Challenge studies in Rhesus monkeys immunized with candidate hepatitis E vaccines: DNA, DNA-prime-protein-boost and DNA-protein encapsulated in liposomes

Complete ORF2 gene (1983 bp) of hepatitis E virus (HEV) and the 450 bp region within ORF2 containing neutralizing epitope (NE) cloned in pVAX1 and corresponding proteins expressed in baculovirus and prokaryotic systems respectively were evaluated as vaccine candidates. Two doses of liposome encapsulated DNA plus corresponding protein with both ORF2 and NE regions (Lipo-ORF2-DP and Lipo-NE-DP) showed 100% seroconversion and comparable anti-HEV titres in Swiss albino mice. These vaccine candidates were further evaluated as DNA, DNA-prime-protein-boost (DPPB) and liposome formulations in Rhesus monkeys. Monkeys receiving ORF2/NE DNA seroconverted after fourth dose while those immunized employing ORF2-DPPB format seroconverted at 7 weeks post third dose. In view of the delayed weak antibody response, these monkeys were not challenged. Though Lipo-ORF2-DP was immunogenic, 2 of the 4 monkeys developed HEV infection following homologous virus challenge of 100 Monkey Infectious Dose50. Both monkeys immunized with Lipo-NE-DP and 1 of the 2 monkeys immunized with NE-DPPB showed complete protection, the second monkey being protected from hepatitis with limited viral replication. Irrespective of the type of immunogen, all challenged monkeys were protected from hepatitis. The results document Lipo-NE-DP to be a promising vaccine candidate needing further evaluation.