Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) is a non-enveloped virus possessing 4 capsid proteins: VP1-VP4. The outermost capsid protein, VP1, plays roles in both antigenicity and virulence of the virus. The concept of generating other EV-A71 genotypes of reverse genetics (rg) viruses by replacing VP1 can be made possible with synthetic biotechnology, allowing us to redesign organisms, creating unavailable ones. To determine suitable vaccine candidates against EV-A71 infections, we combined synthetic biotechnology, rg-virus production and high-fidelity determinants to produce genetically stable viruses. With the use of antigenic cartography, we are able to view the antigenic distance among various points. We analyzed and generated various EV-A71 VP1 sequences from Taiwan and Southeast Asian (SEA) countries, which were then used to produce recombinant rg-viruses and the viral proteins were purified for immunization of mice and rabbits. Antisera against various EV-A71 genotypes were used in neutralization assays against various Taiwan and SEA EV-A71 genotypes. Based on neutralization data from mice and rabbit antisera, we found that antisera produced from several genotypes were able to effectively neutralize the various Taiwan and SEA EV-A71 genotypes. Additionally, comparing the antigenic maps produced from mouse, rabbit and human antisera against different EV-A71 genotypes, a difference in clustering was seen and the spacing between points also differed. Based on antigenic mapping and neutralizing activities, B4 7008-HF and C4 M79 may be good potential vaccine candidates against EV-A71.
Keywords: Antigenic map; Antigenicity; EV-A71; Enterovirus A71; VP1; Vaccine candidate.
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