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Expression of measles virus antigens in Streptococcus gordonii
T Maggi1, M R Oggioni, D Medaglini
1Dipartimento di Biologia Molecolare, Università di Siena, Italy.
Abstract:
The measles virus proteins haemagglutinin (HA) and fusion protein (F), which together mediate attachment and penetration of the virus in the host cell and can elicit production of neutralising antibodies in the course of natural infection were expressed in the vaccine vector Streptococcus gordonii, a Gram-positive bacterium normally present in the human oral cavity. HA and F were expressed as fusion proteins attached to the bacterial surface, and were both found to be immunogenic when the recombinant S. gordonii were inoculated subcutaneously in mice.
Insights
Measles virus proteins haemagglutinin (HA) and fusion protein (F) were expressed on the surface of Streptococcus gordonii. This recombinant bacterium proved immunogenic in mice, suggesting potential for a novel measles vaccine delivery system.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Virology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Measles virus attachment and entry into host cells are mediated by haemagglutinin (HA) and fusion (F) proteins.
- These viral proteins elicit neutralizing antibodies during natural infection.
- Developing effective measles vaccines is crucial for global public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To express measles virus HA and F proteins on the surface of the vaccine vector Streptococcus gordonii.
- To evaluate the immunogenicity of these surface-expressed fusion proteins in a preclinical model.
Main Methods:
- Genes encoding measles HA and F proteins were cloned and expressed as fusion proteins on the surface of Streptococcus gordonii.
- Recombinant Streptococcus gordonii were administered subcutaneously to mice.
- Immunogenicity was assessed by measuring the host's antibody response.
Main Results:
- Successful surface expression of both HA and F fusion proteins on Streptococcus gordonii was confirmed.
- The recombinant Streptococcus gordonii expressing HA and F proteins were found to be immunogenic in mice.
- This indicates the potential for eliciting an antibody response against measles virus components.
Conclusions:
- Streptococcus gordonii can serve as a viable platform for displaying viral antigens.
- Surface-expressed measles HA and F proteins on S. gordonii are immunogenic in mice.
- This approach offers a potential new strategy for developing novel measles vaccines.