Rational Zika vaccine design via the modulation of antigen membrane anchors in chimpanzee adenoviral vectors

Nat Commun. 2018 Jun 22;9(1):2441. doi: 10.1038/s41467-018-04859-5.

Abstract

Zika virus (ZIKV) emerged on a global scale and no licensed vaccine ensures long-lasting anti-ZIKV immunity. Here we report the design and comparative evaluation of four replication-deficient chimpanzee adenoviral (ChAdOx1) ZIKV vaccine candidates comprising the addition or deletion of precursor membrane (prM) and envelope, with or without its transmembrane domain (TM). A single, non-adjuvanted vaccination of ChAdOx1 ZIKV vaccines elicits suitable levels of protective responses in mice challenged with ZIKV. ChAdOx1 prME ∆TM encoding prM and envelope without TM provides 100% protection, as well as long-lasting anti-envelope immune responses and no evidence of in vitro antibody-dependent enhancement to dengue virus. Deletion of prM and addition of TM reduces protective efficacy and yields lower anti-envelope responses. Our finding that immunity against ZIKV can be enhanced by modulating antigen membrane anchoring highlights important parameters in the design of viral vectored ZIKV vaccines to support further clinical assessments.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenoviridae / genetics
  • Animals
  • Antibody-Dependent Enhancement / immunology
  • Antigens, Viral / genetics*
  • Antigens, Viral / immunology
  • Dengue Virus / immunology
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Drug Design*
  • Female
  • Genetic Vectors / genetics
  • Humans
  • Immunogenicity, Vaccine
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mice, Inbred ICR
  • Pan troglodytes / virology
  • Protein Domains / genetics
  • Protein Domains / immunology
  • Viral Envelope Proteins / genetics
  • Viral Envelope Proteins / immunology
  • Viral Vaccines / administration & dosage
  • Viral Vaccines / genetics
  • Viral Vaccines / immunology*
  • Zika Virus / genetics
  • Zika Virus / immunology*
  • Zika Virus Infection / immunology
  • Zika Virus Infection / prevention & control*
  • Zika Virus Infection / virology

Substances

  • Antigens, Viral
  • Viral Envelope Proteins
  • Viral Vaccines