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Miura K, Pham TP, Lee SM, Plieskatt J, Diouf A, Sagara I, Coelho CH, Duffy PE, Wu Y, Long CA. Development and Qualification of an Antigen Integrity Assay for a Plasmodium falciparum Malaria Transmission Blocking Vaccine Candidate, Pfs230. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10101628. [PMID: 36298492 PMCID: PMC9607959 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10101628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
During development of a subunit vaccine, monitoring integrity of the recombinant protein for process development and quality control is critical. Pfs230 is a leading malaria transmission blocking vaccine candidate and the first to reach a Phase 2 clinical trial. The Pfs230 protein is expressed on the surface of gametes, and plays an important role in male fertility. While the potency of Pfs230 protein can be determined by a standard membrane-feeding assay (SMFA) using antibodies from immunized subjects, the precision of a general in vivo potency study is known to be poor and is also time-consuming. Therefore, using a well-characterized Pfs230 recombinant protein and two human anti-Pfs230 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), which have functional activity judged by SMFA, a sandwich ELISA-based in vitro potency assay, called the Antigen Integrity Assay (AIA), was developed. Multiple validation parameters of AIA were evaluated to qualify the assay following International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) Q2(R1) guidelines. The AIA is a high throughput assay and demonstrated excellent precision (3.2 and 5.4% coefficients of variance for intra- and inter-assay variability, respectively) and high sensitivity (>12% impurity in a sample can be detected). General methodologies and the approach to assay validation described herein are amenable to any subunit vaccine as long as more than two functional, non-competing mAbs are available. Thus, this study supports future subunit vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazutoyo Miura
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Thao P. Pham
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Shwu-Maan Lee
- PATH’s Malaria Vaccine Initiative (MVI), Washington, DC 20001, USA
| | - Jordan Plieskatt
- PATH’s Malaria Vaccine Initiative (MVI), Washington, DC 20001, USA
| | - Ababacar Diouf
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Issaka Sagara
- Malaria Research and Training Centre, University of Science, Techniques and Technologies, Bamako 1805, Mali
| | - Camila H. Coelho
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Patrick E. Duffy
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Yimin Wu
- PATH’s Malaria Vaccine Initiative (MVI), Washington, DC 20001, USA
| | - Carole A. Long
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
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Zolfaghari Emameh R, Barker HR, Turpeinen H, Parkkila S, Hytönen VP. A reverse vaccinology approach on transmembrane carbonic anhydrases from Plasmodium species as vaccine candidates for malaria prevention. Malar J 2022; 21:189. [PMID: 35706028 PMCID: PMC9199335 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04186-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria is a significant parasitic infection, and human infection is mediated by mosquito (Anopheles) biting and subsequent transmission of protozoa (Plasmodium) to the blood. Carbonic anhydrases (CAs) are known to be highly expressed in the midgut and ectoperitrophic space of Anopheles gambiae. Transmembrane CAs (tmCAs) in Plasmodium may be potential vaccine candidates for the control and prevention of malaria. METHODS In this study, two groups of transmembrane CAs, including α-CAs and one group of η-CAs were analysed by immunoinformatics and computational biology methods, such as predictions on transmembrane localization of CAs from Plasmodium spp., affinity and stability of different HLA classes, antigenicity of tmCA peptides, epitope and proteasomal cleavage of Plasmodium tmCAs, accessibility of Plasmodium tmCAs MHC-ligands, allergenicity of Plasmodium tmCAs, disulfide-bond of Plasmodium tmCAs, B cell epitopes of Plasmodium tmCAs, and Cell type-specific expression of Plasmodium CAs. RESULTS Two groups of α-CAs and one group of η-CAs in Plasmodium spp. were identified to contain tmCA sequences, having high affinity towards MHCs, high stability, and strong antigenicity. All putative tmCAs were predicted to contain sequences for proteasomal cleavage in antigen presenting cells (APCs). CONCLUSIONS The predicted results revealed that tmCAs from Plasmodium spp. can be potential targets for vaccination against malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Zolfaghari Emameh
- Department of Energy and Environmental Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), 14965/161, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Harlan R Barker
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | | | - Seppo Parkkila
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.,Fimlab Laboratories Ltd and Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Vesa P Hytönen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.,Fimlab Laboratories Ltd and Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
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3
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Ren L, Zhang Z, Zhang X, Kong Z, Li S, Zhao Q. In situ analysis of biomolecular interactions on nano/microparticles in formulations. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2021; 201:114130. [PMID: 33992988 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2021.114130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Nano/microparticle-based formulations are attracting more and more attention in the drug and vaccine formulation field. Analytical methodologies are needed for analyzing the function of the protein molecules before and after their adsorption onto particles. Here, we report a fluorescence imaging-based high content analysis (HCA) for analyzing bimolecular interactions on the particle surface. Subtle conformational alteration of antigen epitope overlapping were shown to be feasible using this microplate-based HCA method. This HCA is highly amenable for automation, making it a method of choice for early formulation development as well as for stability test of products in late stage development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijie Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361105, PR China; School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361105, PR China
| | - Zhigang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361105, PR China; School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361105, PR China
| | - Xinyuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361105, PR China; School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361105, PR China
| | - Zhibo Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361105, PR China; School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361105, PR China
| | - Shaowei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361105, PR China; School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361105, PR China
| | - Qinjian Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361105, PR China; School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361105, PR China.
