Development of Nano/Micro-Size Virus Like Particle (VLP) Based Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine to Treat Cervical Cancer

Objective: Cervical is the second most cancer among women all over the world. Two HPV type-specific prophylactic vaccines are used in several countries world-wide. But these vaccines are expensive, require cold chain storage and trained personnel to administer injections. The goal of this project is to develop a particle based HPV vaccine that will be cost effective and can be used in resource poor countries.

Method: The particulate vaccine containing VLPs was prepared in a simple one step spray drying process using a Eudragit polymer. The size, shape and surface morphology of the particles was determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Within the particle, the presence of VLP was determined using SDS-PAGE analysis and quantified using Western blot.  VLP conformation was ascertained by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The vaccine was tested in an in vivo animal model using Swiss Webster mice and the antibody from serum was analyzed using ELISA

Results:  The percent yield of particles after spray drying was 55%. The SEM image showed that the average size of the particles were 5 μm. The presence of intact VLPs was confirmed by TEM images. Western Blot analysis further confirmed the presence of L1 and showed that about 50% of the VLP was encapsulated.  The animal study showed the significant ly high titer at week 8.

Conclusions: Based on the advantages of particulate vaccines, we envision that the current formulation would offer mucosal and systemic protection at multiple anatomic sites that are vulnerable to HPV infection and associated disease progression.