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Updated: Feb 7, 2026

Production of a SARS-CoV-2 Virus-Like-Particle System to Investigate Viral Life Cycles In Vitro
Published on: June 6, 2025
Bioengineered chimeric VLPs targeting chikungunya virus and SARS-CoV-2 show high immunogenicity in mice
Vedita Anand Singh1, Sanketkumar Nehul1, Ankita Saha1
1Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, 247667, India.
This study introduces Chimeric Alphavirus-Coronavirus Virus-Like Particles (ChAC-VLPs), a novel bivalent vaccine targeting Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and SARS-CoV-2. ChAC-VLPs demonstrate significant neutralization capabilities against both viruses in preclinical models.
Area of Science:
- * Virology
- * Immunology
- * Vaccine Development
Background:
- * The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic highlighted the need for advanced vaccine platforms.
- * Chimeric Virus-Like Particles (chi-VLPs) offer potential for enhanced immunogenicity, production, and scalability.
- * Existing vaccines may not fully address emerging viral threats.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To design and characterize a novel bivalent vaccine, Chimeric Alphavirus-Coronavirus Virus-Like Particles (ChAC-VLPs).
- * To display Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) fusion glycoproteins and SARS-CoV-2 Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) on the ChAC-VLP surface.
- * To evaluate the immunogenicity and neutralization potential of ChAC-VLPs against CHIKV and SARS-CoV-2.
Main Methods:
- * ChAC-VLPs were engineered to display CHIKV and SARS-CoV-2 antigens.
- * Techniques used for characterization included Western blot, Immunofluorescence, cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS).
- * Immunogenicity was assessed via cell-based assays, PRNT50 for CHIKV, ELISA and Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) for SARS-CoV-2 RBD, and pseudovirus neutralization assays.
Main Results:
- * ChAC-VLPs successfully displayed multimeric epitopes of CHIKV and SARS-CoV-2 RBD.
- * Immunization with ChAC-VLPs induced substantial CHIKV neutralization titers (PRNT50 of 1:25).
- * ChAC-VLP-immunized mice sera showed high neutralization (80-95%) against SARS-CoV-2 pseudoviruses.
Conclusions:
- * ChAC-VLPs represent a promising hybrid vaccine candidate for simultaneous protection against CHIKV and SARS-CoV-2.
- * This study validates the versatility and potential of chi-VLPs for developing next-generation vaccines.
- * The findings contribute valuable insights into the design and application of chi-VLPs in vaccinology.
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