Vaccination with Single Plasmid DNA Encoding IL-12 and Antigens of Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Virus Elicits Complete Protection in IFNAR Knockout Mice ^†

Abstract

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an emerging tick-borne disease caused by SFTS virus (SFTSV) infection. Despite the gradual increase in SFTS cases and high mortality in the endemic region, no specific viral therapy nor vaccine is available. Here, we developed single recombinant plasmid DNA encoding SFTSV genes Gn and Gc together with the NP–NS fusion antigen as a vaccine candidate. The viral antigens were fused with Fms-like tyrosine kinase-3 ligand (Flt3L) and the IL-12 gene was incorporated into the plasmid to enhance cell-mediated immunity. Vaccination with the DNA can provide complete protection of IFNAR KO mice upon lethal SFTSV challenge, whereas immunization with a plasmid lacking the IL-12 gene resulted in partial protection. Since we failed to detect antibodies against the surface glycoproteins Gn and Gc in the immunized mice, antigen-specific cellular immunity, as confirmed by enhanced antigen-specific T cell responses, might play a major role in protection. Finally, we evaluated the degree of protective immunity after protein immunization that was provided by individual glycoproteins Gn or Gc. Although both protein antigens induced significant levels of neutralizing activity against SFTSV, Gn vaccination resulted in relatively higher neutralizing activity and better protection than Gc vaccination. However, both antigens failed to provide complete protection. Given that the DNA vaccines have failed to induce sufficient immunogenicity in human trials when compared with protein vaccines, optimal combinations of DNA and protein vaccine, proper selection of target antigens, and incorporation of an efficient adjuvant need to be further investigated for SFTS vaccine development.