Enhanced Recombinant Measles Virus Expressing Zika Virus prM and E Proteins

An improved recombinant measles virus vaccine composition and production method that enhances immunogenicity and protective efficacy against Zika virus through optimized expression of Zika virus prM-E proteins on the measles virus surface.

The original patent disclosed a recombinant measles virus expressing Zika virus prM and E proteins, but had limitations in terms of vaccine yield, consistency, and immunogenicity. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing optimized nucleic acid sequences, modified stem regions, and co-administration with adjuvants to stimulate antigen-presenting cells.

The new inventive concept comprises a recombinant measles virus vaccine composition with a live-attenuated measles virus strain, wherein the genome of the measles virus strain comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding a Zika virus prM-E protein optimized for Macaca codon usage. The prM-E protein is expressed on the surface of the measles virus particle, thereby enhancing immunogenicity and protective efficacy against Zika virus. The production method involves cloning the optimized nucleic acid sequence into a measles virus genome and selecting for a measles virus strain that expresses the prM-E protein on its surface, improving vaccine yield and consistency. Additionally, the inventive concept includes a system for expressing the Zika virus prM-E protein on the surface of a measles virus particle, comprising a nucleic acid construct encoding the prM-E protein and a measles virus genome with a heterologous promoter region for driving expression of the prM-E protein.

The new claims introduce novel features such as optimized nucleic acid sequences, modified stem regions, and co-administration with adjuvants, which are not obvious from the original patent and provide a significant improvement in vaccine efficacy and production.

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include the use of different measles virus strains, varying the codon usage of the nucleic acid sequence, or incorporating additional Zika virus proteins. Variations could also include different adjuvants or co-administration regimens to enhance immunogenicity.

The enhanced recombinant measles virus vaccine composition and production method have significant commercial potential in the vaccine market, particularly in regions where Zika virus is prevalent. The improved vaccine efficacy and production efficiency could lead to increased adoption and sales, making it an attractive opportunity for pharmaceutical companies and vaccine manufacturers.