A self-aggregating peptide: Implications for the development of thermostable vaccine candidates

Abstract

Background: The use of biomaterials has been expanded to improve the characteristics of vaccines. Recently we have identified that the peptide PH(1-110) from polyhedrin self-aggregates and incorporates foreign proteins to form particles. We have proposed that this peptide can be used as an antigen carrying system for vaccines. However, the immune response generated by the antigen fused to the peptide has not been fully characterized. In addition, the adjuvant effect and thermostability of the particles has not been evaluated. Results: In the present study we demonstrate the use of a system developed to generate nano and microparticles carrying as a fusion protein peptides or proteins of interest to be used as vaccines. These particles are purified easily by centrifugation. Immunization of animals with the particles in the absence of adjuvant result in a robust and long-lasting immune response. Proteins contained inside the particles are maintained for over one year at ambient temperature, preserving their immunological properties. Conclusion: The rapid and efficient production of the particles in addition to the robust immune response they generate position this system as an excellent method for the rapid response against emerging diseases. The thermostability conferred by the particle system facilitates the distribution of the vaccines in developing countries or areas with no electricity.

Lyophilized yeast powder for adjuvant free thermostable vaccine delivery

“…The importance of vaccines can also be underscored by the fact that there is a race for vaccine development against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 responsible for present coronavirus disease of 2019 pandemic (Callaway 2020). As per World Health Organization estimates every year around 2-3 million lives are saved by vaccine application (Cruz-Reséndiz et al 2020). Still millions of individuals (out of which majority are children below 5 years of age) die from vaccine-preventable diseases.…”