What is Your Role in the LWNVIVAT Project?
Together with Michael Hust and Federico Bertoglio, I produce WNV antigens and virus-like particles (VLPs) and generate antibodies against WNV using phage display.
What is the Primary Goal of Your Research?
The primary goal of my research is to develop a flexible insect cell-based expression platform. This platform is designed to produce various VLPs for vaccination and for generating neutralizing antibodies and other therapeutics. I also aim to functionalize VLPs for broader applications.
What is a WNV-VLP?
A WNV-VLP is an empty virus shell made from WNV surface proteins. These particles resemble the infectious WNV particle but are non-infectious. They contain no viral genetic material, making them completely safe.
What is the Potential of WNV-VLPs?
WNV-VLPs can serve as a standalone vaccine. However, we aim to enhance their effectiveness by combining them with generated antibodies to boost immune response. Additionally, we will use WNV-VLPs for antibody generation via phage display and test their neutralizing ability in cell-based assays.
How Do You Produce These VLPs?
We produce VLPs using insect cells, which support high production levels and complex post-translational modifications. Instead of using the Baculovirus Expression Vector System (BEVS), we rely on a plasmid-based transient expression system. This method allows us to test multiple constructs and identify the optimal composition quickly, within 96 hours. It also avoids contamination from baculovirus or baculoviral proteins, which is a common challenge with BEVS. Moreover, it maintains high cell viability, ensuring high-quality VLP production.
What Are the Latest Results You Have Achieved?
We have successfully constructed multiple expression vectors, produced initial antigens, and tested WNV-VLP compositions from WNV strain 1. Our efforts have been validated using ELISA, NTA, and TEM techniques.
What Are the Next Steps in Your Research?
Our next goal is to develop an assay to measure the fusion of WNV-VLPs with cells. This will allow us to test antibody candidates for neutralization. Additionally, we plan to collect blood samples for generating immune antibody phage libraries.
