Vaccine protocol in murine model, as a protection strategy against Zika Virus infection

• Grant number: 23/11479-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: November 01, 2023
• End date: April 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Immunology
• Principal Investigator: Maria Notomi Sato
• Grantee: Franciane Mouradian Emidio Teixeira
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina (FM). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 19/25119-7 - Maternal-fetal interface: immunopathogenesis and vaccinal intervention in viral infections, AP.TEM

Abstract

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection is an aggravating factor of public health, with high morbidity associated with congenital infection and, to date, there is no vaccine licensed for use. ZIKV infections in pregnant women and cases of congenital ZIKV syndrome remain active, which highlights the need to develop prophylactic vaccine strategies to face this scenario. In this project, we will work with an optimized DNA vaccine construction to potentiate the immune response. This proposal introduces an advanced and promising strategy for the development of an effective vaccine against ZIKV. The activities to be carried out consist of a theoretical-experimental approach for the rational design of a safe non-viral DNA-based vaccine formulation, the evaluation of the cellular and humoral immune response in a mouse model and its protective effect against the challenge of infection. (AU)