Mycobacterium tuberculosis PPE18 Protein Bodies in Insect Cells: A Candidate Tuberculosis Vaccine

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Vaccinology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Tuberculosis (TB) remains a leading infectious cause of death globally, necessitating effective control strategies.
• The development of novel vaccines is a critical unmet need in the global fight against TB.
• Current TB control efforts require enhanced preventive measures, including advanced vaccine candidates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel subunit vaccine for tuberculosis (TB) using recombinant nanoparticles.
• To assess the immunogenicity of the Zera-71CA/Zera-PPE18 nanoparticle vaccine in preclinical models.

Main Methods:

• The Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigen PPE18 was fused with Zera and formulated into nanoparticle protein bodies.
• Recombinant nanoparticles (Zera-71CA/Zera-PPE18) were produced and characterized.
• BALB/c mice and calves were immunized, and immune responses were measured via serum antibodies and splenic lymphocyte proliferation.

Main Results:

• The Zera-71CA/Zera-PPE18 nanoparticles were successfully expressed and formed protein bodies.
• Immunization in mice induced significant serum antibody levels and splenic lymphocyte proliferation.
• Calves immunized with the nanoparticle vaccine demonstrated high serum antibody levels and elevated IFN-γ and TNF-α.

Conclusions:

• The Zera-71CA/Zera-PPE18 recombinant nanoparticles exhibit robust immunogenicity in both murine and bovine models.
• These nanoparticles represent promising candidates for a subunit vaccine against tuberculosis.
• Further development of this nanoparticle vaccine is warranted for its potential efficacy in TB prevention.