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Analysis of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus-specific CD8+ T-cells in Rhesus Macaques by Peptide-MHC-I Tetramer Staining
Published on: December 23, 2016
Marburg virus-like particles produced in insect cells induce neutralizing antibodies in rhesus macaques
Gai Weiwei1,2, Zheng Xuexing3, Wang Chong4
1College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China.
Abstract:
Marburg virus (MARV), which is one of the most virulent agents in the world, causes lethal haemorrhagic fever in humans and nonhuman primates (NHPs) with a mortality rate of up to 90%. Currently, there is no effective treatment or approved vaccine for MARV for human use to control disease outbreak and spread. Virus-like particles (VLPs), which are morphologically identical to the native infectious virus particle, are efficacious as vaccines against many viruses, including human papilloma virus (HPV), porcine circovirus (PCV) type 2 and hepatitis B virus (HBV). In this study, we generated MARV virus-like particles (VLPs) by co-expressing a glycoprotein (GP) and matrix protein (VP40) using the baculovirus expression system. Rhesus macaques vaccinated with MARV VLPs mixed with adjuvant Poria cocos polysaccharides (PCP-II) produced a GP-specific IgG titer of up to 1:1280 and virus-neutralizing antibody titers that reached 1:320. MARV VLPs also elicited interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) secretion associated with T-helper 1 cell (Th1)- and T-helper 2 cell (Th2)-mediated immunity, as detected using enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISpot) assays. These data indicate that MARV VLPs mixed with adjuvant PCP-II have excellent immunogenicity in rhesus macaques and may be a promising candidate vaccine against MARV.
Insights
This study developed Marburg virus-like particles (VLPs) as a potential vaccine. These VLPs demonstrated strong immunogenicity in rhesus macaques, showing promise for Marburg virus (MARV) prevention.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Vaccine Development
Background:
- Marburg virus (MARV) is a highly virulent pathogen causing lethal hemorrhagic fever with up to 90% mortality.
- No approved vaccines or effective treatments currently exist for human MARV infection.
- Virus-like particles (VLPs) are safe and effective vaccine candidates for various viruses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To generate Marburg virus-like particles (VLPs) for potential vaccine development.
- To evaluate the immunogenicity of MARV VLPs combined with Poria cocos polysaccharides (PCP-II) adjuvant in rhesus macaques.
Main Methods:
- MARV VLPs were produced by co-expressing glycoprotein (GP) and matrix protein (VP40) using a baculovirus system.
- Rhesus macaques were vaccinated with MARV VLPs and PCP-II adjuvant.
- Immune responses, including antibody titers (IgG, neutralizing), cytokine secretion (IFN-γ, IL-4), and T-cell responses (Th1/Th2), were measured.
Main Results:
- Vaccination with MARV VLPs and PCP-II induced high GP-specific IgG titers (up to 1:1280) and virus-neutralizing antibody titers (up to 1:320).
- The vaccine elicited both T-helper 1 (Th1) and T-helper 2 (Th2) immune responses, indicated by interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) secretion.
- ELISpot assays confirmed the induction of cell-mediated immunity.
Conclusions:
- MARV VLPs formulated with PCP-II adjuvant exhibit strong immunogenicity in rhesus macaques.
- These findings suggest MARV VLPs are a promising candidate for a MARV vaccine.
- Further research is warranted to assess their efficacy in preventing MARV disease.
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