70°C. Stored lyophilized broad-spectrum multi-targeted constructs are then tested for immunogenicity ( e.g . antibody titers) as well as adjuvant particle size distribution and conservation of intact highly immunogenic complexes demonstrating surprising effects for the broad-spectrum multi-targeted constructs. It is contemplated that compositions and methods disclosed herein can be used to generate improved vaccine formulations containing broad-spectrum multi-targeted constructs for enhanced immune responses against multiple targets and enhanced immune cross-reactivity. In certain exemplary methods, constructs can be created and conditioned by methods disclosed herein and targeted for use in pets and/or livestock.

Materials and Methods

[0152] High purity a,a-trehalose dihydrate and sulfuric acid were purchased from Mallinckrodt Baker (Phillipsburg, NJ). Histidine HC1 , triethanolamine, and bovine serum albumin (BSA) were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich (St. Louis, MO). Two percent ALHYDROGEL (aluminum hydroxide adjuvant) was obtained from Accurate Chemicals and Scientific Corp (Westbury, NY). Lyophilized synthetic monophosphoryl lipid A (glycopyranoside Lipid A (GLA) adjuvant) was purchased from Avanti Polar Lipids, Inc. (Alabaster, AL). Three mL 13 mm glass lyophilization vials, caps and seals were from West Pharmaceutical Services (Lititz, PA). Concentrated 10X phosphate buffered saline (PBS), TWEEN 20, and sodium chloride were from Fischer Scientific (Fair Lawn, NJ). Water for injection was purchased from Baxter Healthcare Corporation (Deerfield, IL). Peroxidase-conjugated affinipure donkey anti-mouse IgG (H+L) was from Jackson ImmunoResearch Laboratories, Inc. (West Grove, PA). 3,3',5,5'-tetramentylbenzidine (TMB) was from Thermo Scientific (Rockford, IL).

HPV 16 LI capsomere protein purification

[0153] HPV 16 Ll capsomere protein was expressed in HMS174 E. coli containing the plasmid HPVl6-p3 grown in terrific broth. Cells were lysed by two passages through a NIRO PANDA homogenizer at 800-1000 bar. The soluble portion was collected after centrifugation of cell lysate. Anion exchange was conducted by loading the soluble fraction onto a Q FAST FLOW column (GE Healthcare, Piscataway NJ). The Ll protein, collected in the flow through was then precipitated out using ammonium sulfate precipitation at 30% saturation. The resuspended ammonium sulfate precipitate was solubilized in a tris buffer and passed once through the NIRO PANDA homogenizer at 500 bar. The homogenate was then loaded onto a Q sepharose anion exchange column (GE Healthcare, Piscataway, NJ) and then eluted with a sodium chloride gradient. Collected fractions containing the Ll protein were exchanged into a 100 mM histidine buffer pH 7.1 by size exclusion chromatography.

Vaccine formulation

[0154] Vaccines were formulated to contain 0.1 mg/mL HPV 16 Ll capsomere, 0 or 0.5 mg Al/mL from ALHYDROGEL™, 0 or 0.05 mg GLA/mL in 54 mM histidine HC1 pH 7.1 with 9.5 w/v% trehalose. Formulations were created to contain capsomere protein alone (protein), capsomere protein adsorbed to aluminum hydroxide (protein + alum) or capsomere protein adsorbed to aluminum hydroxide with GLA (protein + alum + GLA). Formulations were rotated end over end in 2 mL tubes for one hour to assure complete adsorption of protein to adjuvant.

Lyophilization

[0155] In certain examples, vaccines formulated with trehalose (other carbohydrate agents can substitute for trehalose such as sucrose, chitosan etc.) were lyophilized with 1 mL of formulation per vial. Lyophilizer shelves were pre-cooled to -l0°C (FTS Systems Lyophilizer, Warminster, PA) and vials were placed on the shelves. Vaccine formulations were surrounded by vials filled with DI water to minimize radiative heat transfer effects for vials near the edge of the lyophilizer shelves. The shelf temperature was decreased at a rate of 0.5°C/min to -40°C and then held at 40°C for 1 hour to allow the samples to completely freeze. Primary drying was initiated by decreasing the chamber pressure to 60 mTorr and increasing the shelf temperature to -20°C at a rate of 2°C/min. Samples were held at -20°C for 20 hours. Secondary drying was conducted by increasing the shelf temperature to 0°C at a rate of 0.2°C/min, followed by an increase to 30°C at a rate of 0.5 °C /min and holding the shelf temperature at 30°C for 5 hours. After drying, the shelf temperature was returned to 25 °C and the chamber was back-filled with nitrogen until atmospheric pressure was reached. Chlorobutyl rubber stoppers were inserted into vials under a nitrogen atmosphere. Before storage at -80°C, vials were sealed with aluminum caps.

