Research

Jump to: Review

14 pages, 2477 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Viral Protein VP1 Virus-like Particles (VLP) of CVB4 Induces Protective Immunity against Lethal Challenges with Diabetogenic E2 and Wild Type JBV Strains in Mice Model

by Jawhar Gharbi, Ikbel Hadj Hassine, Mouna Hassine, Mohammed Al-Malki, Ameera Al-Yami, Anwar Al-Bachir and Manel Ben M’hadheb

Viruses 2023, 15(4), 878; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15040878 - 29 Mar 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1391

Abstract

Several epidemiological studies demonstrated that coxsackievirus B4 (CVB4) causes viral pancreatitis and can ultimately result in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D). Prevention of CVB4 infection is therefore highly desirable. There is currently no vaccine or antiviral therapeutic reagent in clinical use. VLP are [...] Read more.

Several epidemiological studies demonstrated that coxsackievirus B4 (CVB4) causes viral pancreatitis and can ultimately result in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D). Prevention of CVB4 infection is therefore highly desirable. There is currently no vaccine or antiviral therapeutic reagent in clinical use. VLP are structurally similar to native virus particles and therefore are far better immunogens than any other subunit vaccines. Many studies have shown the potential of capsid protein VP1 on providing protective effects from different viral strains. In this study, we contributed towards the development of a CVB4 VLP-based vaccine from the total protein VP1 of the diabetogenic CVB4E2 strain and assessed whether it could induce a protective immunity against both the wild-type CVB4JBV and the diabetogenic CVB4E2 strains in mice model. Serum samples, taken from mice immunized with VLP, were assayed in vitro for their anti-CVB4 neutralizing activity and in vivo for protective activity. We show that VLP vaccine generates robust immune responses that protect mice from lethal challenges. Results demonstrate that CVB4 VP1 capsid proteins expressed in insect cells have the intrinsic capacity to assemble into non-infectious VLP, which afforded protection from CVB4 infection to mice when used as a vaccine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Virus-Like Particle Vaccines 2022)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 3957 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Isopeptide Bonding In Planta Allows Functionalization of Elongated Flexuous Proteinaceous Viral Nanoparticles, including Non-Viable Constructs by Other Means

by Daniel A. Truchado, Sara Rincón, Lucía Zurita, Flora Sánchez and Fernando Ponz

Viruses 2023, 15(2), 375; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15020375 - 28 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1460

Abstract

Plant viral nanoparticles (VNPs) have become an attractive platform for the development of novel nanotools in the last years because of their safety, inexpensive production, and straightforward functionalization. Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) is one example of a plant-based VNP used as a nanobiotechnological [...] Read more.

Plant viral nanoparticles (VNPs) have become an attractive platform for the development of novel nanotools in the last years because of their safety, inexpensive production, and straightforward functionalization. Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) is one example of a plant-based VNP used as a nanobiotechnological platform either as virions or as virus-like particles (VLPs). Their functionalization mainly consists of coating their surface with the molecules of interest via chemical conjugation or genetic fusion. However, because of their limitations, these two methods sometimes result in non-viable constructs. In this paper, we applied the SpyTag/SpyCatcher technology as an alternative for the functionalization of TuMV VLPs with peptides and proteins. We chose as molecules of interest the green fluorescent protein (GFP) because of its good traceability, as well as the vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), given the previous unsuccessful attempts to functionalize TuMV VNPs by other methods. The successful conjugation of VLPs to GFP and VIP using SpyTag/SpyCatcher was confirmed through Western blot and electron microscopy. Moreover, the isopeptide bond between SpyTag and SpyCatcher occurred in vivo in co-agroinfiltrated Nicotiana benthamiana plants. These results demonstrated that SpyTag/SpyCatcher improves TuMV functionalization compared with previous approaches, thus implying the expansion of the application of the technology to elongated flexuous VNPs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Virus-Like Particle Vaccines 2022)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 2705 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Immunogenicity of Wild Type and Mutant Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Virus-like Particles (VLPs) in Mice with Pre-Existing Immunity against the Wild Type Vector

by Natalie J. Kingston, Renae Walsh, Rachel Hammond, Carina C. D. Joe, George Lovrecz, Stephen Locarnini and Hans J. Netter

Viruses 2023, 15(2), 313; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15020313 - 23 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1970

Abstract

Virus-like particles (VLPs), composed of the small hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAgS), are the antigenic components of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine and represent the backbones for a chimeric anti-malaria vaccine and various vaccine candidates. Biological vectors have to face pre-existing [...] Read more.

