Structural-based designed modular capsomere comprising HA1 for low-cost poultry influenza vaccination

Area of Science:

• Veterinary immunology
• Vaccine development
• Molecular virology

Background:

• Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) poses a significant threat to poultry, with current control methods lacking rapid response capabilities.
• Existing poultry vaccines face limitations in cost-effectiveness and scalability for rapid deployment during outbreaks.
• Avian influenza virus transmission to humans highlights the need for effective control strategies in poultry populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a low-cost, rapidly manufacturable vaccine for poultry against avian influenza using a modular capsomere platform.
• To present influenza Hemagglutinin (HA1) antigen on modified murine polyomavirus (MuPyV) VP1 capsomeres for enhanced immunogenicity.
• To evaluate the efficacy of bacterially produced modular capsomeres in inducing protective immunity against HPAI in chickens.

Main Methods:

• Engineered modular capsomeres presenting influenza HA1 antigen using modified MuPyV VP1.
• Production of stable capsomere constructs in Escherichia coli without protein refolding.
• ELISA-based antibody response assessment and challenge studies with HPAI virus in vaccinated chickens.

Main Results:

• Successfully produced stable modular capsomere constructs, including CaptHA1-3C, in E. coli.
• Adjuvanted CaptHA1-3C induced strong antibody responses in chickens, comparable to insect cell-derived HA1.
• Chickens vaccinated with adjuvanted CaptHA1-3C demonstrated complete protection against lethal HPAI virus challenge.

Conclusions:

• Bacterially produced modular capsomeres represent a viable platform for developing rapid-response, low-cost avian influenza vaccines.
• This technology has the potential to significantly improve poultry vaccination strategies and mitigate HPAI outbreaks.
• The modular capsomere approach offers a scalable solution for future pandemic preparedness in poultry.