Harnessing the power of VLPs for Allergy Treatment

Allergy is a prevalent disease, and VLPs in immune engineering offer new treatment options. VLPs, made of viral capsids without genetic material, are highly immunogenic, modulate immunity efficiently, and are low in allergenicity.

For food allergies, plant and animal viruses can be studied, combined with adjuvants and T-cell epitopes to regulate immune responses. VLP-based treatments aim to induce tolerance and desensitization, minimizing side effects. VLP-conjugated allergens are less reactive due to physicochemical differences and repeated allergen display on VLPs boosts immunogenicity while inhibiting IgE-mediated reactions.

With 10+ years of CDMO experience, Yaohai leads in VLP manufacturing. Using microbial expression systems, it has successfully tested VLP vaccines across projects. Yaohai ensures the efficacy of its VLP-based treatments for allergies and immune conditions.

Allergen-dependent VLPs

These VLPs induce allergen-specific T-cell tolerance and blocking antibodies by binding to specific allergens or B-cell epitopes. Examples include a peach allergy vaccine composed of Turnip Mosaic Virus (TuMV) and Pru p3 capsid proteins, a peanut allergy vaccine using Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CuMV) VLPs to display allergens, a grass pollen allergy vaccine fusing PreS with hypoallergenic peptides, and a pet allergy vaccine consisting of Fel d 1, CuMV VLPs, and the tt830-843 T-cell epitope, which induces IgG antibody responses.

Allergen-independent VLPs

Ligand Immune Modulation：Attempts to switch from a Th2 response to a Th1 response are made through TLR-conjugated VLPs. These are based on self-assembling single-stranded RNA phage VLPs that can activate TLR9 in the presence of synthetic CpG-rich oligodeoxynucleotides.

Cytokine-conjugated VLPs：By conjugating VLPs with type 2 effector cytokines, neutralizing autoantibodies are induced to promote and maintain allergic inflammation. However, this approach requires overcoming tolerance to cytokines and IgE, which may lead to adverse reactions.

IgE Neutralization/Blocking Antibodies：The tolerance to IgE and its receptors can be altered by inducing autoantibodies or blocking antibodies. This can inhibit the binding of IgE to its receptors and reduce serum IgE levels, but there is a risk of autoantibody production and related side effects.

Conclusion

VLPs represent a novel and promising approach for the treatment of allergic diseases. As nanoparticles, their virus-like structure, repetitive pattern, and size facilitate entry into the lymphatic system. When taken up and presented by antigen-presenting cells (APCs), VLPs are low in toxicity or non-toxic, biodegradable, and resistant to proteases. Furthermore, VLPs can encapsulate target molecules and present antigens through chemical or genetic fusion.

Yaohai Bio-Pharma is also actively seeking institutional or individual global partners and offers the most competitive compensation in the industry. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us: [email protected]