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Generation and characterization of potential dengue vaccine candidates based on domain III of the envelope protein and the capsid protein of the four serotypes of dengue virus

Archives of Virology volume 159, pages 1629–1640 (2014)Cite this article

Abstract

Dengue is currently one of the most important arthropod-borne diseases, causing up to 25,000 deaths annually. There is currently no vaccine to prevent dengue virus infection, which needs a tetravalent vaccine approach. In this work, we describe the cloning and expression in Escherichia coli of envelope domain III-capsid chimeric proteins (DIIIC) of the four dengue serotypes as a tetravalent dengue vaccine candidate that is potentially able to generate humoral and cellular immunity. The recombinant proteins were purified to more than 85 % purity and were recognized by anti-dengue mouse and human sera. Mass spectrometry analysis verified the identity of the proteins and the correct formation of the intracatenary disulfide bond in the domain III region. The chimeric DIIIC proteins were also serotype-specific, and in the presence of oligonucleotides, they formed aggregates that were visible by electron microscopy. These results support the future use of DIIIC recombinant chimeric proteins in preclinical studies in mice for assessing their immunogenicity and efficacy.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Avenue 31, P.O. Box 6162, Havana 6, 10600, Cuba

    Edith Suzarte, Ernesto Marcos, Lázaro Gil, Iris Valdés, Laura Lazo, Yassel Ramos, Yusleidi Pérez, Viviana Falcón, Yaremis Romero, Gerardo Guillén & Lisset Hermida

  2. Department of Virology, PAHO/WHO Collaborating Center for the Study of Dengue and its Vector, Pedro Kourí Tropical Medicine Institute (IPK), P.O. Box 601, Havana, Cuba

    María G. Guzmán

  3. CINVESTAV-IPN, Mexico, D.F, Mexico

    Sirenia González & Juan Kourí

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  1. Edith Suzarte
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  2. Ernesto Marcos
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  3. Lázaro Gil
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Correspondence to Lisset Hermida.

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Suzarte, E., Marcos, E., Gil, L. et al. Generation and characterization of potential dengue vaccine candidates based on domain III of the envelope protein and the capsid protein of the four serotypes of dengue virus. Arch Virol 159, 1629–1640 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00705-013-1956-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00705-013-1956-4

Keywords

  • Capsid Protein
  • Chimeric Protein
  • Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever
  • DENV Infection
  • Dengue Shock Syndrome