Virus-like particles (VLPs), composed of the small hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAgS), are the antigenic components of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine and represent the backbones for a chimeric anti-malaria vaccine and various vaccine candidates. Biological vectors have to face pre-existing anti-vector immune responses due to previous immune exposure. Vector recognition after natural infections or vaccinations can result in unwarranted outcomes, with compromising effects on clinical outcomes. In order to evaluate the impact of a pre-existing anti-HBsAgS immune response, we developed mutant VLPs composed of subunits with reduced HBsAgS-specific antigenicity. The insertion of a Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein (CSP)-derived epitope as a read-out allowed the assessment of wild type (wt) and mutant VLPs in the context of a pre-existing immune response. Mutant and wt VLP platforms with a CSP-epitope insert are immunogenic and have the ability to generate anti-CSP antibody responses in both naïve BALB/c mice and mice with a pre-existing anti-HBsAgS immune response, but with superior anti-CSP responses in mice with a pre-existing immunity. The data indicate that previous HBsAgS exposure facilitates enhanced antibody responses against foreign epitopes delivered by the HBsAgS platform, and, in this context, the state of immune sensitization alters the outcome of subsequent vaccinations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Virus-Like Particle Vaccines 2022)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 3511 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Recombinant Virus-like Particles of Human Parvovirus B19 with the Internal Location of VP1 Unique Region Produced by Hansenula polymorpha

by Shuai Shao, Qingqing Wang, Yuqin Jin, Xuefeng Zhang, Zhaoming Liu, Shi Chen, Hailan Wu, Sensen Yang, Fang Tang, Jiguo Su, Yu Liang, Jing Zhang and Qiming Li

Viruses 2022, 14(11), 2410; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14112410 - 30 Oct 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1661

Abstract

Human parvovirus B19 (HPV B19) is pathogenic to human, which can cause fifth disease, transient aplastic crisis, arthritis, myocarditis, autoimmune disorders, hydrops fetalis, and so on. Currently, no approved vaccines or antiviral drugs are available against HPV B19, and thus the development of [...] Read more.

Human parvovirus B19 (HPV B19) is pathogenic to human, which can cause fifth disease, transient aplastic crisis, arthritis, myocarditis, autoimmune disorders, hydrops fetalis, and so on. Currently, no approved vaccines or antiviral drugs are available against HPV B19, and thus the development of effective vaccines is needed. The capsid of HPV B19 is composed of two types of proteins, i.e., the major capsid protein VP2 and the minor protein VP1. Previous experimental studies have shown that the dominant immune responses against HPV B19 are elicited by VP1, especially the unique region on the N-terminus of VP1. It has been found that VP2 alone or VP2 and VP1 together can assemble into virus-like particle (VLP). The VLP structure formed by VP2 has been resolved, however, the location of VP1 in the capsid, especially the location of VP1 unique region with strong immunogenicity, is still not clear. In the present work, using the Hansenula polymorpha expression system developed by our laboratory, two kinds of recombinant HPV B19 VLPs were expressed, i.e., the VLP co-assembled by VP1 and VP2 (VP1/VP2 VLP) and the VLP whose VP1 content was improved (VP1h/VP2 VLP). The expression, purity, and morphology of these two VLPs were characterized, and then their immunogenic properties were investigated and compared with those of the VLP containing VP2 alone (VP2 VLP) previously developed by our group. Furthermore, the location of the VP1 unique region in the VLPs was determined by using the immunogold electron microscopy (IGEM). Our experimental results show that the VP1h/VP2 VLP elicits a stronger neutralization against the HPV B19 than VP2 and VP1/VP2 VLPs, which implies that the increase of VP1 content significantly improves the level of neutralizing antibodies. In addition, the IGEM observations suggest that the unique region of VP1 may be located inside the recombinant VLP. The VLPs recombinantly expressed by our Hansenula polymorpha system may serve as a promising candidate immunogen for HPV B19 vaccine development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Virus-Like Particle Vaccines 2022)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 2028 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gene Expression Analysis of Adapted Insect Cells during Influenza VLP Production Using RNA-Sequencing

by Marco Silvano, Ricardo Correia, Nikolaus Virgolini, Colin Clarke, Paula M. Alves, Inês A. Isidro and António Roldão

Viruses 2022, 14(10), 2238; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14102238 - 12 Oct 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1894

Abstract

Adaptive laboratory evolution has been used to improve production of influenza hemagglutinin (HA)-displaying virus-like particles (VLPs) in insect cells. However, little is known about the underlying biological mechanisms promoting higher HA-VLP expression in such adapted cell lines. In this article, we present a [...] Read more.