Elevated temperature incubation study

[0156] To test the stability of vaccines at an elevated temperature, liquid and lyophilized vaccines were stored at 50°C for 0 or 12 weeks. Time 0 lyophilized vaccines refer to vaccines used immediately after removal from storage at -80°C.

Particle size analysis

[0157 ] Particles greater than 2 microns were measured by use of the FLOW-CAM (Fluid Imaging Technologies, Yarmouth, ME). A 100 micron flow cell was used at a flow rate of 0.08 mL/min with images taken at a rate of 10 frames per second. A 10X objective and collimator were used. Light and dark settings of 17 and 15, respectively, were used to capture particles. Formulations were diluted ten times for placebo formulations, and 100 times for formulations containing protein. A sample volume of 0.35 mL was used for all formulations.

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)

[0158] Onset glass transition temperatures of placebo lyophilized formulations were obtained using differential scanning calorimetry (Diamond DSC, Perkin Elmer, Waltham, MA). Triplicate samples were prepared inside an aluminum pan under dry nitrogen. Pans were cycled twice between 25°C and l50°C at a scan rate of l00°C/min. The second heating scan was used to determine the onset glass transition temperature.

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM)

[0159] In other methods, vaccine or immunogenic formulations were adsorbed to carbon- coated grids and negative stained with 2% uranyl acetate. Images were collected using a transmission electron microscopy. Samples of vaccines containing one of each of the four capsomere types as well as samples of the tetravalent vaccine formulation that contained all four types, were analyzed by TEM before and after lyophilization. Because aluminum hydroxide microparticles can interfere with TEM analysis of capsomeres, samples tested with TEM did not contain aluminum hydroxide. In certain examples, vaccine formulations were adsorbed to formvar/carbon-coated, glow-discharged 400 mesh copper TEM grids. After sample adsorption, grids were washed with 5 mM EGTA and stained with 1-2% uranyl acetate. Images were collected using a Philips CM10 transmission electron microscope operating at 80 kV equipped with a GAT AN BIOSCAN2 digital camera.

Size exclusion chromatography (SEC)

[0160] HPV 16 Ll capsomere protein was run on a SUPERDEX 200 INCREASE 10/300 GL column (GE Healthcare Life Sciences) in a buffer containing 50 mM Tris, 350 mM sodium chloride, 10% glycerol, 5 mM DTT at pH 8.1.

Fluorescence melting curve

[0161] Fluorescence melting curves were created to determine the protein melting temperature. Approximately 200 pL of 0.1 mg/mL HPV 16 Ll capsomere was placed in a micro quartz cuvette. Fluorescence spectra were collected from about 305 to 400 nm after being excited at 295 nm on a SLM Instruments Inc. fluorimeter (Urbana, IL). Spectra were recorded every 5°C from 20°C to 90°C, after an equilibration time of ten minutes. Center of spectral mass calculations were used to create the melting curve.

Front face fluorescence

[0162] Three mL of vaccine formulation was placed in a quartz cuvette in a front face geometry holder with angle of incidence of 53° on a fluorimeter. Samples were excited at 295 nm and the emission spectrum was collected from 310 nm to 400 nm. The peak intensity at 331 nm for time 0 samples and 340 for unfolded protein was monitored as acrylamide was added. The Stern-Volmer constant was measured by solving the following equation: Fo/F=l+Ksv[Q]. F0 is the fluorescence intensity without the quencher acrylamide, F is the fluorescence with the quencher present, Ksv is the Stern-Volmer constant and [Q] is the quencher concentration. The maximum Ksv value of this setup was found using free tryptophan at 0.1 mg/mL and the maximum Ksv value for the HPV 16 Ll capsomere was found by unfolding the protein overnight in 8M urea.

