Micro-nano Platforms for HSV Vaccine

University Of Illinois At Chicago, Chicago IL

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Herpes simplex virus type-2 (HSV-2) is a common pathogen with a seroprevalence rate that has been increasing in the US over the last several years. There is no vaccine or effective microbicide available against the virus. Apart from the discomfort associated with the symptomatic disease which results in genital ulcers, asymptomatic shedding greatly enhances person-to-person virus transmission. HSV-2 also enhances susceptibility to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) by 2-3 folds. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a strong microbicide and an effective vaccine. In this proposal we plan to explore the idea of developing a unique non-invasive mucosal microbicide/vaccine combo which initially functions as a microbicide by effectively trapping HSV-2 virions and rendering them non-infective and then provides a unique viral antigen displaying platform for the mucosal antigen presenting cells for processing, presentation, and induction of immunity. This novel platform is based on our uniquely designed zinc oxide micro-nano spike particles (ZnO-MNPs), which trap HSV virions with very high efficacy. The trapping, which concentrates the virions at one place, renders them unable to enter cells. We propose that high concentrations of trapped virions on ZnO-MNPs will elicit a very strong immune response without the need of any additional adjuvant, since ZnO is already shown to have good adjuvant properties. Another added advantage of our microbicide/vaccine combo is that Zinc oxide is already used in common cosmetic products. Two exploratory Aims are proposed. Aim 1 will test the hypothesis that ZnO-MNPs can act as an effective microbicide by preventing virus attachment to host cells in vivo. Aim 2 will test the hypothesis that HSV-2 virions trapped by ZnO-MNPs can be recognized by mucosal antigen presenting cells and processed for immunity development. Overall, we expect to prove the vaccine efficacy of a new virostatic platform, which will have path defining implications for protection against HSV-2 and many additional viral diseases.