Novel Virus-Like Particle Vaccine Encoding the Circumsporozoite Protein of Plasmodium falciparum Is Immunogenic and Induces Functional Antibody Responses in Mice

RTS,S is the leading malaria vaccine in development, but has demonstrated only moderate protective efficacy clinical trials. a virus-like particle (VLP) that uses human hepatitis B virus as scaffold to display sporozoite antigen, circumsporozoite protein (CSP). Particle formation requires four-fold excess and result, CSP represents small portion of final construct. Alternative VLP or nanoparticle platforms reduce amount antigen increase target present particles may enhance immunogenicity efficacy. Here, we describe production characterization novel surface (dS) duck CSP. The CSP-dS fusion successfully formed VLPs without need for thus represented larger large approximately 31-74 nm size were confirmed on surface. highly immunogenic mice induced antibodies multiple regions CSP, even when administered at lower dosage. Vaccine-induced relevant functional activities, including Fc-dependent interactions with complement Fc?-receptors, previously identified important immunity. Further, vaccine-induced had similar properties (epitope-specificity avidity) monoclonal are mouse models. Our platform produce wide implications future development vaccines other infectious diseases.