Enhanced Recombinant Measles Virus-Based Zika Vaccine

The inventive concept discloses improvements to the recombinant measles virus expressing Zika virus prM and E proteins, enhancing its safety, efficacy, and immunogenicity.

The original patent's recombinant measles virus-based Zika vaccine has limitations related to antibody-dependent enhancement and inadequate immunogenicity. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by modifying the E protein to reduce its binding affinity to target cells, inactivating the expressed E protein to prevent fusion, and enhancing the stability and efficacy of the vaccine through nanoparticle-based delivery.

The inventive concept comprises five direct improvements and enhancements to the original patent's recombinant measles virus-based Zika vaccine. Firstly, the E protein is modified to have a reduced binding affinity to target cells, reducing the risk of antibody-dependent enhancement. Secondly, a method for producing a vaccine candidate involves expressing the recombinant measles virus in a mammalian cell line and inactivating the expressed E protein to prevent fusion with target cells. Thirdly, a nanoparticle-based delivery vehicle is used to enhance the stability and efficacy of the vaccine. Fourthly, the prM protein is modified to have an increased half-life, enhancing the immunogenicity of the vaccine. Finally, co-administering the vaccine candidate with an adjuvant that stimulates a Th1-type immune response further enhances its immunogenicity.

The new claims introduce non-obvious modifications to the original patent's recombinant measles virus-based Zika vaccine, including the reduced binding affinity of the E protein, inactivation of the expressed E protein, nanoparticle-based delivery, modified prM protein, and co-administration with a Th1-type immune response-stimulating adjuvant.

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept may include using different nanoparticle materials or adjuvants, varying the dosage or administration route of the vaccine, or combining the recombinant measles virus with other Zika virus antigens.

The enhanced recombinant measles virus-based Zika vaccine has significant commercial potential in the vaccine market, particularly in regions where Zika virus is prevalent. The inventive concept's improved safety, efficacy, and immunogenicity make it an attractive solution for governments, healthcare organizations, and pharmaceutical companies.