LI and V5 epitope binding assay

[0163] To determine the conservation of the Ll and V5 capsomere epitopes, an ELISA based assay was conducted. Vaccine formulations with and without aluminum hydroxide adjuvant were diluted in PBS such that 0.25, 0.125, 0.0625, and 0 pg/well of HPV 16 Ll capsomere protein was coated on 96-well Nunc flat bottom PolySorp Tmmuno plates and incubated overnight at 4°C. Plates were washed three times with 0.05% TWEEN 20 in PBS at 300 pL/well. Plates were blocked with 100 pL/well of blocking buffer (5% dry milk, 0.05% TWEEN 20 in PBS) for 1 hour at 37°C. After blocking, blocking buffer was removed and primary antibodies, against either Ll or V5 at a dilution of 1 :1000 in blocking buffer, were added 50 pL/well and incubated at 37°C for 1 hour. After washing three times, secondary antibody diluted 1 :5,000 in wash buffer (0.05% TWEEN 20 in PBS) was added 50 pL/well and incubated at 37°C for 1 hour. The secondary antibody for Lland V5 respectively was a goat anti-rabbit and a goat anti-mouse HRP conjugated IgG antibody. After washing five times, 50 pL/well of Turbo TMB was added and plates were incubated at room temperature for five minutes. The reaction was quenched with 50 pL/well 1 M sulfuric acid and plates were read for absorbance at 450 nm on a Molecular Devices Kinetic Microplate Reader (Sunnyvale, CA).

Vaccine immunogenicity

[0164] Murine studies were conducted under the University of Colorado at Boulder Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) protocol #1209.02. Female B alb/c mice from Taconic (Hudson, NY) were allowed to acclimate at least one week before use and were 10-11 weeks old at the start of the immunization study. Mice had blood samples collected under isofluorane anesthesia on days 0, 21 and 36 through the retro orbital cavity, and were injected intramuscularly on days 0 and 21 with various formulations. Mice were injected with reconstituted lyophilized protein, protein + alum, protein + alum + GLA vaccines, and liquid GARDASIL and CERVARIX vaccines. Serum was separated by centrifugation at 10,000 rpm for 14 minutes at 4°C and stored at -80°C until use.

Total antibody enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)

[0165] NUNC MAXISORB 96 well plates (Thermo Fischer Scientific, Rochester, NY) were coated with 50 pL/well of lpg HPV 16 Ll capsomere/mL diluted in PBS and incubated at 2-8°C overnight. Plates were washed 3 times with PBS containing 0.05% TWEEN 20. Plates were blocked with 300 pL/well of PBS with 1% BSA, incubated at room temperature for 2 hours, and washed again. Serum was initially diluted in PBS with 1% BSA, 0.05% TWEEN 20, lOO-fold for serum collected on days 0, 500-fold for serum collected on day 14, and 1,000 or 5,000-fold for serum collected on Day 28 for mice injected without and with adjuvant respectively. A series of in-plate 2-fold dilutions were made for each sample. Plates were incubated for 1.5 hours at room temperature and washed. Approximately 40 pL of HRP-conjugated donkey anti-mouse antibody diluted 10,000 times was added to each well and incubated for 1.5 hours at room temperature with shaking, followed by washing. Approximately 40 pL TMB was added to each well and incubated for 15 minutes, followed by quenching with 40 pL of 2N sulfuric acid. Plates were measured at 450 nm on a for example, a MOLECULAR DEVICES Kinetic Microplate Reader (Sunnyvale, CA).

[0166] To determine titers, average OD 450 values as a function of dilution were fit to a 4- parameter logistic equation using SigmaPlot software. The constraints 0 < min < 0.15 and max < 3.3 were used. A cutoff value of 0.5 was used.

Pseudovirus production

[0167] 293TT cells were plated at a concentration of 7 x 10⁶ cells/20 mL and allowed to adhere overnight. DNA plasmid for secreted alkaline phosphatase (SEAP), DNA plasmid for L 1 and L2 capsid proteins, and lipofectamine were incubated with OptiMEM-l before being added to 293TT cells. Cells were incubated overnight with the DNA then harvested. TRITON-X, benzonase, plasmid safe, and ammonium sulfate were used to lyse cells. Pseudovirus was purified salt extraction, and collecting the supernatant after centrifugation. Clarified cell lysate was added to an OPTIPREP gradient and separated by centrifugation. Fractions were collected from the bottom of the gradient tube and assayed for DNA and protein content by PICOGREEN assays and BCA assay, respectively.

