Virus-Like Particle Production in Insect Cells Using the Baculovirus Expression System: Addressing Challenges across the Workflow

This webcast features: Maya Yovcheva, R&D Scientist, Cell Biology, Chantelle Gaskin, Field Applications Scientist, Purification, and Florian Durst, Sr. Field Application Specialist, Pharma Analytics, Thermo Fisher Scientific

Being part of the newer generation of vaccines, virus-like particles (VLPs) have proven to be effective in humans as well as animals. VLPs mimic the structure of the virus particles they are derived from and are highly immunogenic, but they lack the virus genomic material which gives them a favorable safety profile. The advantages over other vaccine types makes VLPs a desired modality and the interest in this technology has seen a tremendous uptake in recent years.

The insect cell/baculovirus expression system (BEVS) is a robust and efficient expression system and one of the technologies of choice to produce highly immunogenic VLP-based vaccines. The platform can deliver high expression yields of correctly folded VLPs, is cost effective, and is easily scalable. Although there are several advantages of using the BEVS technology for VLP development, one of its limitations is the difficulties it presents in the downstream phase of production.

During this webinar we will present upstream and downstream solutions across the VLP production workflow. Efficient and scalable VLP production is demonstrated in an insect-cell–based expression system that is optimized to produce high protein yields in just 6 to 10 days. In addition, we will discuss the use of an affinity tag system as a method for rapid screening of early vaccine candidates and outline the benefits of implementing affinity purification as a scavenging solution to remove coproduced baculovirus contaminants from the final product. Furthermore, we will address regulatory requirements for safety and purity testing during the VLP production process and discuss the benefits of implementing automated systems to save time and demonstrate product quality and safety.

Key takeaways:

Just fill out the form below to watch the recorded webcast.