FcRn-Driven Nanoengineered Mucosal Vaccine with Multi-Epitope Fusion Induces Robust Dual Immunity and Long-Term Protection Against Brucella
Author:
Tian Tingting1, Zhu Yuejie2, Shang Kaiyu1, Shi Huidong1, Xu Ruixue3, Li Mingzhe3, Pu Fuling3, Kuang Junyu3, Ding Jianbing1, Zhang Fengbo14ORCID
Affiliation:
1. State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High-Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Graduate School, Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, Urumqi 830000, China 2. Reproductive Fertility Assistance Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830000, China 3. Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, School of Medicine, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830000, China 4. Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830000, China
Abstract
Background: Brucellosis poses a significant public health challenge, necessitating effective vaccine development. Current vaccines have limitations such as safety concerns and inadequate mucosal immunity. This study aims to develop an FcRn-targeted mucosal Brucella vaccine by fusing the human Fc domain with Brucella’s multi-epitope protein (MEV), proposing a novel approach for human brucellosis prevention. Methods: The study developed a recombinant antigen (h-tFc-MEV) through computational analyses to validate antigenicity, structural stability, solubility, and allergenic potential. Molecular simulations confirmed FcRn binding. The vaccine was delivered orally via chitosan nanoparticles in murine models. Immunization was compared to MEV-only immunization. Post-challenge assessments were conducted to evaluate protection against Brucella colonization. Mechanistic studies investigated dendritic cell activation and antigen presentation. Results: Computational analyses showed that the antigen had favorable properties without allergenic potential. Molecular simulations demonstrated robust FcRn binding. In murine models, oral delivery elicited enhanced systemic immunity with elevated serum IgG titers and amplified CD4+/CD8+ T-cell ratios compared to MEV-only immunization. Mucosal immunity was evidenced by significant IgA upregulation across multiple tracts. Long-term immune memory persisted for six months. Post-challenge assessments revealed markedly reduced Brucella colonization in visceral organs. Mechanistic studies identified FcRn-mediated dendritic cell activation through enhanced MHC-II expression and antigen presentation efficiency. Conclusions: The FcRn-targeted strategy establishes concurrent mucosal and systemic protective immunity against Brucella infection. This novel vaccine candidate shows potential for effective human brucellosis prevention, offering a promising approach to address the limitations of current vaccines.
Funder
the Natural Science Foundation of China the Youth Science and Technology Top Talent Project the Outstanding Youth Project of the Autonomous Region the Central Government Guides Local Science and Technology Development Fund Project
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