Cell-engineered virus-mimetic nanovesicles for vaccination against enveloped viruses

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Immunology
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Enveloped viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, represent a significant global health threat.
• Existing vaccines are effective, but novel technologies are needed for future pandemic defense.
• Cell-engineered virus-mimetic nanovesicles (VNVs) offer a new approach to vaccine development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate VNVs as a potential vaccine platform for targeting enveloped viruses.
• To assess the preclinical efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 VNVs as a COVID-19 vaccine candidate.

Main Methods:

• VNVs were generated by filtering plasma membrane-derived blebs through nanoscale filters.
• SARS-CoV-2 VNVs were engineered to display the Spike (S) glycoprotein on their surface.
• Preclinical efficacy was evaluated in experimental animals, assessing antibody production and immune cell responses.

Main Results:

• VNVs closely mimic enveloped viruses in size and morphology, with dense plasma membrane content.
• VNVs demonstrated superior and more homogeneous expression of viral antigens compared to extracellular vesicles (EVs).
• Vaccination with SARS-CoV-2 VNVs induced robust systemic and local S-specific antibody production and cytokine responses in immune cells.

Conclusions:

• VNVs represent a promising novel vaccine platform for enveloped viruses.
• The engineered VNVs effectively elicited protective immune responses in preclinical models.
• This technology holds potential for developing next-generation vaccines against viral threats.