Above is a high level schematic representation of the Alphavirus Platform technology used at Harrisvaccines. Harrisvaccines versatile Alphavirus-based platform technology can be used to produce either RNA Subunit (R) or RNA Particle (RP) vaccines. The diagram above depicts the process of producing vaccines using an R or an RP approach.
Following the left side of the diagram, the Platform consists of a “replicon” that contains the Alphavirus Non-Structural genes and a Gene of Interest (GOI) derived from any particular virus or pathogen. This replicon is then introduced into a cell culture line by a process that uses electricity, known as electroporation. The replication machinery from the Alphavirus induces cells to express high levels of the antigen encoded by the GOI. These antigens are then harvested and formulated with adjuvant to make a subunit protein vaccine. When injected into an animal, the subunit protein is recognized by the immune system, inducing an antibody response.
Production of RP is shown on the right side of the diagram and is similar to the R process except for the addition of the Alphavirus Structural genes at the electroporation step. The Structural genes allow the cells to produce propagation-defective particles that contain the non-structural genes and the GOI. These particles are then harvested and purified to make the RNA Particle vaccine. Once the RPs are injected into an animal, the RNA Particles use the animals own cells to produce the antigen encoded for by the GOI; this process induces both a cell mediated immune response and an antibody response. These two types of vaccines represent novel and powerful tools for combating the economic devastation that viruses and other pathogens often cause in a farmed animal setting.
