A PROMISING LIPOSOMAL VACCINE CANDIDATE AGAINST EPSTEIN-BARR VIRUS: AN IN VITRO EVALUATION EPSTEIN-BARR VİRÜSÜNE KARŞI UMUT VADEDEN LİPOZOMAL AŞI ADAYI: İN VİTRO DEĞERLENDİRME
Ankara Universitesi Eczacilik Fakultesi Dergisi, vol.50, no.2, pp.322-337, 2026 (Scopus, TRDizin)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 50 Issue: 2
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.33483/jfpau.1818424
- Journal Name: Ankara Universitesi Eczacilik Fakultesi Dergisi
- Journal Indexes: Scopus, Central & Eastern European Academic Source (CEEAS), TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
- Page Numbers: pp.322-337
- Keywords: Epstein–Barr virus, gp350 antigen, liposome, MPLA, subunit vaccine
- Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Objective: In this study, we developed PEGylated-liposomes encapsulating full-length gp350 with MPLA adjuvant, systematically modulating DOPC-versus DOPE-based bilayers to reveal how lipid composition influences physicochemical properties, cytotoxicity, ROS generation, genotoxicity, stability, and cytokine induction, establishing a novel nano-encapsulation platform that informs the rational design of next-generation EBV subunit vaccines capable of eliciting coordinated innate and early adaptive immune responses. Material and Method: PEGylated-liposomes were prepared using DOPC-and DOPE-based bilayers to compare their physicochemical characteristics. Particle size, PDI, and zeta potential were analyzed by DLS. Encapsulation efficiency, stability at 4°C for 30 days, and antigen release kinetics at 37°C were determined. Cytotoxicity (MTT, LDH assays), oxidative and genotoxic stress (ROS, comet assays), and cytokine responses (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10) in THP-1–derived macrophages were evaluated to assess safety and immunostimulatory capacity. Result and Discussion: Both formulations produced nanoparticles smaller than 200 nm with high encapsulation efficiency (>90%) and maintained stability for at least 30 days. DOPC-based liposomes exhibited a sustained antigen release (25% at 24 h), whereas DOPE-based liposomes showed a rapid burst release (60% within 6 h). Cytotoxicity, ROS, and comet assays indicated superior biocompatibility of the DOPC-based formulation. Immunological analysis revealed that the DOPC formulation induced a balanced cytokine profile with robust TNF-α and IL-6 expression, moderate IL-10 secretion, and a Th1-skewed response, while the DOPE-based formulation displayed an IL-6–dominant pattern. Collectively, these results identify DOPC-based PEGylated-liposomes as a safe, stable, and immunostimulatory platform for gp350 delivery, highlighting their promise as a next-generation EBV vaccine candidate.