Indonesian Journal of Biotechnology
Vol 31, No 2 (2026)

Generation of a bivalent dengue virus-like particle targeting DENV-1 and DENV-2 in Pichia pastoris

Kusumawardani, Shinta (Unknown)
Yusuf, Muhammad (Unknown)
Yosua, Yosua (Unknown)
Syafrudin, Elza Nurrachmanita (Unknown)
Baroroh, Umi (Unknown)
Nurainy, Neni (Unknown)
Subroto, Toto (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Jun 2026

Abstract

Dengue remains a major global health concern, with current licensed vaccines offering variable protection across the four virus serotypes and posing safety considerations related to antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE). To contribute toward improved vaccine design, we developed a bivalent virus-like particle (VLP) targeting DENV-1 and DENV-2, the two most prevalent serotypes in Indonesia. Consensus envelope (CE) protein sequences from Indonesian DENV-1 and DENV-2 strains were codon-optimized and co-expressed in Pichia pastoris GS115 using the AOX1 promoter. The expressed proteins were solubilized from membrane fractions under denaturing conditions, purified via Ni2+-affinity chromatography, and subjected to urea gradient dialysis for VLP assembly. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the formation of spherical VLPs. Western blot analysis confirmed expression and purification via anti-His detection, and supported antigenic integrity of the envelope proteins as recognized by anti-dengue E antibodies. The study demonstrates the feasibility of using P. pastoris for chimeric dengue VLP production based on regionally relevant strains. The findings support the development of serotype-focused VLP platforms as modular components in the development of future tetravalent dengue vaccines.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

ijbiotech

Publisher

Subject

Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology Immunology & microbiology Materials Science & Nanotechnology

Description

The Indonesian Journal of Biotechnology (IJBiotech) is an open access, peer-reviewed, multidisciplinary journal dedicated to the publication of novel research in all aspects of biotechnology, with particular attention paid to the exploration and development of natural products derived from ...