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Structural and stability differences among GI norovirus virus-like particles produced in silkworm-baculovirus
Yuto Tsurumi1, Akitsu Masuda2, Jian Xu1
1Laboratory of Insect Genome Science, Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
Frontiers in Microbiology
|January 26, 2026
Summary
Norovirus virus-like particles (VLPs) from genogroup I (GI) were characterized. This study provides a framework for producing GI norovirus VLPs, crucial for developing effective multivalent norovirus vaccines.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Vaccinology
- Structural Biology
Background:
- Norovirus (NoV) is a major cause of acute gastroenteritis globally.
- Genogroups I (GI) and II (GII) are the most common norovirus types.
- Norovirus virus-like particles (VLPs) are key for vaccine development, but GI VLPs are poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To express and characterize VP1 protein from four epidemiologically significant GI norovirus genotypes.
- To optimize purification conditions for GI norovirus VLPs in a genotype-specific manner.
- To establish a systematic framework for understanding GI-specific constraints in VLP production for vaccine design.
Main Methods:
- Expression of GI norovirus VP1 using the silkworm-baculovirus system.
- Purification optimization and characterization using size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF).
- Assessment of VLP stability (pH, thermal tolerance) and functional epitopes via binding to histo-blood group antigen (HBGA) mimics.
Main Results:
- Successful expression and purification of GI norovirus VLPs with optimized, genotype-specific conditions.
- Detailed structural and stability profiles for four GI norovirus VLP genotypes.
- Demonstrated genotype-dependent differences in pH and thermal stability, including aggregation and structural transitions.
- Confirmed functional epitopes through HBGA mimic binding.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first systematic characterization of GI norovirus VLPs.
- Defined genotype-specific purification and stability profiles are essential for VLP production.
- Foundational data generated will inform the design and formulation of multivalent norovirus vaccines.
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