Adaptive laboratory evolution has been used to improve production of influenza hemagglutinin (HA)-displaying virus-like particles (VLPs) in insect cells. However, little is known about the underlying biological mechanisms promoting higher HA-VLP expression in such adapted cell lines. In this article, we present a study of gene expression patterns associated with high-producer insect High Five cells adapted to neutral pH, in comparison to non-adapted cells, during expression of influenza HA-VLPs. RNA-seq shows a decrease in the amount of reads mapping to host cell genomes along infection, and an increase in those mapping to baculovirus and transgenes. A total of 1742 host cell genes were found differentially expressed between adapted and non-adapted cells throughout infection, 474 of those being either up- or down-regulated at both time points evaluated (12 and 24 h post-infection). Interestingly, while host cell genes were found up- and down-regulated in an approximately 1:1 ratio, all differentially expressed baculovirus genes were found to be down-regulated in infected adapted cells. Pathway analysis of differentially expressed genes revealed enrichment of ribosome biosynthesis and carbohydrate, amino acid, and lipid metabolism. In addition, oxidative phosphorylation and protein folding, sorting and degradation pathways were also found to be overrepresented. These findings contribute to our knowledge of biological mechanisms of insect cells during baculovirus-mediated transient expression and will assist the identification of potential engineering targets to increase recombinant protein production in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Virus-Like Particle Vaccines 2022)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 2431 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Baculovirus-Free SARS-CoV-2 Virus-like Particle Production in Insect Cells for Rapid Neutralization Assessment

by Marcel Jaron, Michael Lehky, Marta Zarà, Chris Nicole Zaydowicz, Aidin Lak, Rico Ballmann, Philip Alexander Heine, Esther Veronika Wenzel, Kai-Thomas Schneider, Federico Bertoglio, Susanne Kempter, Reinhard Wolfgang Köster, Silvia Stella Barbieri, Joop van den Heuvel, Michael Hust, Stefan Dübel and Maren Schubert

Viruses 2022, 14(10), 2087; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14102087 - 20 Sep 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2628

Abstract

Virus-like particles (VLPs) resemble authentic virus while not containing any genomic information. Here, we present a fast and powerful method for the production of SARS-CoV-2 VLP in insect cells and the application of these VLPs to evaluate the inhibition capacity of monoclonal antibodies [...] Read more.

Virus-like particles (VLPs) resemble authentic virus while not containing any genomic information. Here, we present a fast and powerful method for the production of SARS-CoV-2 VLP in insect cells and the application of these VLPs to evaluate the inhibition capacity of monoclonal antibodies and sera of vaccinated donors. Our method avoids the baculovirus-based approaches commonly used in insect cells by employing direct plasmid transfection to co-express SARS-CoV-2 envelope, membrane, and spike protein that self-assemble into VLPs. After optimization of the expression plasmids and vector ratios, VLPs with an ~145 nm diameter and the typical “Corona” aura were obtained, as confirmed by nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Fusion of the membrane protein to GFP allowed direct quantification of binding inhibition to angiotensin II-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) on cells by therapeutic antibody candidates or sera from vaccinated individuals. Neither VLP purification nor fluorescent labeling by secondary antibodies are required to perform these flow cytometric assays. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Virus-Like Particle Vaccines 2022)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 1183 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhanced Immunogenicity of an Influenza Ectodomain Matrix-2 Protein Virus-like Particle (M2e VLP) Using Polymeric Microparticles for Vaccine Delivery

by Keegan Braz Gomes, Ipshita Menon, Priyal Bagwe, Lotika Bajaj, Sang-Moo Kang and Martin J. D’Souza

Viruses 2022, 14(9), 1920; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14091920 - 30 Aug 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2313

Abstract

In this study, we demonstrate how encapsulating a conserved influenza ectodomain matrix-2 protein virus-like particle (M2e5x VLP) into a pre-crosslinked bovine serum albumin (BSA) polymeric matrix enhances in vitro antigen immunogenicity and in vivo efficacy. The spray-dried M2e5x VLP-loaded BSA microparticles (MPs) showed [...] Read more.

