DNA aptamer-based rolling circle amplification product as a novel immunological adjuvant

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Biotechnology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• CD40 agonists can stimulate acquired immune responses.
• Novel vaccine adjuvants are needed to enhance immunogenicity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate rolling circle amplification (RCA) products based on anti-CD40 DNA aptamers as a novel vaccine adjuvant.
• To assess the ability of aptamer-based RCA products to induce immune responses.

Main Methods:

• Developed DNA aptamers targeting chicken CD40 extra domain (chCD40ED).
• Prepared RCA products incorporating anti-CD40 DNA aptamers.
• Tested aptamer RCAs for signal transduction in chicken macrophages (HD11 cell line).
• Conjugated an aptamer RCA (Aptamer RCA II) to an M2e epitope peptide and assessed antibody production in chickens.

Main Results:

• Four distinct aptamer-based RCA products were generated.
• All four aptamer RCAs significantly induced signal transduction in chicken HD11 macrophages.
• Aptamer RCA II conjugated to M2e peptide significantly enhanced anti-M2e IgG antibody production compared to M2e peptide alone.

Conclusions:

• Aptamer RCA represents a novel platform for boosting vaccine efficacy.
• This approach holds potential for broad applications in vaccine development beyond the tested M2e epitope.