Chimeric virus-like particles that expose epitopes with HIV-1 broadly neutralizing antibodies

All known approaches were tested in order to create a vaccine against HIV-1, however currently there is no effective vaccine against this pathogen. Relatively new and perspective approach involves rational design of immunizers aimed at focusing immune response against vulnerable virus regions. It is considered that highly conservative epitopes are located in protein-based regions and are essential for survival of the virus. Such epitopes can be regarded as ideal antigens for vaccine development. Core protein of Hepatitis B virus (HBcAg) that is regarded as a perspective platform for developing highly immunogenic vaccines was utilized as a carrier protein in current research. Because epitopes of a majority of broadly neutralizing antibodies are conformational current study utilized mediator-peptides that were obtained by means of phage display. Recombinant plasmids that contained epitopes and epitope imitators that are recognized by antibodies VRC34.01 and VRC01 respectively were derived on a basis of plasmid coding HBcAg. Electronic microscopy showed that chimeric variant НВсAg-c7cVRC01 forms particles of specific spherical shape. Immunological potency of obtained recombinant proteins was tested on rabbit model. It was revealed that animal serum that was immunized with chimeric variants of HBcAg had neutralizing activity against SF162.LS (subtype B) pseudovirus.

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