Nanoparticle vaccine based on the envelope protein domain III of Japanese encephalitis virus elicits robust protective immune responses in mice

Nanomedicine (Lond). 2023 Jan;18(1):5-18. doi: 10.2217/nnm-2022-0298. Epub 2023 Feb 15.

Abstract

Aim: To develop a vaccine candidate for Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), for which an effective and safe vaccine is urgently needed. Materials & methods: A vaccine candidate based on domain III of the JEV envelope protein and lumazine synthase (EDIII-LS) was prepared by coupling multivalent ED III to a self-assembling nanoparticle of LS through genetic fusion and self-assembly. Results: High enrichment of ED III was achieved based on the self-assembly of an EDIII-LS polymer. EDIII-LS strongly promoted dendritic cells' internalization and presentation compared with ED III monomer. The cellular and humoral immune responses provoked by EDIII-LS were remarkably higher than those caused by ED III in mice, and conferred complete protection against JEV challenge. Conclusion: The study of ED III-based nanoparticles suggests an effective approach against JEV.

Keywords: DCs; ED III; Japanese encephalitis virus; self-assembling nanoparticle; subunit vaccine.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Neutralizing / metabolism
  • Antibodies, Viral / metabolism
  • Encephalitis Virus, Japanese* / genetics
  • Encephalitis, Japanese* / prevention & control
  • Immunity
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Protein Domains
  • Vaccines*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Neutralizing
  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Vaccines