Development and characterization of a virus-like particle-based subunit vaccine candidate against Indian isolate of Porcine Circovirus 2d

Title : Development and characterization of a virus-like particle-based subunit vaccine candidate against Indian isolate of Porcine Circovirus 2d

Abstract:

Porcine Circovirus Type 2 (PCV2) is a major threat to pig farming in India, with emerging PCV2d strains causing vaccine failures. This study aimed to develop a recombinant virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine targeting the Indian isolate of PCV2d capsid protein and evaluate its efficacy in a porcine model. The PCV2d capsid gene (ORF2) was cloned into a baculovirus expression system using Ascalapha odorata (Ao38) insect cells. Recombinant VLPs were produced, purified, and characterized by western blotting and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The vaccine’s immunogenicity was tested in pigs by measuring antibody titers and cytokine expression. The recombinant PCV2d capsid protein was successfully expressed in Ao38 cells, assembling into VLPs of 17-20 nm size. Stability analysis demonstrated that the VLPs remained structurally intact and functional at temperatures up to 45°C for six hours and were stable at acidic pH levels down to 5. In the porcine model, the adjuvanted VLP vaccine (PCV2dVLPadj) induced significantly higher antibody titers and cytokine responses (IL-12, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IFN-γ) compared to the non-adjuvanted group. The vaccine also showed potential as a diagnostic tool with 93.75% relative accuracy. The developed VLP vaccine not only demonstrated strong immunogenicity but also exhibited significant thermal and acid stability, making it a robust and economical solution for preventing PCV2d infections in pigs.

Audience Take Away:

1. Understanding the development and characterization process for a VLP-based vaccine targeting PCV2d.
2. Insights into the challenges of current PCV2 vaccination strategies and the need for strain-specific vaccines.
3. Practical application of VLP technology for both vaccination and diagnostic purposes in porcine models.
4. The VLP vaccine offers a potentially cost-effective and strain-specific solution to control PCV2d outbreaks.
5. The approach can be adapted for other emerging strains, ensuring better protection and lower economic losses.

Biography:

Dr. Rajib Deb is a Senior Scientist at the ICAR-National Research Center on Pig, Guwahati, India. He holds a Ph.D. in Animal Biotechnology from the Indian Veterinary Research Institute and has completed post-doctoral fellowships in Brazil and the UK. Dr. Deb's work focuses on developing innovative diagnostic tools, vaccines, and genetic solutions to improve livestock health. His research significantly advances veterinary biotechnology, contributing to livestock disease management and food safety in India and globally.