Next-Generation Human Cytomegalovirus Glycoprotein B Vaccine

A novel, engineered mutant of human cytomegalovirus glycoprotein B protein with enhanced immunogenicity, stability, and ability to stimulate immune responses, providing a next-generation vaccine candidate against human cytomegalovirus infections.

The original patent disclosed engineered mutants of human cytomegalovirus glycoprotein B protein with improved stability and immunogenicity. However, these mutants had limitations in terms of their ability to stimulate robust immune responses and protect against diverse viral strains. The present inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing additional mutations that enhance the protein's interaction with specific immune cell receptors, thermal stability, and expression level, thereby providing a more effective vaccine candidate.

The novel inventive concept involves engineering a human cytomegalovirus glycoprotein B protein with at least three amino acid mutations, comprising at least two engineered disulfide mutations and at least one additional mutation that enhances the protein's interaction with specific immune cell receptors, thermal stability, or expression level. This results in a protein with improved immunogenicity, stability, and ability to stimulate immune responses. The protein can be used in various vaccine formulations, including vector-based systems, to generate a robust immune response against human cytomegalovirus infections.

The new claims introduce additional mutations that enhance the protein's interaction with specific immune cell receptors, thermal stability, or expression level, which is not disclosed in the original patent. These mutations provide a significant improvement in the protein's immunogenicity and stability, making it a more effective vaccine candidate.

Other embodiments of the inventive concept could include using different types of mutations, such as glycosylation or phosphorylation sites, to enhance the protein's immunogenicity and stability. Additionally, the protein could be engineered to target specific immune cell subsets or to have improved expression levels in various cell types.

The next-generation human cytomegalovirus glycoprotein B vaccine has significant commercial potential in the vaccine market, particularly in the context of maternal and fetal health, as well as in immunocompromised individuals. The vaccine could be developed for use in various formulations, including standalone vaccines, combination vaccines, or vector-based systems.