ZIKV-envelope proteins induce specific humoral and cellular immunity in distinct mice strains

Author(s)

Santos Lunardelli, Victoria Alves ; Apostolico, Juliana de Souza ; Santos Souza, Higo Fernando ; Coirada, Fernanda Caroline ; Martinho, Jessica Amaral ; Astray, Renato Mancini ; Boscardin, Silvia Beatriz ; Rosa, Daniela Santoro

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: SCIENTIFIC REPORTS; v. 12, n. 1, p. 13-pg., 2022-09-21.

Abstract

Recent outbreaks of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection have highlighted the need for a better understanding of ZIKV-specific immune responses. The ZIKV envelope glycoprotein (E-ZIKV) is the most abundant protein on the virus surface and it is the main target of the protective immune response. E-ZIKV protein contains the central domain (EDI), a dimerization domain containing the fusion peptide (EDII), and a domain that binds to the cell surface receptor (EDIII). In this study, we performed a systematic comparison of the specific immune response induced by different E-ZIKV recombinant proteins (E-ZIKV, EDI/IIZIKV or EDIIIZIKV) in two mice strains. Immunization induced high titers of E-specific antibodies which recognized ZIKV-infected cells and neutralized the virus. Furthermore, immunization with E-ZIKV, EDI/IIZIKV and EDIIIZIKV proteins induced specific IFN gamma-producing cells and polyfunctional CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells. Finally, we identified 4 peptides present in the envelope protein (E1-20, E51-70, E351-370 and E361-380), capable of inducing a cellular immune response to the H-2K(d) and H-2K(b) haplotypes. In summary, our work provides a detailed assessment of the immune responses induced after immunization with different regions of the ZIKV envelope protein. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/05320-7 - Analysis of humoral immune response after immunization or infection using Zika virus recombinant envelope proteins
• Grantee: Victória Alves Santos Lunardelli
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• FAPESP's process: 17/17471-7 - Antigenicity and immunogenicity of Zika virus envelope recombinant proteins
• Grantee: Daniela Santoro Rosa
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 21/13004-0 - Development of subunit vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 based on the receptor binding domain (RBD)
• Grantee: Daniela Santoro Rosa
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants