A protective Zika virus E-dimer-based subunit vaccine engineered to abrogate antibody-dependent enhancement of dengue infection

Nat Immunol. 2019 Oct;20(10):1291-1298. doi: 10.1038/s41590-019-0477-z. Epub 2019 Sep 2.

Abstract

Infections with dengue virus (DENV) and Zika virus (ZIKV) can induce cross-reactive antibody responses. Two immunodominant epitopes-one to precursor membrane protein and one to the fusion loop epitope on envelope (E) protein-are recognized by cross-reactive antibodies1-3 that are not only poorly neutralizing, but can also promote increased viral replication and disease severity via Fcγ receptor-mediated infection of myeloid cells-a process termed antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE)1,4,5. ADE is a significant concern for both ZIKV and DENV vaccines as the induction of poorly neutralizing cross-reactive antibodies may prime an individual for ADE on natural infection. In this report, we describe the design and production of covalently stabilized ZIKV E dimers, which lack precursor membrane protein and do not expose the immunodominant fusion loop epitope. Immunization of mice with ZIKV E dimers induces dimer-specific antibodies, which protect against ZIKV challenge during pregnancy. Importantly, the ZIKV E-dimer-induced response does not cross-react with DENV or induce ADE of DENV infection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Neutralizing / metabolism
  • Antibodies, Viral / metabolism
  • Cross Reactions
  • Dengue / immunology*
  • Dengue Virus / physiology*
  • Dimerization
  • Epitopes / genetics
  • Female
  • Genetic Engineering
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Immunodominant Epitopes / genetics
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Receptors, IgG / metabolism
  • Vaccination
  • Viral Envelope Proteins / genetics
  • Viral Vaccines / genetics
  • Viral Vaccines / immunology*
  • Virus Replication
  • Zika Virus / physiology*
  • Zika Virus Infection / immunology*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Neutralizing
  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Epitopes
  • Immunodominant Epitopes
  • Receptors, IgG
  • Viral Envelope Proteins
  • Viral Vaccines