Revolutionary virus-like particles (VLP) vaccines have proven particularly useful in curtailing the harm brought on by infectious diseases. Our firm provides the developing service VLP, by collaborating with several specialists within the industry.
Overview of Virus-like Particle Vaccines
Virus-like particle vaccines constitute a viable vaccine development approach aimed at stemming the sundry of infectious diseases. VLPs consist of some structural proteins, which mimic the outer coating of a viral capsule, that do not contain any genetic material required to replicate the virus. This particular feature renders VLPs avirulent yet capable of inducing a potent immune response.
Fig. 1 Mature flaviviruses or mature virus-like particles (VLPs). (Castilho L R, et al., 2023)
Immune Mechanisms of Virus-like Particle Vaccines
The mechanism by which virus-like particle (VLP) vaccines work involves various processes forging multiple immune responses. VLP vaccine activity mechanisms are being demonstrated in this section using a step-wise approach.
| Steps |
Description |
| Recognition by Antigen-Presenting Cells (APCs) |
Upon introduction into the body, the VLP vaccine is identified by specialized immune cells known as antigen-presenting cells (APCs). |
| Antigen Presentation |
These APCs engulf the VLPs and process them, presenting viral antigens to T cells. |
| T Cell Activation |
This interaction of antigens with T cells activates specific subsets of T cells, including CD4+ T helper cells and CD8+ cytotoxic T cells. |
| B Cell Activation |
CD4+ T cells promote cytokine release and activate B cells. B cells differentiate into plasma cells, which produce antibodies that can recognize and neutralize the target virus. |
| Memory Cell Formation |
VLP vaccines can induce the production of memory B cells and memory T cells. These cells enable a rapid and strong immune response upon subsequent exposure to the actual virus. |
Typical Virus-like Particle Vaccines
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine
The HPV vaccine is one of the most well-known and successful VLP vaccines. HPV vaccines utilize VLPs composed of the main capsid protein, L1, which mimics the outer shell of the virus. VLP vaccines targeting various HPV strains have demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing HPV infections.
- Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Vaccine
Similarly, the hepatitis B VLP also falls in the category of VLP-based vaccines. The VLP vaccine for hepatitis B consists of VLPs displaying the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Such vaccines prevent hepatitis B infection by inducing an immune response against HBsAg.
Our Services
Our company boasts of being the foremost in the infectious disease research which further allows us to specialize in developing virus like particle (VLP) vaccines. Utilizing our past experience and providing the utmost attention to all the details during the development process, we guarantee that the research can be further improved with our support.
Development Process of Virus-like Particle Vaccines
An antigen is an antibody-inducing substance that is often a structural protein used in the assembly of the protein capsid or envelop of a virus. An antigen is also a substance that is able to elicit a specific immune response in the body and be regarded as immunogenic.
The genes which encode for the antigens are transfected in a suitable expression system and then they are cloned. The VLPs formed by the expressed antigens self-assemble into the protein that mimics the virion.
The further procedure is to isolate the VLPs from the rest of the cell components as well as other contaminants. To realize high purity and remove unwanted substances, chromatography and filtration techniques are utilized.
Before any clinical trial is conducted for VLP vaccines, they are thoroughly evaluated on animal models for safety, immunogenicity, and protective efficacy.
VLPs are generally combined with other components alongside adjuvants to develop a stronger immune response. The aim of vaccine formulation optimization is to bring the vaccine into a state that achieves the desired immune response as well as stability.
Methods like electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering and biochemical assays are employed to evaluate the dimensions, form and the biochemical makeup of the VLPs.
Optional Infectious Diseases
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
- Hepatitis B
- Influenza
- Norovirus
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
- Ebola Virus
- Dengue Fever
- Zika Virus
- And More
Our firm is focused on the research and development of VLP vaccines. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us for more details and quotation information of related services.
References
- Castilho L R, Mattos N R, Abreu W S, et al. Virus-like particles (VLPs) as important tools for Flavivirus vaccine development[J]. Biologics, 2022, 2(4): 226-242.
- Kheirvari M, Liu H, Tumban E. Virus-like particle vaccines and platforms for vaccine development[J]. Viruses, 2023, 15(5): 1109.
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