An intranasal attenuated Coxsackievirus B3 vaccine induces strong
systemic and mucosal immunity against CVB3 lethal challenge
Abstract
Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) triggers viral myocarditis, with no effective
vaccine yet. This fecal-orally transmitted pathogen has prompted
interest in mucosal immunization to impede CVB3 spread. Our lab
identified an attenuated strain, CVB3(mu), offering myocarditis and
pancreatitis protection against CVB3(WT) in susceptible Balb/c mice.
CVB3(mu)’s potential to stimulate mucosal immune defense remains to be
elucidated. This study evaluates CVB3(mu)’s genetic stability via a
rapid evolution cellular model and RNA sequencing. Its temperature
sensitivity and safety were evaluated through in vitro and
in vivo experiments. CVB3(mu)’s mucosal immunity protection was
assessed via intranasal immunization in Balb/c mice. Results show
CVB3(mu) maintains genetic stability and temperature sensitivity,
retaining attenuated traits up to the 25th passage. Intranasal
immunization elicited a significant Th1 response, potent serum
neutralizing antibodies, and a substantial sIgA response in nasal
washes. In vivo trials revealed CVB3(mu) protection in adult mice
and passive protection in suckling mice against lethal CVB3(WT)
challenges. In conclusion, CVB3(mu), a live attenuated intranasal
vaccine, provides tripartite protection involving humoral, mucosal, and
cellular immunity, making it a potential candidate to control CVB3
spread and infection.