Abstract
Background: Virus-like particles (VLPs) could be improved into successful immunogens as well as a potent delivery vehicle, but however, the current expression systems for VLPs production have some limitations.
Method: Recently, we developed a novel strategy to produce two HCV VLPs containing core or coreE1E2 proteins using stably transfected Leishmania tarentolae promastigotes. Then, BALB/c mice were injected by both viral like particles in different immunization strategies such as homologous DNA-, homologous VLP-, and heterologous DNA/ VLP-based immunizations.
Results: TEM microscopy indicated HCV core and HCV coreE1E2 VLP assembly with average size of 30-40 and 40-60 nm after purification, respectively. Our results showed that homologous immunizations with both HCV core or coreE1E2 VLPs significantly induced anti-core or anti- coreE1E2 antibody responses, respectively as well as secretion of IFN-γ cytokine as compared to other strategies. Moreover, DNA-prime/VLP-boost regimens significantly elicited higher levels of IFN-γ and antibody responses in comparison with homologous DNA/DNA regimens. The groups immunized with homologous or heterologous coreE1E2 VLPs showed markedly higher immune responses as compared to groups immunized with core VLP regimens against coreE1E2 protein.
Conclusion: The crude HCV VLPs generated by Leishmania expression system could elicit a Th1- type response as a promising vaccine candidate against HCV infections.
Keywords: Core, CoreE1E2, DNA, HCV, Leishmania tarentolae, Viral like particle (VLP).
Graphical Abstract
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Advances of natural products, bio-actives and novel drug delivery system against emerging viral infections
Due to the increasing prevalence of viral infections and the ability of these human pathogens to develop resistance to current treatment strategies, there is a great need to find and develop new compounds to combat them. These molecules must have low toxicity, specific activity and high bioavailability. The most suitable ...read more
Electrospun Fibers as Drug Delivery Systems
In recent years, electrospun fibers have attracted considerable attention as potential platforms for drug delivery due to their distinctive properties and adaptability. These fibers feature a notable surface area-to-volume ratio and can be intentionally designed with high porosity, facilitating an increased capacity for drug loading and rendering them suitable for ...read more
Emerging Nanotherapeutics for Mitigation of Neurodegenerative Disorders
Conditions affecting the central nervous system (CNS) present a significant hurdle due to limited access of both treatments and diagnostic tools for the brain. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) acts as a barrier, restricting the passage of molecules from the bloodstream into the brain. The most formidable challenge facing scientists is ...read more
Nanotechnology Based Chemotherapy for the treatment of Head & Neck Cancer
The escalating recurrence rates observed in Head and Neck cancer, particularly within the chemo-therapeutically treated cohort (50-60%), can be attributed to the non-selective nature of current anticancer drug delivery modalities. In this context, nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems emerge as a promising avenue for achieving precise localization of therapeutic agents to ...read more
Related Journals
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry
Anti-Inflammatory & Anti-Allergy Agents in Medicinal Chemistry
Current Bioactive Compounds
Current Cancer Drug Targets
Combinatorial Chemistry & High Throughput Screening
Current Cancer Therapy Reviews
Current Diabetes Reviews
Current Drug Safety
Current Drug Targets
Current Drug Therapy
Related Books
Drug Addiction Mechanisms in the Brain
Software and Programming Tools in Pharmaceutical Research
Objective Pharmaceutics: A Comprehensive Compilation of Questions and Answers for Pharmaceutics Exam Prep
Biotechnology and Drug Development for Targeting Human Diseases
Medicinal Chemistry of Drugs Affecting Cardiovascular and Endocrine Systems
Enzymatic Targets for Drug Discovery Against Alzheimer's Disease
Medicinal Plants, Phytomedicines and Traditional Herbal Remedies for Drug Discovery and Development against COVID-19
Advanced Pharmacy
Plant-derived Hepatoprotective Drugs
Brain Tumor Targeting Drug Delivery Systems: Advanced Nanoscience for Theranostics Applications
24