Virus-like particles in vaccine development

Abstract

Virus-like particles (VLPs) are multiprotein structures that mimic the organization and conformation of authentic native viruses but lack the viral genome, potentially yielding safer and cheaper vaccine candidates. A handful of prophylactic VLP-based vaccines is currently commercialized worldwide: GlaxoSmithKline's Engerix (hepatitis B virus) and Cervarix (human papillomavirus), and Merck and Co., Inc.'s Recombivax HB (hepatitis B virus) and Gardasil (human papillomavirus) are some examples. Other VLP-based vaccine candidates are in clinical trials or undergoing preclinical evaluation, such as, influenza virus, parvovirus, Norwalk and various chimeric VLPs. Many others are still restricted to small-scale fundamental research, despite their success in preclinical tests. This article focuses on the essential role of VLP technology in new-generation vaccines against prevalent and emergent diseases. The implications of large-scale VLP production are discussed in the context of process control, monitorization and optimization. The main up- and down-stream technical challenges are identified and discussed accordingly. Successful VLP-based vaccine blockbusters are briefly presented concomitantly with the latest results from clinical trials and the recent developments in chimeric VLP-based technology for either therapeutic or prophylactic vaccination.

Vaccinating captive chimpanzees to save wild chimpanzees

“…Therefore, we chose to test a new virus-like particle (VLP) that does not contain an entire replicating virus but only a fragment of viral coat protein. Because they do not cause infection, VLP-based vaccines are particularly safe and several have been recently approved for human use (12). We tested a VLP vaccine based on the virulent Zaire species of EBOV that previously has been given to more than 80 captive macaques without serious health complications (13).…”

Applications of immunochemistry in human health: advances in vaccinology and antibody design (IUPAC Technical Report)

“…Examples of VLP-based vaccines are the hepatitis B vaccine made from the surface antigen, and the human papillomavirus vaccine made from the L1 surface protein, which both spontaneously form VLPs in solution [184][185][186]. Recently, several VLP-based vaccine candidates have entered clinical investigations with the aim of developing further VLP-based vaccines [187][188][189].…”

Functional Virus-Like Particles Production Using Silkworm and Their Application in Life Science

“…Removal of endotoxin in VLPs originated from E.coli is needed for its vaccine application [35]. No E.coli-derived VLP vaccine has reached the market yet [36]. Alternatively, a food-grade bacterium, Lactococcuslactis, has been used as a vehicle for the production and oral delivery of HPV L1 protein [37].…”

“…These particles can be used as vaccine adjuvants because an antigen-presenting cell (APCs) takes up them. Now four yeast-based VLP vaccines have been already approved for commercialization [36].…”