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Published on: May 18, 2021
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Neutralizing Antibodies Against the Porcine Endogenous Retroviruses (PERVs)
Jinzhao Ban1, Ludwig Krabben1, Benedikt B Kaufer1
1Institute of Virology, Free University Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany.
Viruses
|November 27, 2025
Summary
Developing a vaccine against porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERVs) is crucial for xenotransplantation safety. Researchers created a vaccine using PERV proteins, successfully generating virus-binding and neutralizing antibodies in rats, indicating vaccine potential.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Xenotransplantation
Background:
- Xenotransplantation carries the risk of transmitting porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERVs).
- PERVs are integrated into the pig genome, making them difficult to eliminate.
- Preventing PERV transmission is essential for xenotransplantation safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the feasibility of a protective vaccine against PERVs.
- To identify key epitopes on PERV proteins for antibody recognition.
Main Methods:
- Recombinant PERV transmembrane (p15E) and surface envelope (gp70) proteins were produced.
- Rats were immunized with these proteins using a human-approved adjuvant.
- Western blot and neutralization assays were used to detect antibodies.
- Overlapping peptides were used to map epitopes on p15E.
Main Results:
- Virus-binding and neutralizing antibodies against PERV were successfully generated in rats.
- Two main epitopes on the p15E protein were identified: MPER and FPPR.
- These antibodies were shown to inhibit viral infection by blocking membrane fusion.
Conclusions:
- A vaccine strategy based on neutralizing antibodies against PERV is feasible.
- The identified epitopes on p15E are critical targets for vaccine development.
- Findings suggest potential cross-reactivity with human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) epitopes.
