Non-cognate ligands of hepatitis C virus envelope broadly neutralizing antibodies induce virus-neutralizing sera in mice.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

The persistent rise in new Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections threatens WHO efforts to eliminate HCV infection by 2030. Although direct-acting antiviral (DAA) drugs are efficacious, access remains limited, reinfections occur, and perinatal infections continue to pose long-term complications. Therefore, an effective anti-HCV vaccine is urgently needed.

Methods

We employed a highly complex combinatorial Myomedin-loop scaffold library to identify variants binding to paratopes of HCV E2-specific broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) HC-1AM and HC84.26.WH.5DL. The selected binders, named SHB and WIN, respectively, represent non-cognate mimotopes of the aforementioned bNAbs. These binders were subsequently used as immunogens in experimental mice to elicit serum anti

SUBMITTER: Walimbwa SI 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12321816 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature