Plant-Based HPV Vaccine Elicits Immune Response in Mice
Author Information
Author(s): De la Rosa Georgina Paz, Monroy-García Alberto, Mora-García María de Lourdes, Peña Cristina Gehibie Reynaga, Hernández-Montes Jorge, Weiss-Steider Benny, Lim Miguel Angel Gómez
Primary Institution: Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados (CINVESTAV)
Hypothesis
Can chimeric HPV 16 VLPs containing T-cell epitopes from E6 and E7 induce immune responses in mice?
Conclusion
The study successfully demonstrated that plant-produced chimeric HPV 16 VLPs can induce both antibody and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte responses in mice.
Supporting Evidence
- Chimeric VLPs were able to assemble adequately in tomato cells.
- Immunization with plant-based recombinant VLPs was associated with significant serum antibody responses.
- Antibodies from mice immunized with VLPs were able to inhibit hemagglutination.
- T-CD8+ cells from mice immunized with cVLPs were able to lyse target cells.
- Plant-produced VLPs induced neutralizing antibodies in mice.
- Chimeric particles may lower production costs considerably.
Takeaway
Scientists made a new type of HPV vaccine using plants, and it helped mice fight the virus by making their immune systems stronger.
Methodology
Tomato plants were genetically modified to express chimeric HPV 16 VLPs, and the immune response was tested in mice through immunization and subsequent analysis of antibody and T-cell responses.
Limitations
Only a low number of transgenic plants containing the L1 constructs could be recovered, suggesting potential interference with plant growth.
Participant Demographics
C57BL/6 mice were used for immunization and testing.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website