Biomedical Sciences ETDs

Publication Date

Summer 7-31-2021

Abstract

Virus-like particles (VLPs) derived from bacteriophages have been utilized as highly immunogenic vaccine platforms for displaying antigen targets of interest. Bacteriophage VLPs have a highly repetitive structure made of protein subunits that self-assemble into an icosahedral particle. These structures can strongly activate the immune system, especially B cells. Arraying antigens on the surface of VLPs in a multivalent manner can, in turn, confer the ability to induce strong antibody responses to virtually any target. This technique can even be used to elicit antibody responses against self-antigens. Here we have exploited these features for developing VLP-based vaccines that target self-molecules involved in cholesterol homoeostasis and triglyceride metabolism. Additionally, VLPs can be used for vaccine discovery. We have used a VLP-based affinity selection technique to map human immune responses to Zika virus (ZIKV) and to identify potential ZIKV vaccines. These studies highlight different approaches for applying VLPs to vaccine development.

Keywords

Virus like particles (VLPs), vaccines, antibodies, Zika virus, PCSK9, ANGPTL3

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Biomedical Sciences

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program

First Committee Member (Chair)

Bryce Chackerian

Second Committee Member

Kathryn Frietze

Third Committee Member

David Peabody

Fourth Committee Member

Pamela Hall

Fifth Committee Member

Steven Bradfute

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