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Baculovirus displaying SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD promotes neutralizing antibody production in a mouse model
Mohamed A Wahba1, Dina Mofed1, Doaa A Ghareeb2
1Molecular Biology and Virology lab, Biomedical Sciences program, UST, Zewail City of Science and Technology, October Gardens, 6th of October City, Giza, 12578, Egypt.
Journal, Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology
|February 9, 2023
Summary
This study demonstrates that baculovirus displaying the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) effectively induces a Th1 immune response in mice, generating neutralizing antibodies without adjuvants. This platform shows promise for future vaccine development against COVID-19.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the need for safe and efficient vaccine platforms.
- Current SARS-CoV-2 vaccines often use the full spike protein, but receptor-binding domain (RBD)-based vaccines are under investigation.
- Baculovirus offers a potential platform for displaying viral antigens like the SARS-CoV-2 RBD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a baculovirus displaying the SARS-CoV-2 RBD as a vaccine carrier.
- To assess the immunogenicity and neutralizing capacity of the developed baculovirus vaccine candidates.
- To characterize the type of immune response induced by the RBD-displayed baculoviruses.
Main Methods:
- Construction of two pseudotyped baculoviruses (AcRBD-sfGFP-64 and AcRBD-sfGFP-V) displaying the SARS-CoV-2 RBD using gp64 and VSV-G glycoproteins.
- Immunization of BALB/C mice with dose-optimized pseudotyped baculoviruses.
- Validation of antibody specificity using dot and Western blot.
- Measurement of serum neutralization capacity via plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT).
- Quantification of cytokines (IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10) using ELISA to assess immune response.
Main Results:
- Monomeric RBD proteins were successfully displayed on baculovirus and elicited a robust immune response in mice.
- Sera from immunized mice demonstrated significant neutralization capacity against SARS-CoV-2 at high dilutions (>100-fold).
- A significant increase in Th1-associated cytokines (IL-2, IFN-γ) and a decrease in Th2-associated cytokines (IL-4, IL-10) were observed, indicating a Th1-biased immune response.
Conclusions:
- The developed baculovirus-RBD system can induce a potent immune response, including neutralizing antibodies, without the need for adjuvants.
- The system promotes a Th1 cellular immune response, beneficial for combating SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- This platform holds potential for future vaccine development and polyclonal antibody production against SARS-CoV-2.
