Topic: Structure-based design and development of norovirus antigens

Speaker: Prof. Ye Xiang

Time: December 23, 10:00 - 11:30 am

Venue: The Learning Studio

Abstract:

Norovirus is a leading global cause of gastroenteritis. The major capsid protein of norovirus, VP1, can self-assemble into virus-like particles (VLPs), which have been widely used as vaccine antigens in clinical trials. However, the insufficient stability of these VLPs, which tend to disassemble under physiological conditions, is a major reason hindering successful norovirus vaccine development. Based on improved understanding of the key factors governing norovirus assembly, we performed structure-guided redesign of norovirus VP1 and developed an VP1 antigen with significantly enhanced stability. Immunization in mice showed that this redesigned VP1 antigen elicits a superior naturalizing antibody response compared to the wild type protein. Further characterization of the capsid also identified intermediates involved in norovirus VLP assembly, providing new insights into the mechanisms involved in norovirus capsid assembly.

Brief introduction of the speaker:

Dr. Ye Xiang is currently a researcher at the Center for Infectious Diseases at Tsinghua University, as well as at the Beijing Frontier Innovation Center for Biological Structure and the Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences.  He also serves as Deputy Director of the Society for Molecular Biophysics.

Dr. Ye Xiang received his Bachelor's degree from Peking University in 1998 and completed his Ph.D. from the Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, in 2003. From 2005 to 2012, he conducted postdoctoral research at Purdue University in the United States. He joined the faculty at Tsinghua University in 2013. He is currently a researcher at the Center for Infectious Diseases at Tsinghua University, as well as at the Beijing Frontier Innovation Center for Biological Structure and the Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences. He also serves as Deputy Director of the Society for Molecular Biophysics. In 2012, he was selected for the Young Talents Program, and in 2019, he was awarded the National Distinguished Young Scientist Fund. Dr. Ye Xiang’s research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of virus entry and assembly.