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Design and characterization of chimeric Rabies-SARS-CoV-2 virus-like particles for vaccine purposes
Ernesto Garay1, Diego Fontana2, Javier Villarraza1
1UNL, CONICET, FBCB (School of Biochemistry and Biological Sciences), CBL (Biotechnological Center of Litoral), Ciudad Universitaria, Ruta Nacional 168 - Km 472.4 - C.C. 242 - (S3000ZAA) Santa Fe, Santa Fe, Argentina.
Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology
|May 1, 2023
Summary
Researchers developed a novel chimeric virus-like particle (VLP) for COVID-19 vaccines. This single fusion protein forms VLPs resembling SARS-CoV-2, inducing protective antibodies in mice.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Vaccinology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic necessitates new vaccine strategies due to high dose requirements.
- Virus-like particles (VLPs) are promising, safe vaccine candidates mimicking native virions without genetic material.
- Current VLP production for SARS-CoV-2 typically requires expressing all four structural proteins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To engineer and characterize a novel, single-fusion protein-based chimeric VLP (cVLP) for SARS-CoV-2.
- To assess the immunogenicity of this novel cVLP vaccine candidate.
Main Methods:
- Designed a fusion protein combining the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) ectodomain with a rabies glycoprotein membrane anchor.
- Expressed the fusion protein in HEK293 cells to generate enveloped VLPs.
- Analyzed VLP morphology and size, and assessed immunogenicity in a mouse model.
Main Results:
- The fusion protein autonomously formed enveloped cVLPs in HEK293 cells.
- These cVLPs were similar in size and morphology to native SARS-CoV-2 virions.
- Immunization in mice elicited anti-S, anti-receptor binding domain (RBD), and neutralizing antibodies.
Conclusions:
- A novel, single-component fusion protein efficiently produces SARS-CoV-2-like VLPs.
- This cVLP candidate demonstrates potential as a safe and immunogenic vaccine against COVID-19.
- The findings support further development of this platform for pandemic preparedness.
