Metabolism of Sf9 cells in the production of rabies VLP using recombinant baculoviruses and chemically defined medium

• Grant number: 25/22487-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: December 01, 2025
• End date: November 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Technology
• Principal Investigator: Eutimio Gustavo Fernández Núñez
• Grantee: Mônica Calazans dos Reis Santos
• Host Institution: Escola de Artes, Ciências e Humanidades (EACH). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/02713-3 - Establishment of scalable bioprocesses for producing virus-like particles, AP.PNGP.PI

Abstract

Rabies remains a serious global public health threat, responsible for thousands of deaths each year, particularly in regions with limited access to immunization programs. In this context, virus-like particle (VLP)-based vaccines emerge as a promising alternative, combining high immunogenicity and safety with potentially reduced costs. The baculovirus-insect cell system (IC-BEVS), particularly using insect cells of the Spodoptera frugiperda lineage (Sf9), cultivated in chemically defined medium, represents a robust and scalable platform for this type of production. This project aims to investigate the metabolism of Sf9 cells during the production of rabies VLP, comparing cultures in Schott flasks and bioreactors to identify the factors that most influence productivity and particle quality. Biochemical parameters and metabolic profiles will be analyzed, along with structural and protein characterization of the VLP. It is expected that the results will allow the proposal of feeding strategies capable of preventing the depletion of limiting substrates and, eventually, reducing the accumulation of toxic by-products, while extending the productive phase and leading to more efficient and reproducible protocols. Ultimately, this work seeks to contribute to the development of innovative vaccine platforms, expanding access to safe and effective rabies vaccines and strengthening biotechnology as a strategic field for public health.