EDIII-Fc induces protective immune responses against the Zika virus in mice and rhesus macaque

In this study, we designed a fusion protein named EDIII-Fc, including the EDIII region of Zika E protein and human IgG Fc fragment, and obtained 293T cells that stably secreted EDIII-Fc protein using the lentiviral expression system. Mice were immunized with the EDIII-Fc protein, and it was observed that viral replication was significantly inhibited in the immunized mice compared to non-immunized mice. In rhesus macaques, we found that EDIII-Fc effectively induce the secretion of neutralizing antibodies and T cell immunity. These experimental data provide valid data for further use ofZika virus E protein to prepare an effective, safe, affordable Zika vaccine.
Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases - Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Source Type: research