A comparison of immunogenicity of norovirus GII‐4 virus‐like particles and P‐particles

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Abstract
Summary: Norovirus (NoV) ‐derived virus‐like particles (VLPs) resemble empty shells of the virus and NoV P‐particles contain only protruding domains of the NoV capsid. Both NoV‐derived subviral particles show similar functionality and antigenicity in vitro and are considered to be potential vaccine candidates against NoV gastroenteritis. BALB/c mice were immunized with baculovirus‐produced GII‐4 VLPs or the corresponding Escherichia coli‐produced P‐particles by the intramuscular or intradermal route and the NoV‐specific antibody and T‐cell immune responses were compared. Elevated antibody levels were induced with a single VLP immunization, whereas P‐particle immunization required a boost. High avidity antibodies were raised only by VLP immunization. VLP immunization resulted in a balanced T helper type 1/type 2 immune response whereas P‐particles induced a T helper type 2‐biased response. Only VLP immunization primed T cells for interferon‐γ production. Most importantly, cross‐reactive B and T cells were induced solely by VLP immunization. In addition, VLP antiserum blocked the binding of heterotypic VLPs to human histo‐blood group antigen receptor and saliva. The findings in this study are relevant for the development of NoV vaccines.

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