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4
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Doering J, Czajka T, Yates JL, Donini O, Mantis NJ. Potency determination of ricin toxin using a monoclonal antibody-based competition assay. J Immunol Methods 2020; 486:112844. [PMID: 32891616 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2020.112844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Mouse challenge studies with death as an endpoint remain the gold standard in assessing the potency of ricin toxin, a Category B biothreat agent derived from the castor bean (Ricinus communis). However, animal studies are expensive, time consuming and ethically concerning. In an effort to reduce reliance on animals in vaccine development, we developed a monoclonal antibody (MAb)-based ricin competition ELISA (RiCoE) that indicates conformation integrity of ricin toxin. In forced degradation (heat-denaturation) experiments with native ricin holotoxin, we demonstrate a correlation between the decline in MAb reactivity in RiCoE and a corresponding loss of toxin potency in Vero cells (IC50) and mice (LD50). The RiCoE assay was applied to differentially sourced commercial lots of ricin toxin derived from R. communis blends and compared to toxin potency in mice. There was near perfect congruence between RiCoE values with two different MAbs (PB10, SyH7) and ricin potency in the mouse model using morbidity as an endpoint. In conclusion, we propose that RiCoE can serve as a rapid and sensitive substitute to mouse lethal dose challenge studies as a means to determine ricin toxin potency and will be valuable at various stages of vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Doering
- Division of Infectious Disease, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12208, United States of America
| | - Timothy Czajka
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University at Albany, Albany, NY 12201, United States of America
| | - Jennifer L Yates
- Division of Infectious Disease, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12208, United States of America
| | - Oreola Donini
- Soligenix, Inc., Princeton, NJ 08540, United States of America
| | - Nicholas J Mantis
- Division of Infectious Disease, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12208, United States of America; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University at Albany, Albany, NY 12201, United States of America.
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Khodadad N, Seyedian SS, Moattari A, Biparva Haghighi S, Pirmoradi R, Abbasi S, Makvandi M. In silico functional and structural characterization of hepatitis B virus PreS/S-gene in Iranian patients infected with chronic hepatitis B virus genotype D. Heliyon 2020; 6:e04332. [PMID: 32695898 PMCID: PMC7365991 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) virus infection is the most prevalent chronic liver disease and has become a serious threat to human health. In this study, we attempted to specify and predict several properties including physicochemical, mutation sites, B-cell epitopes, phosphorylation sites, N-link, O-link glycosylation sites, and protein structures of S protein isolated from Ahvaz. Materials and methods Initially, hepatitis B virus DNA (HBV DNA) was extracted from five sera samples of untreated chronic hepatitis B patients. The full-length HBV genomes were amplified and then cloned in pTZ57 R/T vector. The full sequences of HBV were registered in the GenBank with accessions numbers (MK355500), (MK355501) and (MK693107-9). PROTSCALE, Expasy's ProtParam, immuneepitope, ABCpred, BcePred, Bepipred, Algpred, VaxiJen, SCRATCH, DiANNA, plus a number of online analytical processing tools were used to analyse and predict the preS/S gene of genotype D sequences. The present study is the first analytical research on samples obtained from Ahvaz. Results We found major hydrophilic region (MHR) mutations at "a" determining region that included K122R, N131T, F134Y, P142L, and T126N mutations. Moreover, Ahvaz sequences revealed four sites (4, 112, 166, and 309) in the preS/S gene for N-glycosylation that could possibly be a potential target for anti-HBV therapy. Conclusion In the present study, mutations were identified at positions T113S and N131T within the MHR region of S protein; these mutations can potentially decrease the effect of hepatitis B vaccination in vaccine recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nastaran Khodadad
- Infectious and Tropical Disease Research Center, Health Research Institute, and Department of Virology, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Seyed Saeed Seyedian
- Alimentary Tract Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Afagh Moattari
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Somayeh Biparva Haghighi
- Department of General Courses, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Roya Pirmoradi
- Infectious and Tropical Disease Research Center, Health Research Institute, and Department of Virology, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | | | - Manoochehr Makvandi
- Infectious and Tropical Disease Research Center, Health Research Institute, and Department of Virology, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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Westfall J, Yates JL, Van Slyke G, Ehrbar D, Measey T, Straube R, Donini O, Mantis NJ. Thermal stability and epitope integrity of a lyophilized ricin toxin subunit vaccine. Vaccine 2018; 36:5967-5976. [PMID: 30172637 PMCID: PMC6320669 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.08.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Revised: 08/18/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Biodefense vaccine are destined to be stockpiled for periods of time and deployed in the event of a public health emergency. In this report, we compared the potency of liquid and lyophilized (thermostabilized) formulations of a candidate ricin toxin subunit vaccine, RiVax, adsorbed to aluminum salts adjuvant, over a 12-month period. The liquid and lyophilized formulations were stored at stressed (40 °C) and unstressed (4 °C) conditions and evaluated at 3, 6 and 12-month time points for potency in a mouse model of lethal dose ricin challenge. At the same time points, the vaccine formulations were interrogated in vitro by competition ELISA for conformational integrity using a panel of three monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), PB10, WECB2, and SyH7, directed against known immunodominant toxin-neutralizing epitopes on RiVax. We found that the liquid vaccine under stress conditions declined precipitously within the first three months, as evidenced by a reduction in in vivo potency and concomitant loss of mAb recognition in vitro. In contrast, the lyophilized RiVax vaccine retained in vivo potency and conformational integrity for up to one year at 4 °C and 40 °C. We discuss the utility of monitoring the integrity of one or more toxin-neutralizing epitopes on RiVax as a possible supplement to animal studies to assess vaccine potency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Westfall
- Division of Infectious Disease, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12208, United States
| | - Jennifer L Yates
- Division of Infectious Disease, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12208, United States
| | - Greta Van Slyke
- Division of Infectious Disease, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12208, United States
| | - Dylan Ehrbar
- Division of Infectious Disease, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12208, United States
| | | | | | | | - Nicholas J Mantis
- Division of Infectious Disease, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12208, United States.
