Expression of Alphavirus structural proteins in S2 cells (Drosophila melanogaster) for immunization and diagnosis studies

Abstract

The transmission of Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) was recently reported for the first time in Central America and Caribbean, followed by the CHIKV introduction in Brazil by the zoonotic transmission mediated by Aedes spp mosquitoes, widely distributed through the country, resulting in series of epidemiologic alerts. Besides that, in the rainforest regions of South America circulates the Mayaro virus (MAYV) another Alphavirus of medical concern. Some studies point to a real possibility of this virus to enter urbanized centers, as it was demonstrated that it can be transmitted by Aedes spp vector, although its main vector is still Haemagogus sp mosquitoes. Strategies for the control and prevention of MAYV and CIKH infections are evidently needed. This project proposes the recombinant expression and analysis of immunogenic and structural Alphavirus proteins for future studies of immunization and diagnosis. The S2 cell system (Drosophila melanogaster), well studied by our research group, will be used for the recombinant expression of CHIKV or MAYV proteins. The cloning strategy was established aiming that the expression of the structural proteins give rise to virus like particles (VLP), which will be recovered from the culture supernatant. (AU)