Chimaeric Rift Valley Fever Virus-Like Particle Vaccine Candidate Production in Nicotiana benthamiana

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Molecular Biology
• Plant Biotechnology

Background:

• Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a significant emerging infectious disease affecting livestock and humans.
• Current vaccines for RVFV are limited, necessitating the development of new vaccine strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To produce chimeric Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) virus-like particles (VLPs) using transient expression in plants.
• To evaluate the immunogenicity of these plant-produced VLPs.

Main Methods:

• Modification of the RVFV glycoprotein (Gn) gene by creating a Gne-HA fusion protein.
• Transient expression of the Gne-HA fusion protein in Nicotiana benthamiana using Agrobacterium tumefaciens.
• Characterization of the produced VLPs using transmission electron microscopy and immunogenicity testing in mice.

Main Results:

• Successfully produced chimeric RVFV Gne-HA VLPs in Nicotiana benthamiana with yields of approximately 57 mg/kg.
• Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the presence of particles sized 49-60 nm.
• The plant-produced VLPs were immunogenic, inducing Gn-specific antibody responses in mice without adjuvant.

Conclusions:

• This study demonstrates the first successful synthesis of Gne-HA chimeric RVFV VLPs in plants.
• Plant-based production offers a promising platform for generating RVFV VLPs for potential vaccine development.