Neutralizing antibodies

[0168] 293TT cells were grown, harvested, and counted. 100 pL/well of 3xl0⁵ cells/mL were plated in 96 well tissue culture plates and incubated at 37°C for 2-5 hours. Pseudovirus was added to dilutions of mouse serum and incubated on ice for 1 hour. Approximately 100 pL of pseudo virus/mouse serum solution was added to plated cells and incubated at 37°C for 3 days. After incubation, supernatant was collected from cells. The GREAT ESCAPE SEAP Chemiluminescence test kit was used for detection of SEAP. Plates were read on a luminometer at a set glow-endpoint of 0.20 seconds/well. The neutralization titer is defined as the dilution of mouse serum that neutralizes greater than 50% of the pseudovirus.

SDS PAGE and Western Blots

[0169] Pre- and post-lyophilization samples of vaccines containing aluminum hydroxide adjuvant as well as HPV16 Ll capsomeres, HPV18 Ll capsomeres, HPV31 Ll capsomeres, or HPV45 Ll capsomeres sampled prior to lyophilization and after lyophilization and reconstitution were analyzed using Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS PAGE). A similar analysis was conducted for samples of a tetravalent vaccine formulation containing aluminum hydroxide as an adjuvant and a mixture of HPV16 Ll capsomeres, HPV18 Ll capsomeres, HPV31 Ll capsomeres and HPV45 Ll capsomeres. Samples were denatured by the addition of Sample Buffer (240mM Tris, 30% glycerol, 6% SDS, 6mg/ml bromophenol blue and 15% P-mercapto ethanol [PMED and boiled at 95 °C for 10 minutes. Samples were loaded with constant volume and run at 150V, l50mA for 1 hour and 10 minutes.

[0170] In certain examples, following electrophoresis, gels were placed in Transfer Buffer (250mM Tris, 2M glycine, 20% methanol) for 20 minutes to remove SDS. Gels were transferred onto PVDF membrane for the Western blot using a semi-dry transfer unit (Hoefer, Holliston, MA) at 15 V for 45 minutes. Following transfer, the blot was blocked in a 5% milk solution in Tris Buffered Saline with Tween 20 (TBST) (lOmM Tris, 150mM NaCl, 0.1% Tween 20) for one hour at room temperature. Primary antibody diluted in TBST was added (GARDASIL treated rat sera, 1 :5000 [HPV16 and 45]; a-HPVl 8 Ll mab specific for HPV18 Ll, diluted 1 :2000 [Abeam, Cambridge, MA] ; a-HPV3 l3GHC8 specific for HPV31 L, diluted 1 :1000) and incubated with rocking at room temperature for one hour. The primary antibody was removed and the blot washed three times for 10 minutes each with TBST. An appropriate secondary alkaline phosphatase-conjugated antibody (diluted 1 :5000 is TBST) was then added and incubated with rocking at room temperature for one hour. The secondary antibody was removed and the blot washed as before. The completed blot was developed in an alkaline phosphate developer (250mM Tris, 250mM NaCl, l2.5mM MgCl2, l65ug/ml 5-Bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl phosphate [BCIP], 22ug/ml nitro blue tetrazolium [NBT]) until bands were deemed sufficient. Blot was rinsed with deionized water to stop the developing reaction.

[0171 ] In certain methods, aluminum hydroxide (alum)-adjuvanted RGI-VLP were lyophilized by lyophilizing with trehalose. Aliquots of a dry-powder formulation were incubated at 4°C, 20°C, 37°C or 50°C for either 1 day, 1 week or 1 month, resuspended and used to immunize groups of Balb/c (n=5) in a 3-dose regime (21 lg VLP/dose; week 0/2/4; blood finally drawn at week 6). Immune sera were pooled for groups and tested by HPV16 Ll-VLP and RGTpeptide ELISA, as well as Ll- and L2-based pseudovirion neutralization assays (LI- and L2-PBNA). Further, a T cell response was evaluated by IFNy ELISPOT using splenocytes that were pooled for groups.

