Layered-double-hydroxide delivery for PRRSV vaccination
The Layered-double-hydroxide (LDH) delivery system is a research-stage nano-vaccine platform designed to improve the efficacy of vaccines against the Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV). By using biocompatible LDH nanoparticles to deliver a chimeric PRRSV antigen, this technology enhances vaccine stability and induces stronger, longer-lasting humoral immune responses in preclinical models.
Overview
The Layered-double-hydroxide (LDH) delivery system is a research-stage nano-vaccine platform developed to improve the efficacy of vaccines against the Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV). PRRSV causes significant economic losses in the swine industry, and existing commercial vaccines often suffer from low efficacy. This technology utilizes biocompatible, low-cost LDH nanoparticles as delivery vehicles for a recombinant chimeric protein antigen (LTB–PRRSV). By adsorbing the antigen onto the LDH surface, the system enhances the stability and immunogenicity of the vaccine, promoting stronger and longer-lasting humoral immune responses compared to traditional formulations.
Technical specifications
- Delivery Vehicle: Layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanoparticles, which are synthetic, anionic clays.
- Antigen: A recombinant chimeric protein (LTB–PRRSV) consisting of the heat-labile enterotoxin B subunit from E. coli fused with four PRRSV epitopes.
- Conjugation Method: Passive adsorption of the antigen onto LDH nanoparticles at pH 9.5, optimized at a 1:2 mass ratio.
- Particle Characteristics: The resulting conjugates exhibit a hydrodynamic diameter of approximately 192 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.26, and high stability in sucrose-tween solutions.
- Performance: The system demonstrates superior capacity for inducing long-lasting humoral responses in murine models compared to antigen alone or antigen adjuvanted with alum.
Technology readiness level
The technology is at TRL 3. It has been validated through laboratory-scale synthesis, characterization, and immunogenicity assessments in mice. While the results demonstrate promising stability and immune response profiles, the technology remains in the research and development phase, requiring further safety and efficacy studies in target species (pigs) before potential commercial application.
About Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) is a comprehensive public research university headquartered in Mexico City, serving one of the world’s largest student bodies and spanning campuses and research units nationwide. Its distributed institutes and regional sites position laboratories near Mexico’s major industrial corridors, facilitating sponsored collaborations, contract testing, and access to shared core facilities and pilot-scale environments. Dedicated corporate engagement and liaison teams streamline agreements, visiting researcher arrangements, and workforce pipelines. Research is supported by Mexico’s national science and technology funding and competitive international programs, with additional backing from state and industry partners. A centralized technology transfer function manages IP, licensing, and startup formation, complemented by incubators and entrepreneur support across multiple campuses.
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