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DNA vaccine encoding Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus S1 protein induces protective immune responses in
Hang Chi1, Xuexing Zheng2, Xiwen Wang1
1Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Institute of Military Veterinary, Academy of Military Medical Science, Changchun, China.
Abstract:
The Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), is an emerging pathogen that continues to cause outbreaks in the Arabian peninsula and in travelers from this region, raising the concern that a global pandemic could occur. Here, we show that a DNA vaccine encoding the first 725 amino acids (S1) of MERS-CoV spike (S) protein induces antigen-specific humoral and cellular immune responses in mice. With three immunizations, high titers of neutralizing antibodies (up to 1: 104) were generated without adjuvant. DNA vaccination with the MERS-CoV S1 gene markedly increased the frequencies of antigen-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells secreting IFN-γ and other cytokines. Both pcDNA3.1-S1 DNA vaccine immunization and passive transfer of immune serum from pcDNA3.1-S1 vaccinated mice protected Ad5-hDPP4-transduced mice from MERS-CoV challenge. These results demonstrate that a DNA vaccine encoding MERS-CoV S1 protein induces strong protective immune responses against MERS-CoV infection.
Insights
A DNA vaccine using the MERS-CoV S1 protein shows promise for preventing Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection. This MERS-CoV vaccine effectively generated immune responses and protected against the virus in mice.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Vaccine Development
Background:
- Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) poses a pandemic risk.
- Outbreaks continue in the Arabian Peninsula and among travelers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a DNA vaccine encoding the MERS-CoV spike (S) protein S1 subunit.
- To assess the vaccine's ability to induce protective immune responses against MERS-CoV.
Main Methods:
- Mice were immunized three times with a DNA vaccine encoding MERS-CoV S1.
- Humoral and cellular immune responses were measured.
- Vaccinated mice and mice receiving immune serum were challenged with MERS-CoV.
Main Results:
- The MERS-CoV S1 DNA vaccine induced high titers of neutralizing antibodies (up to 1:10^4) without adjuvant.
- Significant increases in antigen-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells secreting IFN-γ were observed.
- Vaccine immunization and passive serum transfer protected mice from MERS-CoV challenge.
Conclusions:
- A DNA vaccine encoding MERS-CoV S1 protein elicits robust humoral and cellular immunity.
- This MERS-CoV S1 DNA vaccine demonstrates protective efficacy against MERS-CoV infection in a mouse model.
- The findings support the potential of MERS-CoV S1 DNA vaccines for pandemic preparedness.
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