In this study, we demonstrate how encapsulating a conserved influenza ectodomain matrix-2 protein virus-like particle (M2e5x VLP) into a pre-crosslinked bovine serum albumin (BSA) polymeric matrix enhances in vitro antigen immunogenicity and in vivo efficacy. The spray-dried M2e5x VLP-loaded BSA microparticles (MPs) showed enhanced stimulation of antigen presenting cells (APCs), as confirmed through nitrite production and increased antigen–cell interactions seen in real time using live-cell imaging. Next, to further boost the immunogenicity of M2e5x VLP microparticles, M2e5x MPs were combined with Alhydrogel^® and monophosphoryl lipid-A (MPL-A^®) adjuvant microparticles. M2e5x VLP MPs and the combination VLP M2e5x VLP + Alhydrogel^® + MPL-A^® MPs elicited a significant increase in the expression of antigen-presenting molecules in dendritic cells compared to M2e5x VLP alone. Lastly, for preliminary evaluation of in vivo efficacy, the vaccine was administered in mice through the skin using an ablative laser. The M2e5x VLP + Alhydrogel^® + MPL-A^® MPs were shown to induce high levels of M2e-specific IgG antibodies. Further, a challenge with live influenza revealed heightened T-cell stimulation in immune organs of mice immunized with M2e5x VLP + Alhydrogel^® + MPL-A^® MPs. Hence, we utilized the advantages of both VLP and polymeric delivery platforms to enhance antigen immunogenicity and adaptive immunity in vivo. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Virus-Like Particle Vaccines 2022)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 3006 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Immunization with Virus-Like Particle Vaccine Protects Rabbits against Hepatitis E-3 Virus Infection

by Hyeon-Jeong Go, Byung-Joo Park, Hee-Seop Ahn, Sang-Hoon Han, Dong-Hwi Kim, Eu-Lim Lyoo, Da-Yoon Kim, Jae-Hyeong Kim, Joong-Bok Lee, Seung-Yong Park, Chang-Seon Song, Sang-Won Lee, Yang-Kyu Choi and In-Soo Choi

Viruses 2022, 14(7), 1432; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14071432 - 29 Jun 2022

Viewed by 1835

Abstract

Here, rabbits were immunized with a virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine prepared by expressing 239 amino acids of the swine hepatitis E virus (HEV)-3 capsid protein using a baculovirus system. Thirty specific-pathogen-free rabbits were divided into five groups (negative and positive control and 10, [...] Read more.

Here, rabbits were immunized with a virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine prepared by expressing 239 amino acids of the swine hepatitis E virus (HEV)-3 capsid protein using a baculovirus system. Thirty specific-pathogen-free rabbits were divided into five groups (negative and positive control and 10, 50, and 100 μg VLP-vaccinated). Positive control group rabbits showed viremia and fecal viral shedding, whereas rabbits vaccinated with 10 μg VLP showed transient fecal viral shedding, and rabbits vaccinated with 50 and 100 μg VLP did not show viremia or fecal viral shedding. Serum anti-HEV antibody titers increased in a dose-dependent manner. Anti-HEV antibody titers were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in 100 μg VLP-vaccinated rabbits than in the negative control rabbits at week 4. Anti-HEV antibody titers were significantly higher in 50 and 10 μg VLP-vaccinated rabbits than in the negative control rabbits at weeks 8 and 11, respectively. Serum IFN-γ and IL-12 levels were significantly higher (p < 0.01) in rabbits vaccinated with 50 and 100 μg VLP than in the negative control rabbits at weeks 4 and 6. Liver tissues of 50 and 100 μg VLP-vaccinated rabbits displayed significantly less (p < 0.05) fibrosis than those of the positive control rabbits. The prepared VLP vaccine demonstrated dose-dependent immunogenicity sufficient for inducing anti-HEV antibody production, thus protecting rabbits against swine HEV-3. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Virus-Like Particle Vaccines 2022)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 2631 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Transduction of HEK293 Cells with BacMam Baculovirus Is an Efficient System for the Production of HIV-1 Virus-like Particles

by Eduard Puente-Massaguer, Byron Cajamarca-Berrezueta, Aleix Volart, Irene González-Domínguez and Francesc Gòdia

