Virus-Like Particles Production Service for Virus Infection Research

At Creative Biolabs, we specialize in providing virus-like particle (VLP) production services for viral infection research. VLPs, while mimicking the natural virus structure, are non-infectious, a unique characteristic that makes them a safe and efficient tool in research and vaccine development.

Virus-Like Particle Introduction

• Structure and Composition

Virus-like particles (VLPs) are primarily composed of the structural proteins of the virus, which have the ability to self-assemble into VLP structures. VLPs can be a simple combination of a single protein type or may contain complex structures of multiple proteins. In their assembly, no viral genetic material is involved, meaning the resulting VLPs contain no RNA or DNA. This key characteristic implies that they are incapable of replication and do not cause viral infection.

Fig.1 Electron microscopy images of influenza VLPs prepared in Sf9 cells using baculovirus expression system.^1,3

• Advantages of VLPs
  • High Safety: VLPs lacking viral genetic material are non-infectious, ensuring their safety in application.
  • Strong Immunogenicity: VLPs can efficiently mimic the appearance and characteristics of natural viruses, thereby eliciting a strong immune response.
  • Wide Applicability: VLPs are widely used in various fields of viral research, drug discovery, and vaccine development.
• Application
  • Drug Discovery: VLPs are used for drug screening and evaluation, particularly showing great potential in the discovery of antiviral drugs.
  • Vaccine Development: VLPs, similar in morphology and structure to real viruses, can effectively stimulate the immune system's response. As they contain no genetic material, there is no risk of causing disease. Examples include HPV and Hepatitis B vaccines developed based on VLP technology.
  • Virology Research: VLPs are an important tool for studying viral invasion mechanisms, host immune responses, and interactions between viruses and host cells.

High-Quality VLP Preparation Service Process

In our advanced laboratories, we offer efficient VLP preparation services based on the HEK293 expression system. Our service process is carefully designed to ensure the highest standards from gene optimization to the final VLP preparation.

1. Gene Optimization

We first optimize the expression genes of the viral structural proteins to ensure their optimal expression in HEK293 cells. This includes adjusting the gene sequence to enhance its transcription and translation efficiency, thereby enhancing the yield and quality of VLPs.

2. Vector Construction

• Cloning: We precisely clone the optimized target genes into specially designed expression vectors.
• Sequencing Identification: We rigorously confirm the sequence of the constructed vectors to ensure gene accuracy.
• Large-scale Plasmid Extraction: We use efficient methods for large-scale plasmid extraction, preparing for subsequent VLP expression.

3. Feasibility Experiment

• Transient Transfection: Using the constructed plasmids, genes are introduced into HEK293 cells through transient transfection.
• Extraction and Purification of VLPs: VLPs secreted from transfected cells are extracted and purified through a series of steps to ensure high purity and activity.
• VLP Quality Control: We use various biochemical and molecular biology methods to ensure the correct assembly and functionality of VLPs. This includes, but is not limited to:

  Particle size detection	Transmission electron microscopy observation	Bicinchoninic Acid assay
  High-performance liquid chromatography testing	Western Blot	Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  In vitro immunogenicity testing	……

5. Large-scale Preparation and Purification of VLPs

After successful preliminary experiments, we will undertake large-scale production of VLPs to meet clients' needs in research or clinical trials.

Fig.2 Schematic representation of in vitro VLP assembly.^2,3

Creative Biolabs has been at the forefront of infectious disease research, and our VLP preparation services are notable for their excellent cost-effectiveness. Our unique preparation process not only ensures that VLPs maintain a stable natural conformation but also guarantees the high uniformity of their particle size, enhancing their reliability in research and application while maintaining biological activity. If you are looking for high-quality VLPs, feel free to contact us.

References:

1. Pushko, P.; Tretyakova, I. Influenza virus like particles (VLPs): opportunities for H7N9 vaccine development. Viruses. 2020, 12(5).
2. Le, DT.; Müller, KM. In vitro assembly of virus-like particles and their applications. Life (Basel). 2021, 11(4).
3. under Open Access license CC BY 4.0, without modification.

• Viral Recombinant Protein Production
• Virus Sequencing and Analysis Service
• Virus Vector Design and Synthesis Service
• Pseudovirus Production