Cross-reactivity reduced dengue virus 2 vaccine has no cross-protection against heterotypic dengue viruses

Abstract

Aim: This study assessed how prime-boost strategies influence the immunogenicity of a cross-reactivity reduced dengue virus 2 vaccine (DENV-2 RD). Materials & methods: Mice were immunized with DENV-2 RD vaccines in a heterologous DNA and virus-like particle (VLP) prime-boost. Elicited antibodies were analyzed for neutralization and protective efficacy against four DENV serotypes. Results: DENV-2 RD DNA-VLP had induced higher and broader levels of total IgG and neutralizing antibodies with statistically significant IgG titers against DENV-2 and -3. Only pups of DENV-2 RD DNA-VLP immunized female mice were fully protected against homotypic DENV challenge and partially protected (60% survival rate) against heterotypic DENV-3 lethal challenge. Conclusion: DENV-2 RD vaccine requires a multivalent format to effectively elicit a balanced and protective immunity across all four DENV serotypes.