Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks activate endosomal Toll-like receptors and potentiate immunogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein trimer

Sci Adv. 2024 Mar 8;10(10):eadj6380. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adj6380. Epub 2024 Mar 6.

Abstract

Nanomaterials offer unique opportunities to engineer immunomodulatory activity. In this work, we report the Toll-like receptor agonist activity of a nanoscale adjuvant zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8). The accumulation of ZIF-8 in endosomes and the pH-responsive release of its subunits enable selective engagement with endosomal Toll-like receptors, minimizing the risk of off-target activation. The intrinsic adjuvant properties of ZIF-8, along with the efficient delivery and biomimetic presentation of a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 spike protein receptor-binding domain trimer, primed rapid humoral and cell-mediated immunity in a dose-sparing manner. Our study offers insights for next-generation adjuvants that can potentially impact future vaccine development.

MeSH terms

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic
  • COVID-19*
  • Endosomes
  • Humans
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus
  • Toll-Like Receptors
  • Zeolites* / pharmacology

Substances

  • spike protein, SARS-CoV-2
  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus
  • Adjuvants, Immunologic
  • Toll-Like Receptors
  • Zeolites