Chikungunya virus structural polyprotein and Zika virus pre-membrane and envelope antigen (CHIKV structural polyprotein / ZIKV prME)

The target refers to the combined expression of the Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) structural polyprotein and the Zika virus (ZIKV) pre-membrane and envelope (prME) antigens, typically delivered via a vaccine vector to modulate the host immune system. The CHIKV structural polyprotein is a large precursor (C-E3-E2-6K-E1) that is cleaved into individual proteins essential for viral assembly and host cell attachment, with the E2 protein being the primary target for neutralizing antibodies. The ZIKV prME antigen consists of the pre-membrane and envelope proteins, where the envelope (E) protein mediates viral entry and is the dominant target of the protective immune response. The ΔTM modification involves the deletion of the transmembrane domain to improve the solubility or secretion of the antigens, enhancing their presentation to the immune system. This dual-antigen approach is employed in multivalent vaccines, such as the Sementis Copenhagen Vector (SCV-ZIKA/CHIK), to provide simultaneous protection against two major mosquito-borne viruses that often co-circulate. The primary goal of targeting these proteins is to induce high titers of neutralizing antibodies and robust T-cell responses while avoiding the risk of antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE), particularly concerning cross-reactivity with other flaviviruses like Dengue.

Other names

Host immune system via expression of CHIKV structural polyprotein and ZIKV prMEΔTM antigensChikungunya virus structural polyproteinZika virus prME antigenZika virus prME delta TMSCV-ZIKA/CHIK antigens

Induction of active immunity through the expression of viral antigens that elicit neutralizing antibodies and T-cell responses against Chikungunya and Zika viruses.