Viruses 2022, 14(3), 636; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14030636 - 18 Mar 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3782

Abstract

Gag virus-like particles (VLPs) are promising vaccine candidates against infectious diseases. VLPs are generally produced using the insect cell/baculovirus expression vector system (BEVS), or in mammalian cells by plasmid DNA transient gene expression (TGE). However, VLPs produced with the insect cell/BEVS are difficult [...] Read more.

Gag virus-like particles (VLPs) are promising vaccine candidates against infectious diseases. VLPs are generally produced using the insect cell/baculovirus expression vector system (BEVS), or in mammalian cells by plasmid DNA transient gene expression (TGE). However, VLPs produced with the insect cell/BEVS are difficult to purify and might not display the appropriate post-translational modifications, whereas plasmid DNA TGE approaches are expensive and have a limited scale-up capability. In this study, the production of Gag VLPs with the BacMam expression system in a suspension culture of HEK293 cells is addressed. The optimal conditions of multiplicity of infection (MOI), viable cell density (VCD) at infection, and butyric acid (BA) concentration that maximize cell transduction and VLP production are determined. In these conditions, a maximum cell transduction efficiency of 91.5 ± 1.1%, and a VLP titer of 2.8 ± 0.1 × 10⁹ VLPs/mL are achieved. Successful VLP generation in transduced HEK293 cells is validated using super-resolution fluorescence microscopy, with VLPs produced resembling immature HIV-1 virions and with an average size comprised in the 100–200 nm range. Additionally, evidence that BacMam transduction occurs via different pathways including dynamin-mediated endocytosis and macropinocytosis is provided. This work puts the basis for future studies aiming at scaling up the BacMam baculovirus system as an alternative strategy for VLP production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Virus-Like Particle Vaccines 2022)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 2569 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multiple Neuraminidase Containing Influenza Virus-like Particle Vaccines Protect Mice from Avian and Human Influenza Virus Infection

by Hae-Ji Kang, Ki-Back Chu, Keon-Woong Yoon, Gi-Deok Eom, Jie Mao, Min-Ju Kim, Su-Hwa Lee, Eun-Kyung Moon and Fu-Shi Quan

Viruses 2022, 14(2), 429; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14020429 - 18 Feb 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2592

Abstract

Avian influenza virus remains a threat for humans, and vaccines preventing both avian and human influenza virus infections are needed. Since virus-like particles (VLPs) expressing single neuraminidase (NA) subtype elicited limited heterosubtypic protection, VLPs expressing multiple NA subtypes would enhance the extent of [...] Read more.

Avian influenza virus remains a threat for humans, and vaccines preventing both avian and human influenza virus infections are needed. Since virus-like particles (VLPs) expressing single neuraminidase (NA) subtype elicited limited heterosubtypic protection, VLPs expressing multiple NA subtypes would enhance the extent of heterosubtypic immunity. Here, we generated avian influenza VLP vaccines displaying H5 hemagglutinin (HA) antigen with or without avian NA subtypes (N1, N6, N8) in different combinations. BALB/c mice were intramuscularly immunized with the VLPs to evaluate the resulting homologous and heterosubtypic immunity upon challenge infections with the avian and human influenza viruses (A/H5N1, A/H3N2, A/H1N1). VLPs expressing H5 alone conferred homologous protection but not heterosubtypic protection, whereas VLPs co-expressing H5 and NA subtypes elicited both homologous and heterosubtypic protection against human influenza viruses in mice. We observed that VLP induced neuraminidase inhibitory activities (NAI), virus-neutralizing activity, and virus-specific antibody (IgG, IgA) responses were strongly correlated with the number of different NA subtype expressions on the VLPs. VLPs expressing all 3 NA subtypes resulted in the highest protection, indicated by the lowest lung titer, negligible body weight changes, and survival in immunized mice. These results suggest that expressing multiple neuraminidases in avian HA VLPs is a promising approach for developing a universal influenza A vaccine against avian and human influenza virus infections. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Virus-Like Particle Vaccines 2022)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

25 pages, 403 KiB

Open AccessReview

Respiratory Viruses and Virus-like Particle Vaccine Development: How Far Have We Advanced?

by Ki-Back Chu and Fu-Shi Quan

Viruses 2023, 15(2), 392; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15020392 - 30 Jan 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3343

Abstract

With technological advancements enabling globalization, the intercontinental transmission of pathogens has become much easier. Respiratory viruses are one such group of pathogens that require constant monitoring since their outbreak leads to massive public health crises, as exemplified by the influenza virus, respiratory syncytial [...] Read more.

