Virology, 2020.549, 25-31, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.virol.2020.07.014

Enhanced effect of modified Zika virus E antigen on the immunogenicity of DNA vaccine

Hyun Ju In, Yun Ha Lee;Sundong Jang;Hee Ji Lim;Mi Young Kim;Joo Ae Kim;Jung-Sik Yoo;Gyung Tae Chung;You-Jin Kim

Abstract

It has been reported worldwide that the Zika virus (ZIKV) could be transmitted through placentas and sexual contact. ZIKV can also cause Guillain-Barre syndrome, microcephaly and neurological abnormalities. However, there are no approved vaccines available. We constructed six DNA vaccine candidates and tested the immunogenicity. Tandem repeated envelope domain Ⅲ (ED Ⅲ×3) induced highly total IgG and neutralization antibody, as well as CD8+ T cell responses. Also, stem region-removed envelope (E ΔSTEM) elicited a robust production of IFN-γ in mice. To examine in vivo protection, we used mice treated with an IFNAR1 blocking antibody before and after the challenge. Vaccination with the two candidates led to a decline in the level of viral RNAs in organs. Moreover, the sera from the vaccinated mice did not enhance the infection of Dengue virus in K562 cells. These findings suggest the potential for the development of a novel ZIKV DNA vaccine.

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.virol.2020.07.014
• ISBN or ISSN: 0042-6822

• 본 연구는 질병관리본부 연구개발과제연구비를 지원받아 수행되었습니다.
• This research was supported by a fund by Research of Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.