Antigenicity and immunogenicity of HA2 and M2e influenza virus antigens conjugated to norovirus-like, VP1 capsid-based particles by the SpyTag/SpyCatcher technology

Suvi Heinimäki, Vili Lampinen, Kirsi Tamminen, Minna M. Hankaniemi, Maria Malm, Vesa P. Hytönen, Vesna Blazevic

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

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Abstract

Virus-like particles (VLPs) modified through different molecular technologies are employed as delivery vehicles or platforms for heterologous antigen display. We have recently created a norovirus (NoV) VLP platform, where two influenza antigens, the extracellular domain of matrix protein M2 (M2e) or the stem domain of the major envelope glycoprotein hemagglutinin (HA2) are displayed on the surface of the NoV VLPs by SpyTag/SpyCatcher conjugation. To demonstrate the feasibility of the platform to deliver foreign antigens, this study examined potential interference of the conjugation with induction of antibodies against conjugated M2e peptide, HA2, and NoV VLP carrier. High antibody response was induced by HA2 but not M2e decorated VLPs. Furthermore, HA2-elicited antibodies did not neutralize the homologous influenza virus in vitro. Conjugated NoV VLPs retained intact receptor binding capacity and self-immunogenicity. The results demonstrate that NoV VLPs could be simultaneously used as a platform to deliver foreign antigens and a NoV vaccine.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)89-97
Number of pages9
JournalVIROLOGY
Volume566
Early online date3 Dec 2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2022
Publication typeA1 Journal article-refereed

Keywords

  • HA2
  • Influenza virus
  • M2e
  • Norovirus
  • Platform
  • SpyTag/SpyCatcher
  • Vaccine
  • Virus-like particle
  • VLP

Publication forum classification

  • Publication forum level 1

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Virology

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