Development of an mRNA Vaccine Against Zika virus Targeting the Domain III of the Envelope Protein

• Grant number: 24/08185-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: November 15, 2024
• End date: September 14, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Collective Health - Preventive Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Gustavo Cabral de Miranda
• Grantee: Nelson Côrtes de Oliveira
• Supervisor: Norbert Pardi
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: University of Pennsylvania, United States
• Associated to the scholarship: 21/03508-1 - Development of an effective and safe anti-Zika Virus vaccine using chimeric VLPs expressing Envelope Domain III (E-DIII) protein, BP.DD

Abstract

The Zika virus (ZIKV), a reemerging flavivirus, poses a significant public health threat primarily due to the high morbidity associated with congenital infection. Despite its severity, there are currently no licensed vaccines or specific therapies, complicating disease control efforts, especially in regions where other arboviruses are prevalent. While ZIKV symptoms are often mild and resemble those of other flaviviruses, severe neurological complications have been observed due to the virus's ability to target neural cells. The recent resurgence of ZIKV in India and the potential reemergence of the epidemic in Brazil underscore the urgency of reinforcing surveillance and advancing preventive strategies. As a prophylactic approach remains unresolved, in this study, we sought to produce an mRNA vaccine encoding the domain III of the E protein (E-DIII) for containing specific neutralizing epitopes, making it a promising target. mRNA vaccines have emerged as potent alternatives for viral diseases, offering rapid adaptation to emerging strains and scalability for mass production. Thus, we aim to utilize this methodology to contribute to the formulation of a vaccine candidate that enhances immune responses and ensures safety and efficacy in combating ZIKV infection.