Human cytomegalovirus antigen-Hepatitis B virus-like particle vaccine (HCMV-HBV VLP)

This construct represents a modular vaccine candidate designed to elicit a robust immune response against Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV). It consists of HCMV antigens, most commonly the glycoprotein B (gB) or the pentameric complex, which are covalently attached to Hepatitis B virus-like particles (HBV VLPs) using the SpyTag/SpyCatcher conjugation system (Janitzek et al., 2016, Vaccine). The SpyTag/SpyCatcher technology allows for the high-density, oriented display of complex antigens on the VLP surface, which mimics the repetitive structure of natural viruses and significantly enhances immunogenicity compared to soluble protein subunits (Thrane et al., 2016, J Nanobiotechnol). By presenting HCMV antigens in this multivalent format, the vaccine candidate aims to induce high titers of neutralizing antibodies and activate cellular immune pathways to prevent HCMV infection and its associated complications, such as congenital CMV and disease in transplant recipients. While the HBV VLP serves as an effective scaffold, the primary therapeutic focus is the generation of protective immunity against the HCMV virus itself. This approach represents a significant advancement in vaccine design, combining the safety of subunit vaccines with the potency of particulate delivery systems.

Other names

HCMV gB-VLPSpyTag-SpyCatcher HCMV vaccineVLP-displayed HCMV antigenHCMV gB-HBV VLP

The construct acts as a vaccine by presenting Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) antigens, such as glycoprotein B (gB) or the pentameric complex, in a highly repetitive, multivalent format on the surface of Hepatitis B virus-like particles (HBV VLPs). This arrangement mimics the structure of a native virus, which facilitates the cross-linking of B-cell receptors and enhances the induction of high-titer neutralizing antibodies and cellular immune responses (Janitzek et al., 2016, Vaccine; Thrane et al., 2016, J Nanobiotechnol).