Characterization of cross-reactivity of coxsackievirus A2 VP1-specific polyclonal antibodies with enterovirus A71, coxsackievirus A16, and coxsackievirus A6

Coxsackievirus A2 (CVA2) is associated with multiple diseases in children. Currently, there is limited research on immunological detection methods for CVA2. Herein, the VP1 gene of CVA2 strain 201711, belonging to cluster 2 within genotype D, was analyzed. The structures of VP1 from CVA2 strains 201711, 7-1 and 12-1, enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) strain 201713, coxsackievirus A16 (CVA16) strain 201717, and coxsackievirus A6 (CVA6) strain JLS10 were compared. The Escherichia coli BL21(DE3)/pET vector system was employed to express the recombinant protein containing the entire VP1 of CVA2 strain 201711. Mice were immunized with the purified protein, and the sera were collected and used to specifically identify the VP1 in CVA2-infected RD cells by Western blot and immunofluorescence assay. There was no evident cross-reactivity of the sera with the VP1 of EV-A71, CVA16, and CVA6 strains mentioned above. Therefore, this study provided mouse-specific anti-CVA2 VP1 polyclonal antibodies for CVA2 detection.

Novel strategies for the development of hand, foot, and mouth disease vaccines and antiviral therapies

INTRODUCTION

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) poses a great threat to young children in the Asia-Pacific region. HFMD is usually caused by enterovirus A, and infection with enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) is particularly associated with severe complications. However, coxsackievirus CV-A16, CV-A6, and CV-A10 pandemics have been observed in recent HFMD outbreaks. Inactivated monovalent EV-A71 vaccines are available to prevent EV-A71 infection; however, they cannot prevent infections by non-EV-A71 enteroviruses. Anti-enteroviral drugs are still in the developmental stage. Application of novel strategies will facilitate the development of new therapies against these emerging HFMD-associated enteroviruses.

AREAS COVERED

The authors highlight the current approaches for anti-enterovirus therapeutic development and discuss the application of these novel strategies for the discovery of vaccines and antiviral drugs for enteroviruses.

EXPERT OPINION

The maturation of DNA/RNA vaccine technology could be applied for rapid and robust development of multivalent enterovirus vaccines. Structure biology and neutralization antibody studies decipher the immunodominant sites of enteroviruses for vaccine design. Nucleotide aptamer library screening is a novel, fast, and cost-effective strategy for the development of antiviral agents. Animal models carrying viral receptors and attachment factors are required for enterovirus study and vaccine/antiviral development. Currently developed antivirals require effectiveness evaluation in clinical trials.