DEC-205—Targeted Antigen Delivery Enhances T Cell Immunity in a Murine Model of West Nile Virus Encephalitis 2260788
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Introduction Targeted immunotherapies aimed at enhancing antiviral T cell responses are of particular interest for treating neurotropic viral infections such as West Nile Virus (WNV), which lacks a licensed human vaccine. Previous studies have shown that DEC-205+ dendritic cells (DCs) in the central nervous system (CNS) play a role in reactivating antiviral immunity during WNV infection. Methods Methods to investigate this: a hybrid scFv antibody targeting DEC-205 and conjugated to a peptide from the WNV NS4b protein was administered to mice infected with WNV-TX. Poly I:C was co-delivered as an adjuvant to promote DC maturation. Immunological outcomes were assessed by quantifying co-stimulatory molecule expression (CD40, CD80, CD86) on DCs and evaluating T cell activation markers and cytokine profiles. Results Mice receiving the DEC-205—NS4b scFv showed increased expression of activation markers and higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, suggesting enhanced antiviral immunity. Conclusion These findings support targeted DC-based strategies as a promising approach for future WNV vaccine development. Funding Source Cal Poly Pomona Project Hatchery Topic Categories Immune Response Regulation: Cellular Mechanisms (IRC)
Source: The Journal of Immunology
Institution: California State Polytechnic University
Language: English
Subfield: Immunology
Field: Immunology and Microbiology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7171545169
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