Complexes Formed via Bioconjugation of Genetically Modified TMV Particles with Conserved Influenza Antigen: Synthesis...

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Immunology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Influenza virus poses a significant global health threat, necessitating the development of effective vaccines.
• The M2e epitope is a conserved target for developing universal influenza vaccines.
• Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV) offers a versatile platform for vaccine development due to its stability and ability to be genetically modified.

Purpose of the Study:

• To construct and characterize genetically modified TMV particles for conjugation with influenza antigens.
• To evaluate the efficacy of TMV-M2e complexes as a potential universal influenza vaccine candidate.

Main Methods:

• Genetic modification of TMV-U1 genome to create TMV-N-lys with a chemically active lysine.
• Agroinjection of Nicotiana benthamiana plants and purification of TMV-N-lys virions.
• Chemical conjugation of TMV-N-lys with M2e antigen using carbodiimide and N-hydroxysuccinimide.
• Characterization using SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering.

Main Results:

• Stable, genetically modified TMV-N-lys virions were successfully produced.
• Efficient chemical conjugation of TMV-N-lys with M2e antigen was achieved.
• The resulting TMV-N-lys/M2e complexes exhibited stable structure and formed organized networks.
• Complexes demonstrated stability during adsorption and retained antigenicity.

Conclusions:

• Genetically modified TMV particles serve as a viable platform for developing influenza vaccine candidates.
• TMV-M2e complexes show potential for immunization and the development of a universal influenza vaccine.
• Further studies are warranted to evaluate the immunogenicity and efficacy in animal models.