Development of a novel PCV2 and PCV3 vaccine using virus-like vesicles incorporating Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis virus-containing vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein.
Authors: Wang Ying, Su Min, Huang Yongshuang, Ren Jianle, Niu Sheng, Zhao Yujun, Yan Fang, Yan Yi, Tian Wen-Xia
Journal: Frontiers in veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary Porcine circovirus types 2 and 3 remain significant economic burdens within the pig industry, driving the need for improved vaccination strategies against these pathogens. Researchers developed a novel vaccine platform using recombinant virus-like vesicles (rVLVs) based on Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis virus RNA replicons expressing vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein, specifically engineered to display PCV2 and PCV3 capsid proteins. Following in vitro characterisation and safety assessment, the rVLVs expressing either PCV2d-Cap or PCV3-Cap were administered to C57 mice, which subsequently demonstrated significantly elevated anti-PCV2 and anti-PCV3 capsid antibodies in serum alongside robust cellular immune responses, marked by high interferon-gamma and interleukin-4 cytokine production. This dual humoral and cell-mediated response profile suggests the platform may offer more comprehensive immunological protection than existing vaccines. Whilst these findings are currently limited to murine models and require progression to swine efficacy trials, the rVLV approach presents a promising multivalent vaccine candidate that could streamline protection against both circovirus types whilst reducing the disease burden and associated production losses in commercial herds.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •This research is not applicable to equine practice — the study focuses on porcine vaccine development for pig industry applications.
- •While the title mentions Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis virus, the study uses only its RNA replicon platform for vaccine delivery in pigs, not for treating equine disease.
- •Equine practitioners should note this does not address any equine health conditions or therapeutic applications.
Key Findings
- •Novel recombinant virus-like vesicles (rVLVs) expressing PCV2d-Cap and PCV3-Cap proteins were successfully constructed using Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis RNA replicons and VSV-G.
- •Immunization of C57 mice with rVLVs expressing PCV capsid proteins induced significant increases in anti-PCV2 and anti-PCV3 capsid protein antibodies in serum.
- •Cellular immune response was demonstrated through high production of IFN-γ and IL-4 cytokines in immunized mice.
- •The rVLV platform showed feasibility for vaccine development with in vitro safety characterization completed.