ABSTRACT
In previous studies, we found that truncated rotavirus VP4* (aa 26-476) could be expressed in soluble form in Escherichia coli and confer high protection against rotavirus in the mouse mode. In this study, we further improved the immunogenicity of VP4* by polymerization. The purified VP4* was polymerized through incubation at 37 ℃ for 24 h, and then the homogeneity of the particles was analyzed by HPLC, TEM and AUC, while the thermal stability and antigenicity was analyzed by DSC and ELISA, respectively. Finally, the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of the polymers analyzed by a mouse maternal antibody model. The results showed that VP4* aggregated into homogeneous polymers, with high thermostability and neutralizing antibody binding activity. In addition, VP4* polymers (endotoxin <20 EU/dose) stimulated higher neutralizing antibodies and confer higher protection against rotavirus-induced diarrhoea compared with the VP4* trimers when immunized with aluminium adjuvant. In summary, the study in VP4* polymers provides a new strategy for the development of recombinant rotavirus vaccines.
Subject(s)
Animals , Mice , Antibodies, Viral , Antigens, Viral , Capsid , Capsid Proteins , Polymerization , Rotavirus , Rotavirus InfectionsABSTRACT
Rotavirus is one of the most common causes of gastroenteritis among children under five years of age worldwide. Most children are infected with rotavirus in their early childhood. Currently, no ef-fective treatment is available for diarrhea caused by rotavirus infection, and vaccination is the most effective way to prevent rotavirus infection. With the introduction of rotavirus vaccines, the morbidity and mortality of severe diarrhea in children caused by rotavirus infection are declined significantly, but these rotavirus vac-cines have significantly lower efficacy in developing countries in Africa and some countries in Asia where the mortality of rotavirus-related diseases is high than in developed countries. High titers of maternal antibodies may be one of the reasons why the efficacy of rotavirus vaccines is low in these countries. Extensive studies have been conducted on the relationship between neonatal response to rotavirus vaccine immunization and ro-tavirus-specific antibodies in the mother′s milk and serum in recent years. However, results of some studies are in conflict. In this review, we summarize the relationship between maternal antibodies and the immune responses after vaccination with rotavirus vaccines in order to provide basis for improving the efficacy of rota-virus vaccines in low-income countries.
ABSTRACT
Rotavirus is one of the most common causes of gastroenteritis among children under five years of age worldwide. Most children are infected with rotavirus in their early childhood. Currently, no ef-fective treatment is available for diarrhea caused by rotavirus infection, and vaccination is the most effective way to prevent rotavirus infection. With the introduction of rotavirus vaccines, the morbidity and mortality of severe diarrhea in children caused by rotavirus infection are declined significantly, but these rotavirus vac-cines have significantly lower efficacy in developing countries in Africa and some countries in Asia where the mortality of rotavirus-related diseases is high than in developed countries. High titers of maternal antibodies may be one of the reasons why the efficacy of rotavirus vaccines is low in these countries. Extensive studies have been conducted on the relationship between neonatal response to rotavirus vaccine immunization and ro-tavirus-specific antibodies in the mother′s milk and serum in recent years. However, results of some studies are in conflict. In this review, we summarize the relationship between maternal antibodies and the immune responses after vaccination with rotavirus vaccines in order to provide basis for improving the efficacy of rota-virus vaccines in low-income countries.