Parvovirus B19 VLP VP2

Parvovirus B19 is a small DNA virus belonging to the Parvoviridae family. It is a common human pathogen known for its strong tropism to erythroid progenitor cells. This virus is the etiological agent of several medical conditions, including erythema infectiosum (fifth disease), arthritis, myocarditis, hydrops fetalis, and aplastic crisis . The virus has a linear, single-stranded DNA genome packaged into a T=1 icosahedral capsid, which is composed of 60 capsid proteins, predominantly VP2 .

Virus-like particles (VLPs) are nanometric structures composed of viral structural proteins but lack the genetic material, rendering them non-infective . VLPs retain most of the cellular recognition and internalization properties of the native virus, making them valuable tools for vaccine development and therapeutic applications . Parvovirus B19 VLPs can be self-assembled in vitro from the denatured major viral particle protein VP2 by equilibrium dialysis .

The VP2 protein is the major structural protein of the Parvovirus B19 capsid, accounting for about 95% of the viral capsid proteins . Recombinant VP2 proteins can be expressed in various systems, including baculovirus-infected insect cells . These recombinant proteins can self-assemble into VLPs, which mimic the native virus’s antigenic properties .

The production of Parvovirus B19 VLPs involves expressing the VP2 protein in a suitable expression system, such as bacteria or insect cells . The recombinant VP2 protein is then purified and subjected to controlled conditions to facilitate its assembly into VLPs . A novel approach involves immobilizing the denatured VP2 protein into an immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) column, followed by on-column folding and final VLP assembly upon protein elution . This method allows for the rapid and efficient production of VLPs .

Parvovirus B19 VLPs have several biotechnological applications. They can be used as platforms for developing vaccines by carrying their own or heterologous antigenic epitopes . Additionally, VLPs can serve as nanovessels for encapsulating therapeutic molecules, such as enzymes, nucleic acids, and drugs . The non-infective nature of VLPs makes them safe candidates for these applications.