Chinese Breakthrough Reveals Atomic Secrets of Stabilized Polio Type 1 Vaccine

A team of researchers from leading Chinese institutions has unveiled high-resolution structures of a stabilized virus-like particle (VLP) derived from poliovirus type 1 (PV1), providing unprecedented insights into its assembly process and D antigenicity. Published today in npj Vaccines, a Nature journal, the study addresses key challenges in developing next-generation polio vaccines for a post-eradication era. Poliovirus type 1, the Mahoney strain specifically, remains the most prevalent in vaccine-derived outbreaks, making stable, non-infectious alternatives like VLPs crucial for global containment efforts.

The research, led by scientists from the Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Fudan University's Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, and industry partners Huasong Biomedical, demonstrates how seven targeted mutations transform an unstable wild-type VLP (wtVLP) into a thermally robust stabilized VLP (sVLP). This innovation not only preserves the critical D-antigenic conformation—essential for eliciting neutralizing antibodies—but also enables high-yield production in yeast, paving the way for scalable vaccine manufacturing.

Understanding Polio Vaccines: From Salk to Modern VLPs

Poliovirus (PV), a member of the enterovirus genus, causes poliomyelitis, a devastating disease that primarily affects children, leading to paralysis in severe cases. The global polio eradication initiative has relied on two main vaccines: the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV), developed by Jonas Salk in the 1950s, and the live-attenuated oral polio vaccine (OPV) by Albert Sabin. While effective, OPV carries a rare risk of reverting to virulence, generating circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses (cVDPVs), particularly type 1 and type 2.

VLPs represent a safer alternative: empty capsid shells mimicking the virus structure without genetic material, thus incapable of replication. However, PV capsids are inherently metastable, prone to expansion at physiological temperatures, which disrupts the immunogenic D-antigen (the native, particle-associated epitope recognized by neutralizing antibodies) into non-protective C- or N-antigens. Previous efforts stabilized PV3 and PV2 VLPs, but type 1—the dominant serotype—lagged due to its unique instability.

China, certified polio-free by WHO in 2000, has played a pivotal role in vaccine production, manufacturing Sabin-strain IPV (sIPV) for domestic and global use. Institutions like the Beijing Institute of Biological Products continue advancing production, aligning this new structural study with national biosecurity commitments.

Engineering the Stabilized PV1 VLP: Methods and Production

The researchers engineered the sVLP using the PV1 Mahoney-SC7 mutant, incorporating seven stabilizing mutations identified from prior thermostable virus studies. Expressed in the yeast Pichia pastoris, a cost-effective eukaryotic system supporting proper protein folding and glycosylation, the sVLP achieved yields over 100 mg/L—remarkably higher than traditional systems like insect cells or plants.

Biophysical assays confirmed superior thermostability: while wtVLP disassembled above 55°C, sVLP remained intact up to 65°C, retaining D-antigenicity as measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with type-specific monoclonal antibodies. Mouse immunization trials showed sVLP induced robust neutralizing titers comparable to IPV, outperforming wtVLP.

This yeast platform builds on China's expertise in recombinant biologics, potentially integrating into facilities producing sIPV for routine immunization schedules.

Cryo-EM Structures Unlock Assembly Mechanisms

High-resolution cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) provided the cornerstone of the study. At 2.43 Å resolution, the sVLP structure (PDB: 9WAH) reveals a T=1 icosahedral capsid composed of 60 protomers, each with VP1, VP2, VP3, and VP4 proteins. The seven mutations—primarily at inter-protomer interfaces—strengthen hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds, particularly around the quasi-threefold (q3) axis and surface loops.

Comparisons with wtVLP (expanded at 2.8 Å) highlight rigidified loops in VP1 GH and VP2 EF, preventing the conformational shift to A-particles. A 2.60 Å complex structure with neutralizing monoclonal antibody (mAb) 3G10 (PDB: 9WAI) pinpoints the D-epitope spanning VP1 and VP2, where 3G10 binding sterically blocks receptor attachment sites, elucidating neutralization.

These atomic details explain stepwise assembly: P1 precursors form pentamers, then procapsids mature via 3CD protease cleavage, stabilized by mutations to evade disassembly.

Photo by Camillo Corsetti Antonini on Unsplash

Immunogenicity and Safety: A Potent Alternative

In vivo, sVLP immunization in BALB/c mice generated geometric mean titers (GMT) of neutralizing antibodies exceeding IPV standards, with no adverse effects. The preserved D-antigen conformation ensures cross-reactivity against diverse PV1 strains, vital amid cVDPV2 outbreaks.

Unlike live OPV, VLPs pose zero reversion risk, ideal for post-eradication stockpiling and mucosal delivery explorations. For China, with its vast pediatric population, this supports the National Immunization Program's shift toward safer formulations.

China's Leadership in Polio Research and Eradication

China's polio-free status since 2000 stems from rigorous campaigns using OPV and IPV, vaccinating millions annually. Yet, vigilance persists: a 2014 lab-leak incident underscored containment needs, prompting a dedicated poliovirus organization in 2024. Institutions like Fudan University and CAS exemplify national prowess, with Zhong Huang's team building on prior PV2 VLP work.

SINOVAC and Beijing Institute produce WHO-prequalified sIPV, exporting globally. This PV1 sVLP study positions China at the forefront of synthetic vaccines, aligning with 'Healthy China 2030' goals for innovative biologics.

Universities such as Fudan and CAS affiliates offer higher education opportunities in virology and structural biology, fostering talent for public health.

Global Implications for Polio Endgame

With wild PV1 endemic only in Afghanistan/Pakistan, cVDPVs threaten resurgence. The GPEI's 2022-2026 strategy emphasizes novel OPV2 (nOPV2), but type 1 needs parallel advances. sVLPs enable risk-free production, thermostability for low-resource settings, and combination trivalent formulations.

The 3G10 mAb serves as a quality control reagent, detecting D-antigen integrity. Extending to enteroviruses like EV71 (hand-foot-mouth disease prevalent in China), this blueprint accelerates broad-spectrum vaccines.

Challenges and Future Directions

• Scalability: Yeast production must transition to GMP facilities; China's biopharma sector is primed.
• Clinical Trials: Phase I safety/immunogenicity needed, leveraging China's robust trial infrastructure.
• Combinations: Trivalent sVLP-IPV hybrids for booster campaigns.
• Enterovirus Expansion: Apply mutations to EV-D68, coxsackieviruses.

Funding from NSFC and Shanghai projects underscores governmental support. For aspiring researchers, higher ed jobs in structural virology abound at CAS and Fudan.

Photo by Felix Zhao on Unsplash

Career Opportunities in China's Vaccine Research Landscape

This study exemplifies interdisciplinary collaboration between academia (CAS, Fudan) and industry (Huasong). Cryo-EM expertise, increasingly available via national facilities, opens doors for postdocs and faculty. Programs at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences train next-gen scientists.

With polio's endgame nearing, expertise in VLPs positions professionals for roles in mRNA/viral vector vaccines, amid China's R&D surge.

Looking Ahead: Safeguarding Future Generations

The PV1 sVLP structure marks a milestone, offering a stable, potent platform for polio's final push and beyond. China's contributions reinforce its global health leadership, ensuring no child faces paralysis. Researchers worldwide can build on this open-access blueprint (full paper).

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