Journal of Microbiology

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Mouse strain-dependent neutralizing antibody responses to Zika virus vaccines: Sang Hwan Seo, Jung-ah Choi, Eunji Yang, Hayan Park, Dae-Im Jung, Jae-Ouk Kim, Jae Seung Yang, Manki Song; J. Microbiol. 2025;63(8):e2504005. Published online August 31, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.71150/jm.2504005

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Abstract PDF: The 2015 Zika virus (ZIKV) outbreak in Brazil and its global spread underscored the urgent need for effective and broadly protective vaccines. While C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice are widely used in preclinical vaccine research, direct comparisons of their ability to elicit ZIKV-specific neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) remain limited. This study aimed to systematically evaluate and compare the immunogenic potential of these two common mouse strains across diverse vaccine platforms, focusing on their capacity to generate functional neutralizing antibody responses. We assessed nAb and IgG responses following four vaccination strategies: (1) DNA vaccine encoding prMEΔTM followed by E protein domain III boost, (2) recombinant EΔTM protein expressed using baculovirus system, (3) formalin-inactivated ZIKV, and (4) live ZIKV. Although both strains generated detectable ZIKV- and E protein-specific IgG, the magnitude and quality of responses varied by vaccine platform and strain. Notably, C57BL/6 mice consistently mounted significantly higher nAb titers than BALB/c mice across all immunization groups, including subunit- and whole-virus-based vaccines. In contrast, BALB/c mice showed lower or undetectable nAb responses, despite comparable or higher total IgG levels in some cases. These findings show that host genetic background is a critical determinant of vaccine-induced neutralization and underscore the importance of selecting appropriate animal models in ZIKV vaccine development. C57BL/6 mice, due to their robust nAb responses, represent a reliable model for evaluating vaccine immunogenicity. Conversely, the limited nAb responses in BALB/c mice position them as a potential low-responder model, offering a stringent system to test the potency and breadth of protective immunity under suboptimal conditions.

Review

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus vaccine development: updating clinical studies using platform technologies: Jung-ah Choi , Jae-Ouk Kim; J. Microbiol. 2022;60(3):238-246. Published online January 28, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-022-1547-8

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Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), a contagious zoonotic virus, causes severe respiratory infection with a case fatality rate of approximately 35% in humans. Intermittent sporadic cases in communities and healthcare facility outbreaks have continued to occur since its first identification in 2012. The World Health Organization has declared MERS-CoV a priority pathogen for worldwide research and vaccine development due to its epidemic potential and the insufficient countermeasures available. The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations is supporting vaccine development against emerging diseases, including MERS-CoV, based on platform technologies using DNA, mRNA, viral vector, and protein subunit vaccines. In this paper, we review the usefulness and structure of a spike glycoprotein as a MERSCoV vaccine candidate molecule, and provide an update on the status of MERS-CoV vaccine development. Vaccine candidates based on both DNA and viral vectors coding MERSCoV spike gene have completed early phase clinical trials. A harmonized approach is required to assess the immunogenicity of various candidate vaccine platforms. Platform technologies accelerated COVID-19 vaccine development and can also be applied to developing vaccines against other emerging viral diseases.

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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Sublingual Administration of Bacteria-Expressed Influenza Virus Hemagglutinin 1 (HA1) Induces Protection against Infection with 2009 Pandemic H1N1 Influenza Virus: Byoung-Shik Shim , Jung-ah Choi , Ho-Hyun Song , Sung-Moo Park , In Su Cheon , Ji-Eun Jang , Sun Je Woo , Chung Hwan Cho , Min-Suk Song , Hyemi Kim , Kyung Joo Song , Jae Myun Lee , Suhng Wook Kim , Dae Sub Song , Young Ki Choi , Jae-Ouk Kim , Huan Huu Nguyen , Dong Wook Kim , Young Yil Bahk , Cheol-Heui Yun , Man Ki Song; J. Microbiol. 2013;51(1):130-135. Published online March 2, 2013; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-013-2399-z

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Abstract PDF

Influenza viruses are respiratory pathogens that continue to pose a significantly high risk of morbidity and mortality of humans worldwide. Vaccination is one of the most effective strategies for minimizing damages by influenza outbreaks. In addition, rapid development and production of efficient vaccine with convenient administration is required in case of influenza pandemic. In this study, we generated recombinant influenza virus hemagglutinin protein 1 (sHA1) of 2009 pandemic influenza virus as a vaccine candidate using a wellestablished bacterial expression system and administered it into mice via sublingual (s.l.) route. We found that s.l. immunization with the recombinant sHA1 plus cholera toxin (CT) induced mucosal antibodies as well as systemic antibodies including neutralizing Abs and provided complete protection against infection with pandemic influenza virus A/CA/04/09 (H1N1) in mice. Indeed, the protection efficacy was comparable with that induced by intramuscular (i.m.) immunization route utilized as general administration route of influenza vaccine. These results suggest that s.l. vaccination with the recombinant non-glycosylated HA1 protein offers an alternative strategy to control influenza outbreaks including pandemics.

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