Work

CHO cell production of a single, enveloped VLP vaccine co-displaying SARS-CoV-2, influenza and RSV antigens

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Concurrent circulation of SARS-CoV-2, influenza A (IAV), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) remains a major public health concern, driving the need for multivalent, combined vaccines. Here, we report the generation of trivalent enveloped virus-like particles (eVLPs) co-displaying SARS-CoV-2 spike (S), influenza H1, and RSV fusion (F) proteins produced in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Using both transient and stable gene expression systems, we achieved intrinsic co-assembly of all three antigens within enveloped particles. Stable CHO eVLP expression yielded antigen volumetric titers of 50 mg/L. A prefusogenic F variant showed superior expression and incorporation efficiency compared to wild-type F and prefusion-stabilized forms. The adjuvanted trivalent eVLP vaccine elicited robust antigen-specific IgG and T-cell responses while inducing antibodies against a known protective RSV neutralizing site. Notably, the formulation provided complete protection against lethal influenza H1N1 challenge in mice. These results highlight the potential of CHO-derived eVLPs as a scalable multivalent vaccine platform capable of integrating multiple complex glycoproteins within a single product for broad protection against major respiratory viruses.

Source: Scientific Reports

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-71900-9