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Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus-Like Particles (VEEVLPs)

Background VEEVLPs Services Highlights FAQs Published Data

Background

Equipped with advanced technology and a skilled team, Creative Biolabs offers premium Alphavirus VLP services, utilizing both Pichia pastoris and baculovirus expression systems. Our services include custom recombinant plasmid packaging, VLP purification, titer determination, and comprehensive in vitro and in vivo evaluations, ensuring top-quality solutions for vaccine research and gene therapy applications at competitive prices.

  • Overview of Alphavirus VLPs

Alphaviruses, such as western equine encephalitis virus (WEEV), eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV), and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV), belong to the category of single-stranded positive-sense RNA-enveloped viruses. The envelope proteins of Alphavirus exhibit icosahedral symmetry, with E2 and E1 glycoproteins forming heterodimers that assemble into 80 trimers. These trimers play a crucial role in receptor interaction and mediating virus-cell membrane fusion. When Alphavirus serves as a vector for gene transfer, the Alphavirus replicon contains cis-acting sequences at both the 5ʹ and 3ʹ ends of the viral genome, as well as all non-structural protein genes. The foreign gene replaces the structural protein ORF, which is then transcribed by the provided helper RNA before being packaged into virus-like particles (VLPs). These replicons enter susceptible host cells and replicate using the viral RNA polymerase complex encoded within the replicons. Alphavirus VLPs closely resemble genuine viruses in appearance and immunogenicity but lack the ability to spread the virus. As a result, they have numerous applications in vaccine research and production.

Structural diagram of Alphavirus VLPs. (Sutton, et al, 2023) Fig.1 Structure of Alphavirus VLPs.1
  • Application of VEEVLPs

The Alphavirus VLPs from Creative Biolabs provide numerous benefits, including customized gene therapy capabilities and versatile applications in vaccine research and development, gene therapy, and various other fields. Figure 2 illustrates the construction of hACE2 with VEEV replicon particles (VEEV-VRP-hACE2), which is one of the Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus-like particles (VEEVLPs), composed of the VEEV-hACE2 replicon along with two helper RNAs, each expressing the structural protein separately. To generate the VEEVLPs, the hACE2 gene, fused with an S tag sequence, was inserted into a VEEV-TC83 infectious clone, replacing the natural viral capsid structural protein. The two helper RNAs had the VEEV genome, covering most of the nsP4 gene, removed, and a TAA stop codon was introduced at the 3' terminus of the nsP3 gene. Capsid and envelope genes were inserted and expressed independently.

The construction of hACE2 with VEEV replicon particles (VEEV-VRP-hACE2). (Zhang, et al, 2020)Fig.2 Schematic illustration of VEEV-hACE2 replicon and helper RNA genomes and transduction of host cells with VEEVLPs.2

Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus-Like Particles Services

Creative Biolabs is dedicated to delivering top-notch Alphavirus VLP services worldwide. These VLPs are generated using two distinct expression systems: one based on the yeast Pichia pastoris and the other utilizing baculovirus (BEVS). We offer tailored services encompassing recombinant plasmid packaging for Alphavirus VLPs, along with purification and titer determination. Moreover, we provide a comprehensive approach that involves evaluating VLP protein expression and synthesis through western blotting, immunofluorescence indirect (IFI), and electron microscopy techniques in vitro, and conduct immunogenicity studies of Alphavirus VLPs in vivo upon request. For detailed information, please reach out to us and request a quote. We guarantee a response within 24 hours and will collaborate with you to devise the optimal strategy for your project.

