DEC-205—Targeted Antigen Delivery Enhances T Cell Immunity in a Murine Model of West Nile Virus Encephalitis 2260788

Abstract

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 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. Mice receiving the DEC-205—NS4b scFv showed increased expression of activation markers and higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, suggesting enhanced antiviral immunity. These findings support targeted DC-based strategies as a promising approach for future WNV vaccine development. Cal Poly Pomona Project Hatchery Immune Response Regulation: Cellular Mechanisms (IRC)