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Abstract
Compared with biologics, vaccine potency assays represent a special challenge due to their unique compositions, multivalency, long life cycles and global distribution. Historically, vaccines were released using in vivo potency assays requiring immunization of dozens of animals. Modern vaccines use a variety of newer analytical tools including biochemical, cell-based and immunochemical methods to measure potency. The choice of analytics largely depends on the mechanism of action and ability to ensure lot-to-lot consistency. Live vaccines often require cell-based assays to ensure infectivity, whereas recombinant vaccine potency can be reliably monitored with immunoassays. Several case studies are presented to demonstrate the relationship between mechanism of action and potency assay. A high-level decision tree is presented to assist with assay selection.
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Huang X, Wang X, Zhang J, Xia N, Zhao Q. Escherichia coli-derived virus-like particles in vaccine development. NPJ Vaccines 2017; 2:3. [PMID: 29263864 PMCID: PMC5627247 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-017-0006-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Revised: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Recombinant virus-like particle-based vaccines are composed of viral structural proteins and mimic authentic native viruses but are devoid of viral genetic materials. They are the active components in highly safe and effective vaccines for the prevention of infectious diseases. Several expression systems have been used for virus-like particle production, ranging from Escherichia coli to mammalian cell lines. The prokaryotic expression system, especially Escherichia coli, is the preferred expression host for producing vaccines for global use. Hecolin, the first licensed virus-like particle vaccine derived from Escherichia coli, has been demonstrated to possess good safety and high efficacy. In this review, we focus on Escherichia coli-derived virus-like particle based vaccines and vaccine candidates that are used for prevention (immunization against microbial pathogens) or disease treatment (directed against cancer or non-infectious diseases). The native-like spatial or higher-order structure is essential for the function of virus-like particles. Thus, the tool box for analyzing the key physicochemical, biochemical and functional attributes of purified virus-like particles will also be discussed. In summary, the Escherichia coli expression system has great potentials for producing a range of proteins with self-assembling properties to be used as vaccine antigens given the proper epitopes were preserved when compared to those in the native pathogens or disease-related target molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofen Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102 PR China.,School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102 PR China
| | - Xin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102 PR China.,School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102 PR China
| | - Jun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102 PR China.,School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102 PR China
| | - Ningshao Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102 PR China.,School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102 PR China.,School of Life Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102 PR China
| | - Qinjian Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102 PR China.,School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102 PR China
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Zhang X, Xin L, Li S, Fang M, Zhang J, Xia N, Zhao Q. Lessons learned from successful human vaccines: Delineating key epitopes by dissecting the capsid proteins. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2016; 11:1277-92. [PMID: 25751641 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2015.1016675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Recombinant VLP-based vaccines have been successfully used against 3 diseases caused by viral infections: Hepatitis B, cervical cancer and hepatitis E. The VLP approach is attracting increasing attention in vaccine design and development for human and veterinary use. This review summarizes the clinically relevant epitopes on the VLP antigens in successful human vaccines. These virion-like epitopes, which can be delineated with molecular biology, cryo-electron microscopy and x-ray crystallographic methods, are the prerequisites for these efficacious vaccines to elicit functional antibodies. The critical epitopes and key factors influencing these epitopes are discussed for the HEV, HPV and HBV vaccines. A pentamer (for HPV) or a dimer (for HEV and HBV), rather than a monomer, is the basic building block harboring critical epitopes for the assembly of VLP antigen. The processing and formulation of VLP-based vaccines need to be developed to promote the formation and stabilization of these epitopes in the recombinant antigens. Delineating the critical epitopes is essential for antigen design in the early phase of vaccine development and for critical quality attribute analysis in the commercial phase of vaccine manufacturing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Zhang
- a State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics; National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases; Xiamen University ; Xiamen , Fujian , PR China
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