Synthesis and characterization of physicochemical and immunological properties of recombinant NS3-G2 dendrimer conjugate

Introduction: An effective vaccine against HCV infection is not available. The non-structural protein 3 (NS3) of the virus as an important immunogenic candidate has been utilized in various modules. Nanostructured polymers have been recently used for efficient vaccine and drug delivery. The aim of the current study was the synthesis of rNS3-G2 conjugate and preliminary evaluation of its immunogenicity. Methods: The dendrimer was synthesized and conjugated with purified recombinant NS3 (rNS3) protein. The physicochemical properties of the conjugate were evaluated by Zeta potential, FT-IR spectra and confirmed by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Immunogenicity of the conjugate was assessed in BALB/c mice. Results: Synthesis and conjugation of dendrimer G2 with the protein were confirmed and immunological assays showed that the conjugated form of the antigen induced higher titer of IgG compared to rNS3 antigen alone. Conclusion: The results showed that the antigenic structure of rNS3 was maintained when conjugated with the biodegradable and biocompatible G2 dendrimers and the immunogenic properties of the antigen were enhanced. Therefore the new formulation may have potential as a vaccine candidate.