Preparation and immunogenicity of influenza virus-like particles using nitrocellulose membrane filtration.
OBJECTIVE
Nitrocellulose membrane-based filtration system (NCFS) is widely used for protein concentration. In this study, we applied NCFS for production of virus-like particle (VLP) as a vaccine candidate and evaluated yield property and immunogenicity.


METHODS
Influenza VLPs were generated by baculovirus-insect cell protein expression system. NCFS and sucrose gradient ultracentrifugation were used for purification of VLP. Immunogenicity of VLP was evaluated by animal experiment.


RESULTS
Influenza VLPs expressing hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase proteins derived from highly pathogenic influenza virus (H5N8) were effectively produced and purified by NCFS. HA activity of VLP which correlated with antigenicity was well conserved during multiple purification steps. This NCFS based purified VLPs induced influenza virus-specific antibody responses.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results indicate that the influenza VLP vaccine could be prepared by NCFS without loss of immunogenicity and elicit antigen-specific immune responses.
Department of Global Medical Science, Sungshin University, Seoul, Korea.
Young Chan
0000-0003-1794-2769
YC
Park
Department of Global Medical Science, Sungshin University, Seoul, Korea.
Jae Min
0000-0003-0460-1113
JM
Song
Baculovirus; Nitrocellulose membrane; Vaccines; Virus-like particle