Neutralizing activity analysis of mimotopes against porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) spike protein

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Immunology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) poses a significant threat to swine health.
• The PEDV spike protein (SP) is a key target for neutralizing antibodies.
• Developing effective antiviral strategies against PEDV is crucial for the agricultural industry.

Purpose of the Study:

• To screen for mimotopes of the PEDV spike protein (SP) from an Fv-antibody library.
• To analyze the neutralizing activity of the identified mimotopes against PEDV.
• To investigate the interaction of mimotopes with host cell receptors involved in viral entry.

Main Methods:

• Construction of an Fv-antibody library using auto-display technology with randomized CDR3 sequences.
• Screening of Fv-antibodies (mimotopes) using monoclonal anti-PEDV SP antibody as probes.
• Expression and purification of soluble Fv-antibodies.
• Affinity analysis using surface plasmon resonance biosensor.
• Neutralizing activity assessment via plaque assay.
• Molecular docking simulations with ACE2 and APN receptors.

Main Results:

• Two Fv-antibodies (mimotopes) with binding affinity to the monoclonal antibody were identified.
• The screened mimotopes demonstrated significant neutralizing activity against PEDV infection in plaque assays.
• Molecular docking simulations provided insights into the potential interactions of mimotopes with host cell receptors.

Conclusions:

• The identified mimotopes effectively bind to PEDV SP and exhibit neutralizing properties.
• These mimotopes hold promise as potential therapeutic agents for preventing PEDV infection.
• Further research into the precise mechanisms of action and in vivo efficacy is warranted.