Two distinct chimeric potexviruses share antigenic cross-presentation properties of MHC class I epitopes

Chimeric VLPs made of papaya mosaic virus (PapMV) trigger a CTL response through antigenic presentation of epitopes on MHC class I. Here, a chimeric VLP composed of malva mosaic virus (MaMV) was shown to share similar properties. We demonstrated the capacity of both VLPs to enter human APCs. The chimeric constructions were cross-presented in CD40-activated B lymphocytes leading to in vitro expansion of antigen-specific T lymphocytes. We showed that high concentrations of chimeric MaMV induced cell death, suggesting that some modifications can trigger collateral effects in vitro. Results suggest that potexvirus VLPs are an attractive vaccine platform for inducing a CTL response.