Development of a human live attenuated West Nile infectious DNA vaccine: Identification of a minimal mutation set conferring the attenuation level acceptable for a human vaccine

Journal Article · Sun Jan 15 04:00:00 EST 2017 · Virology

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/J.VIROL.2016.10.012· OSTI ID:22692235

Yamshchikov, Vladimir; Manuvakhova, Marina; Rodriguez, Efrain; Hébert, Charles

ABSTRACT: For the development of a human West Nile (WN) infectious DNA (iDNA) vaccine, we created highly attenuated chimeric virus W1806 with the serological identity of highly virulent WN-NY99. Earlier, we attempted to utilize mutations found in the E protein of the SA14-14-2 vaccine to bring safety of W1806 to the level acceptable for human use (). Here, we analyzed effects of the SA14-14-2 changes on growth properties and neurovirulence of W1806. A set including the E138K, K279M, K439R and G447D changes was identified as the perspective subset for satisfying the target safety profile without compromising immunogenicity of the vaccine candidate. The genetic stability of the attenuated phenotype was found to be unsatisfactory being dependent on a subset of attenuating changes incorporated in W1806. Elucidation of underlying mechanisms influencing selection of pathways for restoration of the envelope protein functionality will facilitate resolution of the emerged genetic stability issue. - Highlights: •Effect of mutations in E on properties of WN1806 is determined. •A subset of attenuating mutations suitable for a human vaccine is defined. •Mechanism of attenuation is proposed and illustrated. •Underlying mechanisms of neurovirulence reversion are suggested.

• OSTI ID: 22692235
• Journal Information: Virology, Journal Name: Virology Vol. 500; ISSN VIRLAX; ISSN 0042-6822
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES
ATTENUATION
BIOLOGICAL RECOVERY
DNA
GENETICS
MICE
MUTATIONS
PHENOTYPE
PLANT GROWTH
PROTEINS
RESOLUTION
SAFETY
STABILITY
TUNGSTEN NITRIDES
VACCINES
VIRUSES