Vaccination with a Zika virus envelope domain III protein induces neutralizing antibodies and partial protection against Asian genotype in immunocompetent mice

Abstract

Background Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus classified in Flaviviridae family such as dengue (DENV), yellow fever, and West Nile virus. An outbreak of ZIKV infection can pose a major public health risk because the contagion is unpredictable and induces severe pathology such as Guillan-Barre syndrome and neonatal microcephaly. However, an authorized ZIKV vaccine is not yet available, while several vaccine candidates are under development. Methods In this study, we constructed a recombinant ZIKV vaccine (Z_EDIII) that includes ZIKV envelope protein domain III using E. coli expression system. Then both humoral and cellular immunity were examined in C57BL/6 (female, 8-weeks-old) mice via Indirect ELISA assay, PRNT, ELISpot and cytokine detection for IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-12. In addition, the cross protection against DENV was evaluated in pups from Z_EDIII vaccinated and infected dam. Results Mice immunized by Z_EDIII produced a significant amount of ZIKV EDIII-specific and neutralizing antibodies. Together with antibodies, effector cytokines, such as IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-12 were induced. Moreover, vaccinated females delivered the adaptive immunity to neonates who are protective against ZIKV and DENV challenge. Conclusions This study observed Z-EDIII-induced humoral and cellular immunity that protected hosts from both ZIKV and DENV challenges. The result suggests that our ZIKV EDIII recombinant vaccine has potential to provide a new preventive strategy against ZIKV infection.

Plant-expressed Zika virus envelope protein elicited protective immunity against the Zika virus in immunocompetent mice

“…After 6 days for the MR766 ZIKV strain or after 12 days for the PRVABC59 ZIKV strain challenge, some mice were euthanized with CO 2 and their brains were collected. Based on the findings of prior studies, the sample collection time after each virus challenges was chosen taking into account the LD 50 established 15 , 56 , 57 . Except for the group used for survival rate study, all mice were euthanized with CO 2 after the test.…”

Production of Recombinant Zika Virus Envelope Protein by Airlift Bioreactor as a New Subunit Vaccine Platform

“…Antibodies against DI and DII present weak neutralization effects [ 16 , 18 , 19 ], while DIII is the main target for viral neutralization [ 20 ]. These properties highlight the importance of the EZIKV protein in vaccine development due to its critical role in the stimulation of neutralizing antibodies, cellular immunity, and viral invasion [ 21 ].…”