Background:
Nanoparticles derived from plant viruses possess fascinating structures, versatile
functions and safe properties, rendering them valuable for a variety of applications. Papaya mosaic
Virus-Like Particles (VLPs) are nanoparticles that contain a repetitive number of virus capsid proteins
(PMV-CP) and are considered to be promising platforms for vaccine design. Previous studies
have reported the antigenicity of PMV nanoparticles in mammalian systems.
Materials and Methods:
As experiments that concern vaccine development require careful design and
can be time consuming, computational experiments are of particular importance. Therefore, prior to
expressing PMV-CP in E. coli and producing nanoparticles, we performed an in silico analysis of the
virus particles using software programs based on a series of sophisticated algorithms and modeling
networks as useful tools for vaccine design. A computational study of PMV-CP in the context of the
immune system reaction allowed us to clarify particle structure and other unknown features prior to
their introduction in vitro.
Results:
The results illustrated that the produced nanoparticles can trigger an immune response in the
absence of fusion with any foreign antigen.
Conclusion:
Based on the in silico analyses, the empty capsid protein was determined to be recognised
by different B and T cells, as well as cells which carry MHC epitopes.
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