With data from Agencia FAPESP
Researchers at USP’s Institute of Biomedical Sciences are exploring modern approaches to discovering efficient vaccines against dengue and Zika.
In the case of dengue, a “subunit vaccine” is being developed, a method that includes utilizing particular elements of the virus to set off an immune response. In this case, NS1 was the chosen subunit of the viral protein, which is already utilized in diagnostic assessments and different vaccine formulations.
Dengue virus NS1 particularly focused dendritic cells (also referred to as antigen-presenting cells), that are potent activators of the immune system. Another innovation is the appliance by the transcutaneous route, which is made by a patch containing the pathogen’s antigen.
“The technique of focusing on the protein to dendritic cells elevated the efficiency of the anti-NS1 antibody response in vaccinated mice and extended persistence in blood samples,” mentioned researcher Lennon Perera.
The outcomes confirmed an enchancment within the immune response with none unintended effects. “Furthermore, the formulation developed, particularly when administered intradermally, inhibits the manufacturing of antibodies which have the potential to trigger tissue harm, thereby rising the security of the immune system,” Lennon added.
Zika vaccine
The vaccine developed by the group against the Zika virus is a genetic variant that could even be used to struggle dengue.
“In an unprecedented means, we developed a DNA vaccine primarily based on a sequence that genetically linked the Zika NS1 protein to a different viral protein. [a glicoprotena D do vrus herpes simples tipo 1], with the flexibility to activate the immune system. This technique was capable of improve the immune response and double the safety against Zika virus an infection in vaccinated animals. Additionally, the expertise is totally adaptable to different illnesses,” Lennon mentioned.
Finally, the researchers demonstrated {that a} transcutaneous vaccine utilizing dengue virus as an antigen achieved between 80% and 100% protecting efficacy in assessments on mice.
“Skin is an immunologically lively organ, that means it’s ready to reply to an infection in addition to intramuscular tissue, the place the vaccine is often injected,” defined group member Robert Santos.
According to him, other than decreasing prices related to the acquisition of provides comparable to syringes and needles, it is a promising method to cut back vaccine shortages amongst individuals who refuse to obtain vaccines by needle-assisted injections.
The group is now working in order that the assessments can transfer to scientific trials in people.
Check with the scientific article:
Articles: Intradermal supply of dendritic cell-targeting chimeric mAbs genetically fused to sort 2 dengue virus nonstructural protein 1
Authors: Lennon Ramos Pereira, Elaine Cristina Matos Vicentin, Sara Araujo Pereira, Denicker Lina Nascimento Fabrice Maeda, Rubens Prince dos Santos Alves, Robert Andreta-Santos, Franciel Tramontini Gomes de Sousa, Marcio Masao Yamamoto, Maria Fernanta, Maria Fernando, Mariso Masao By Yamamoto Pinho Favaro, Camila Malta Romano, Esther Cerdera Sabino, Silvia Beatriz Boscardin, Luz Carlos de Souza Ferreira
Publication: Vaccination
Vol: 8(4), 565
DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8040565
Articles: Enhanced immunity and protecting immunity to Zika virus induced by a chimeric NS1 encoding DNA vaccine fused with sort 1 herpesvirus gD protein
Authors: Lennon Ramos Pereira, Rubens Prince dos Santos Alves, Natili Silva Sales, Robert Andreta-Santos, Alexia Adrian Venceslau-Carvalho, Samuel Santos Pereira, Maria Fernanda Castro-Amarante, Mnica Josiane Rodriguez-Jesus, Mariana de Rodriguez, Mariana Teixero Maria Chura-Chambi, Ligia Morganti, Luc Carlos de Souza Ferreira 1
Publication: Frontiers in Medical Technology
Vol: 12(5), 514
DOI: 10.3389/fmedt.2020.604160