Analytical Methods for Evaluating the Immunogenicity of Recombinant Rabies Virus Glycoprotein Expressed in the Yeast <i>Komagataella phaffii</i>

Abstract

BACKGROUND: ), as a candidate subunit rabies vaccine. METHODS: Monoclonal antibodies were used to confirm neutralizing epitopes presence on the rRABVG. The rRABVG potency was estimated by antigen quantification methods using ELISA and SRID. Serological methods, specifically ELISA and RFFIT, were applied to investigate the immune response of mice groups immunized with rRABVG varying doses, with or without adjuvant. RESULTS: The potency estimated by antigen quantification was dependent on the method employed. Active immunization assessment using ELISA was effective when the solid-phase antigen is the rRABVG. The RFFIT data indicated that a single adjuvanted dose of 20 µg rRABVG is sufficient for virus-neutralizing antibodies induction at a protective level of 0.5 IU/mL within 10 days post immunization. CONCLUSION: produced rRABVG is immunoactive and could be an attractive candidate to develop a low-cost subunit rabies vaccine.