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Mice immunized with a subviral particle containing the Japanese encephalitis virus prM/M and E proteins are protected
E Konishi1, S Pincus, E Paoletti
1Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510.
Abstract:
Extracellular subviral particles produced by HeLa cells infected with a recombinant vaccinia virus encoding the prM and E genes of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) were purified and characterized. These particles contained the JEV prM/M and E proteins embedded in a lipid bilayer, and RNA was not detected in particles using the polymerase chain reaction and primers recognizing a part of the JEV E gene. The particles were uniformly spherical with a 20-nm diameter and had 5-nm projections on their surface. Mice that received a single inoculation of the purified extracellular particles emulsified with Freund's complete adjuvant were fully protected against 4.9 x 10(5) LD50 of JEV. Comparison of the neutralizing and hemagglutination-inhibiting antibody titers and radioimmunoprecipitation data showed that immunization with the particles induced an immune response similar to that following inoculation with the recombinant vaccinia virus.
Insights
Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) extracellular subviral particles, produced using recombinant vaccinia virus, demonstrated full protection in mice. These JEV particles offer a promising avenue for vaccine development.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Vaccine Development
Background:
- Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a significant public health concern, necessitating effective vaccine strategies.
- Recombinant vaccinia virus systems offer a platform for producing viral antigens for immunization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize extracellular subviral particles (SVPs) expressing JEV prM and E genes.
- To evaluate the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of these JEV SVPs in a mouse model.
Main Methods:
- HeLa cells were infected with recombinant vaccinia virus encoding JEV prM and E genes.
- Extracellular SVPs were purified and characterized using electron microscopy and molecular assays.
- Mice were immunized with purified JEV SVPs and challenged with JEV to assess protection.
Main Results:
- Purified JEV SVPs were spherical (20 nm) with surface projections (5 nm) and contained JEV prM/M and E proteins within a lipid bilayer.
- No viral RNA was detected in the purified particles.
- A single JEV SVP inoculation conferred complete protection against a lethal JEV challenge in mice.
Conclusions:
- Recombinant JEV SVPs are immunogenic and capable of inducing protective immunity.
- These JEV SVPs represent a potential vaccine candidate for preventing Japanese encephalitis.