With technological advancements enabling globalization, the intercontinental transmission of pathogens has become much easier. Respiratory viruses are one such group of pathogens that require constant monitoring since their outbreak leads to massive public health crises, as exemplified by the influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and the recent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak caused by the SARS-CoV-2. To prevent the transmission of these highly contagious viruses, developing prophylactic tools, such as vaccines, is of considerable interest to the scientific community. Virus-like particles (VLPs) are highly sought after as vaccine platforms for their safety and immunogenicity profiles. Although several VLP-based vaccines against hepatitis B and human papillomavirus have been approved for clinical use by the United States Food and Drug Administration, VLP vaccines against the three aforementioned respiratory viruses are lacking. Here, we summarize the most recent progress in pre-clinical and clinical VLP vaccine development. We also outline various strategies that contributed to improving the efficacy of vaccines against each virus and briefly discuss the stability aspect of VLPs that makes it a highly desired vaccine platform. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Virus-Like Particle Vaccines 2022)

12 pages, 9645 KiB

Open AccessReview

Papillomavirus-like Particles in Equine Medicine

by Edmund K. Hainisch, Christoph Jindra, Reinhard Kirnbauer and Sabine Brandt

Viruses 2023, 15(2), 345; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15020345 - 25 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1778

Abstract

Papillomaviruses (PVs) are a family of small DNA tumor viruses that can induce benign lesions or cancer in vertebrates. The observation that animal PV capsid-proteins spontaneously self-assemble to empty, highly immunogenic virus-like particles (VLPs) has led to the establishment of vaccines that efficiently [...] Read more.

Papillomaviruses (PVs) are a family of small DNA tumor viruses that can induce benign lesions or cancer in vertebrates. The observation that animal PV capsid-proteins spontaneously self-assemble to empty, highly immunogenic virus-like particles (VLPs) has led to the establishment of vaccines that efficiently protect humans from specific PV infections and associated diseases. We provide an overview of PV-induced tumors in horses and other equids, discuss possible routes of PV transmission in equid species, and present recent developments aiming at introducing the PV VLP-based vaccine technology into equine medicine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Virus-Like Particle Vaccines 2022)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 1003 KiB

Open AccessReview

Virus-like Particles as Nanocarriers for Intracellular Delivery of Biomolecules and Compounds

by Junyao He, Linying Yu, Xiaodi Lin, Xiaoyan Liu, Yanming Zhang, Fan Yang and Wen Deng

Viruses 2022, 14(9), 1905; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14091905 - 28 Aug 2022

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 4362

Abstract

Virus-like particles (VLPs) are nanostructures assemble from viral proteins. Besides widely used for vaccine development, VLPs have also been explored as nanocarriers for cargo delivery as they combine the key advantages of viral and non-viral vectors. While it protects cargo molecules from degradation, [...] Read more.

Virus-like particles (VLPs) are nanostructures assemble from viral proteins. Besides widely used for vaccine development, VLPs have also been explored as nanocarriers for cargo delivery as they combine the key advantages of viral and non-viral vectors. While it protects cargo molecules from degradation, the VLP has good cell penetrating property to mediate cargo passing the cell membrane and released into cells, making the VLP an ideal tool for intracellular delivery of biomolecules and drugs. Great progresses have been achieved and multiple challenges are still on the way for broad applications of VLP as delivery vectors. Here we summarize current advances and applications in VLP as a delivery vector. Progresses on delivery of different types of biomolecules as well as drugs by VLPs are introduced, and the strategies for cargo packaging are highlighted which is one of the key steps for VLP mediated intracellular delivery. Production and applications of VLPs are also briefly reviewed, with a discussion on future challenges in this rapidly developing field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Virus-Like Particle Vaccines 2022)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Virus-Like Particle Vaccines 2022

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (13 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI