Characterization and immunogenicity of a novel chimeric hepatitis B core-virus like particles (cVLPs) carrying rotavirus VP8*protein in mice model

Virology. 2023 Nov:588:109903. doi: 10.1016/j.virol.2023.109903. Epub 2023 Oct 9.

Abstract

Given the efficacy and safety issues of the WHO for approved/prequalified live attenuated rotavirus (RV) vaccines, studies on alternative non-replicating modals and proper RV antigens are actively undertaken. Herein, we report the novel chimeric hepatitis B core-virus like particles (VLPs) carrying RV VP8*26-231 protein of a P [8] strain (cVLPVP8*), as a parenteral VLP RV vaccine candidate. SDS-PAGE and Western blotting analyses indicated the expected size of the E. coli-derived HBc-VP8* protein that self-assembled to cVLPVP8* particles. Immunization in mice indicated development of higher levels of IgG and IgA as well as higher IgG1/IgG2a ratios by cVLPVP8* vaccination compared to the VP8* alone. Assessment of neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) indicated development of heterotypic nAbs with cross-reactivity to a heterotypic RV strain by cVLPVP8* immunization compared to VP8* alone. The observed anti-VP8* cross-reactivity might indicate the possibility of developing a Pan-genomic RVA vaccine based on the cVLPVP8* formulation that deserves further challenge studies.

Keywords: HBcAg; Rotavirus; VP8*; cVLP vaccine.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Escherichia coli
  • Hepatitis B*
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Mice
  • Rotavirus Infections* / prevention & control
  • Rotavirus Vaccines* / genetics
  • Rotavirus* / genetics

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Rotavirus Vaccines
  • Immunoglobulin G