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Highlights

  • Broad Research Applications: VEEVLPs are used in diverse research areas, including vaccine development, gene therapy, and virology studies, making them a valuable tool for understanding viral mechanisms and developing therapeutic interventions.
  • Customizable Design: The service offers extensive customization of VEEVLPs, including the ability to insert various genes or proteins into the VEEVLP structure, allowing for tailored research outcomes specific to the needs of different projects.
  • High-Quality Production Systems: VEEVLPs are produced using advanced yeast and baculovirus expression systems, ensuring the generation of high-quality particles with consistent structural integrity and biological activity, suitable for rigorous scientific research.
  • Comprehensive Analytical Support: Creative Biolabs provides a full suite of analytical services for VEEVLPs, including in vitro and in vivo testing, western blot analysis, immunofluorescence, and electron microscopy, ensuring detailed characterization and validation of VEEVLPs.
  • Efficient and Scalable Packaging: Creative Biolabs offers efficient recombinant plasmid packaging services for the production of high-titer VEEVLPs, enabling scalable production that meets the demands of both small-scale research and larger preclinical studies.

FAQs

Q: What are VEEVLPs and their primary use?

A: VEEVLPs are virus-like particles derived from the Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus. They resemble the natural virus in structure and immunogenicity but lack the ability to replicate. These particles are primarily used in vaccine development, gene therapy, and research to safely mimic viral infection without the risk of spreading the actual virus.

Q: How were the VEEVLPs used in the experiment produced?

A: VEEVLPs are generated by replacing the structural protein of the VEEV genome with a foreign gene, using helper RNAs to package the gene into virus-like particles. These are then produced using expression systems such as yeast or baculovirus, ensuring high-yield production for various research applications.

Q: What are the advantages of using VEEVLPs in gene therapy compared to other delivery vectors?

A: VEEVLPs offer significant advantages in gene therapy, including high transduction efficiency, the ability to target specific cells or tissues, and a lower risk of eliciting an immune response. These features make VEEVLPs a promising option for achieving more precise and effective gene delivery compared to traditional vectors.

Q: In what types of research can VEEVLPs be utilized?

A: VEEVLPs are widely used in vaccine research, gene therapy, and the study of viral infections. Their ability to mimic natural viral infections without spreading makes them valuable tools in developing new therapies and understanding immune responses to viruses.

Q: What are the customization options for VEEVLP services?

A: VEEVLPs are used to deliver antigens in a way that mimics a natural infection, thereby eliciting a robust immune response. This property makes them highly effective in preclinical vaccine development, where they help in studying immune responses and optimizing vaccine formulations.

Q: What quality control measures are in place for VEEVLP production?

A: Quality control for VEEVLPs includes various assessments such as western blotting, immunofluorescence indirect (IFI), and electron microscopy to ensure proper protein expression and particle formation. These rigorous checks guarantee that the VLPs produced are of high quality and suitable for research.

Published Data

lphavirus replicon particles (VRPs) were employed in this study to deliver a vaccine targeting the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant. The VRPs were constructed using a Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) replicon encoding the prefusion-stabilized spike protein of the Omicron variant. These particles are capable of self-replicating within the host cells, enhancing the expression of the spike protein and activating an immune response. The experimental results demonstrated that VRP-S-2P, when administered to mice and hamsters, induced strong antibody responses and provided robust protection against the Omicron variant. Specifically, intraperitoneal (IP) and intramuscular (IM) routes of administration were most effective, significantly reducing viral loads in the lungs and preventing lung lesions in challenged animals. These findings suggest that VRPs are a potent platform for vaccine development, particularly against rapidly evolving viral variants.

Detection results of VRP delivery efficiency of self-Replicating VEEV-S-2P replicon. Fig.3 IIF and WB Detection results of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein following transfection with VEEV-S-2P and infection with VRP-S-2P.3

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References

  1. Sutton, Matthew S., et al. "Vaccine elicitation and structural basis for antibody protection against alphaviruses." Cell 186.12 (2023): 2672-2689.
  2. Zhang, Ya-Nan, et al. "A mouse model for SARS-CoV-2 infection by exogenous delivery of hACE2 using alphavirus replicon particles." Cell Research 30.11 (2020): 1046-1048.
  3. Zhang, Hong-Qing, et al. "An alphavirus replicon particle delivering prefusion-stabilized spike protein provides potent immunoprotection against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant." Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy 7.1 (2022): 390.
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