Construction of a recombinant avipoxvirus expressing the env gene of Zika virus as a novel putative preventive vaccine.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Zika virus (ZIKV) has been declared a public health emergency that requires development of an effective vaccine, as it might represent an international threat.

Methods

Here, two novel DNA-based (pVAXzenv) and fowlpox-based (FPzenv) recombinant putative vaccine candidates were constructed that contained the cPrME genes of ZIKV. The env gene inserted into the fowlpox vector was verified for correct transgene expression by Western blotting and by immunofluorescence in different cell lines. The production of virus-like particles as a result of env gene expression was also demonstrated by electron microscopy. BALB/c mice were immunosuppressed with dexamethasone and immunized following a prime-boost strategy in a heterologous protocol where pVAXzenv was followed by FPze

SUBMITTER: Zanotto C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7931497 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature