SplitCore Technology Allows Efficient Production of Virus-Like Particles Presenting a Receptor-Contacting Epitope of Human IgE

Mol Biotechnol. 2015 Aug;57(8):746-55. doi: 10.1007/s12033-015-9867-0.

Abstract

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) plays a central role in type I hypersensitivity including allergy and asthma. Novel treatment strategy envisages development of a therapeutic vaccine designed to elicit autologous blocking antibodies against the IgE. We sought to develop an IgE-epitope antigen that induces antibodies against a receptor-contacting epitope on human IgE molecule. We designed the VLP immunogens which utilize hepatitis B virus core protein (HBcAg) as a carrier, and present arrays of the receptor-contacting epitopes of the human IgE on their surfaces. FG loop from the IgE domain Cε3 was engineered into the HBcAg. Two constructs explore a well-established approach of insertion into a main immunodominant region of the HBcAg. Third construct is different in that the carrier is produced in a form of an assembly of two polypeptide chains which upon expression remain associated in a stable VLP-forming subunit (SplitCore technology). No VLPs were isolated from E.coli expressing the IgE-epitope antigens with contiguous sequences. On the contrary, the SplitCore antigen carrying the FG loop efficiently formed the VLPs. Immunization of mice with the VLPs presenting receptor-contacting epitope of the IgE elicited antibodies recognizing the human IgE in ELISA.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Epitopes* / biosynthesis
  • Epitopes* / genetics
  • Epitopes* / immunology
  • Hepatitis B Core Antigens* / biosynthesis
  • Hepatitis B Core Antigens* / genetics
  • Hepatitis B Core Antigens* / immunology
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity, Immediate / genetics
  • Hypersensitivity, Immediate / immunology
  • Hypersensitivity, Immediate / therapy
  • Immunoglobulin E* / biosynthesis
  • Immunoglobulin E* / genetics
  • Immunoglobulin E* / immunology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Vaccines, Virus-Like Particle* / biosynthesis
  • Vaccines, Virus-Like Particle* / genetics
  • Vaccines, Virus-Like Particle* / immunology

Substances

  • Epitopes
  • Hepatitis B Core Antigens
  • Vaccines, Virus-Like Particle
  • Immunoglobulin E