Expression of recombinant varicella-zoster virus gE Δ-Fc in CHO cells and analysis of its immunogenicity / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To express the recombinant varicella-zoster virus (VZV) gE Δ-Fc fusion protein using CHO cell expression system, and provide reference for screening candidate antigens of recombinant herpes zoster vaccines. Methods:A eukaryotic expression plasmid containing the gE Δ-Fc gene was transfected into CHO cells. Monoclonal cells were selected by methionine sulfoximine (MSX) pressure screening and limited dilution method to obtain the CHO cells secreting and expressing the gE Δ-Fc fusion protein. The expressed gE Δ-Fc fusion protein was purified by MabSelect SuRe affinity chromatography. The binding activity of gE Δ-Fc fusion protein to Fc receptors was identified by ELISA. Flow cytometry was used to detect the phagocytosis of antigens by DC2.4 cells. Antibody titers in serum samples of BALB/c mice immunized with the gE Δ-Fc fusion protein were detect by ELISA. Results:A CHO cell line stably expressing the gE Δ-Fc fusion protein was obtained. Flow cytometry suggested that the phagocytotic activity of DC2.4 cells against the gE Δ-Fc fusion protein was stronger than that against gE. Moreover, the gE Δ-Fc fusion protein could induce BALB/c mice to produce high titers of specific anti-VZV antibodies. Conclusions:The recombinant VZV gE Δ-Fc fusion protein expressed in CHO cells had a good immunogenicity. This study provided reference for screening candidate antigens of recombinant herpes zoster vaccines.