All of the COMPOSITIONS and METHODS disclosed and claimed herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While the compositions and methods have been described in terms of particular embodiments, it is apparent to those of skill in the art that variations maybe applied to the COMPOSITIONS and METHODS and in the steps or in the sequence of steps of the methods described herein without departing from the concept, spirit and scope herein. More specifically, certain agents that are both chemically and physiologically related may be substituted for the agents described herein while the same or similar results would be achieved. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and concept as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An immunogenic composition comprising:

a broad-spectrum multi-targeted antigen construct;

one or more non-reducing disaccharide agents; and

one or more volatile salts;

wherein the immunogenic composition is essentially dried.

2. The immunogenic composition according to claim 1, wherein the one or more non-reducing disaccharide is selected from the group consisting of trehalose, sucrose, lactose, or combinations thereof.

3. The immunogenic composition according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the one or more volatile salts comprise one or more of ammonium acetate, ammonium formate, ammonium carbonate, ammonium bicarbonate, triethylammonium acetate, triethylammonium formate, triethylammonium carbonate, trimethylamine acetate trimethylamine formate, trimethylamine carbonate, pyridinal acetate and pyridinal formate, or combinations thereof.

4. The immunogenic composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composition is stable for one month or greater.

5. The immunogenic composition according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising aluminum-salt adjuvant.

6. The immunogenic composition according to claim 5, wherein the aluminum-salt adjuvant comprises aluminum hydroxide, aluminum phosphate and aluminum sulfate, or combinations thereof.

7. The immunogenic composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the essentially dried immunogenic composition is exposed to elevated temperatures of at least 40°C to about 70° C for at least one day.

8. The immunogenic composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the essentially dried immunogenic composition is exposed to elevated temperatures of at least 40°C to about 70° C for one week or more.

9. The immunogenic composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the broad-spectrum multi-targeted antigen construct of the essentially dried immunogenic composition has a lower Stern-Volmer constant than a broad-spectrum multi-targeted antigen construct without one or more non-reducing disaccharide agents; and one or more volatile salts.

10. The immunogenic composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the broad-spectrum multi-targeted antigen construct of the essentially dried immunogenic composition has a lower Stern-Volmer constant than a broad-spectrum multi-targeted antigen construct without one or more non-reducing disaccharide agents; and one or more volatile salts.

11. The immunogenic composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the broad-spectrum multi-targeted antigen construct comprises antigens from DNA or RNA viruses, enveloped or non-enveloped viruses.

12. The immunogenic composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the broad-spectrum multi-targeted antigen construct comprises antigens derived from one or more of rotavirus, foot and mouth disease virus, influenza A virus, influenza B virus, influenza C virus, H1N1 , H2N2, H3N2, H5N1 , H7N7, H1N2, H9N2, H7N2, H7N3, H10N7, human parainfluenza type 2, herpes simplex virus, Epstein-Barr virus, varicella virus, porcine herpesvirus 1 , cytomegalovirus, lyssavirus, Bacillus anthracis, anthrax PA and derivatives, poliovirus, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis E, distemper virus, Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis, feline leukemia virus, reovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, Lassa fever virus, polyoma tumor virus, canine parvovirus, papilloma viruses other than human papilloma virus or in addition to human papilloma virus, tick borne encephalitis virus, rinderpest virus, human rhinovirus species, Enterovirus species, Mengovirus, paramyxovirus, avian infectious bronchitis virus, human T-cell leukemia-lymphoma virus 1 , human immunodeficiency virus-l , human immunodeficiency virus-2, lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, parvovirus B 19, adenovirus, rubella virus, yellow fever virus, dengue virus, bovine respiratory syncitial virus, corona virus, Bordetella pertussis, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Bordetella parapertussis, Brucella abortis, Brucella melitensis, Brucella suis, Brucella ovis, Brucella species, Escherichia coli, Salmonella species, Salmonella typhi, Streptococci, Vibrio cholera, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Shigella, Pseudomonas, tuberculosis, avium, Bacille Calmette Guerin, Mycobacterium leprae, Pneumococci, Staphlylococci, Enterobacter species, Rochalimaia henselae, Pasteurella haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, Chlamydia trachomatis, Chlamydia psittaci, Lymphogranuloma venereum, Treponema pallidum, Haemophilus species, Mycoplasma bovigenitalium, Mycoplasma pulmonis, Mycoplasma species, Borrelia burgdorferi, Legionalla pneumophila, Colstridium botulinum, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Yersinia entercolitica, Rickettsia rickettsii, Rickettsia typhi, Rickettsia prowsaekii, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium malariae, Schistosomes, trypanosomes, Leishmania species, Filarial nematodes, trichomoniasis, sarcosporidiasis, Taenia saginata, Taenia solium, Leishmania, Toxoplasma gondii, Trichinella spiralis, coccidiosis, Eimeria tenella, Cryptococcus neoformans, Candida albican, Apergillus fumigatus, coccidioidomycosis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, malaria circumsporozoite protein, malaria merozoite protein, trypanosome surface antigen protein, pertussis, alphaviruses, adenovirus, diphtheria toxoid, tetanus toxoid, meningococcal outer membrane protein, streptococcal M protein, Influenza hemagglutinin, Ebola virus, Zika virus, Chikungunya virus, cancer antigen, tumor antigens, toxins, Clostridium perfringens epsilon toxin, ricin toxin, pseudomonas exotoxin, exotoxins, neurotoxins, cytokines, cytokine receptors, monokines, monokine receptors, plant pollens, animal dander-derived antigens, and dust mite-derived antigens.

13. An immunogenic pharmaceutical composition comprising, a construct composition according to any one of claims 1 to 12, and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

14. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 13, of use as a vaccine for administering to a subject to reduce onset of a health condition.

15. A method for preparing an immunogenic composition, the method comprising: a) combining a broad-spectrum multi-targeted antigen construct with one or more non-reducing disaccharide agents and

one or more volatile salts in a buffer making a liquid immunogenic composition;

b) freezing the liquid immunogenic composition; and

c) lyophilizing the frozen immunogenic composition creating an essentially dry powder of the immunogenic composition.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the one or more non-reducing disaccharide is selected from the group consisting of trehalose, sucrose, lactose or combinations thereof.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the one or more volatile salts comprise one or more of ammonium acetate, ammonium formate, ammonium carbonate, ammonium bicarbonate, triethylammonium acetate, triethylammonium formate, triethylammonium carbonate, trimethylamine acetate trimethylamine formate, trimethylamine carbonate, pyridinal acetate and pyridinal formate, or combinations thereof.

18. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lyophilized immunogenic composition is exposed to temperatures of 40° C or greater for at least one day.

19. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lyophilized immunogenic composition is exposed to temperatures of 45° C or greater for at least one day.

20. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lyophilized immunogenic composition is exposed to temperatures of 50° C or greater for at least one day.

21. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lyophilized immunogenic composition is exposed to temperatures of 50° C or greater for at least one week.The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more non-reducing disaccharide is trehalose.

22. The method according to claim 21, where the trehalose is present in a weight-to-volume concentration of from about 5% to about 20% in the liquid vaccine formulation.

23. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the freezing step comprises a rapid freezing step of tray freezing, flash freezing, shelf freezing, spray-freezing and shell- freezing.

24. The method according to any one of claim 18 to 21, wherein exposed lyophilized composition is reconstituted with an aqueous diluent to form a reconstituted immunogenic composition.

25. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid immunogenic composition is prepared as a hypertonic mixture.

26. The method according to claim 25, wherein the hypertonic mixture is lyophilized and subsequently reconstituted to form an isotonic mixture after volatilization of the volatile salt.

27. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 8 or 22 to 25, wherein the dried immunogenic composition is stored without refrigeration up to a temperature of about 40 °C to about 70 °C.

28. A method for eliciting an enhanced immune response to one or more pathogenic organisms in a subject, the method comprising administering to the subject a reconstituted immunogenic composition according to claim 13 and eliciting an immune response to one or more serotypes or one or more types of pathogenic organisms in the subject.

29. A method for enhancing cross-reactivity in a subject of immune responses to a multi-targeted antigenic composition, the method comprising exposing a lyophilized powder according to any one of claim 1 to 12 to a temperature of about 40 to about 70 °C for a pre-determined period of time; and administering a reconstituted exposed immunogenic composition to the subject and eliciting a cross-reactive immune response to multiple serotypes or types of pathogens in the subject.

30. The method according to claim 28, wherein exposure comprises exposure to a temperature of about 45°C to about 65 °C.

31. A kit comprising an immunogenic composition according to any one of claims 1 to 12 or the pharmaceutical composition according to claim 13; and at least one container.