A Novel Frontier in EBV Vaccine Research: mRNA-Based Immunization with gp350, gp42, and gL Glycoproteins

Abstract

With mRNA vaccines gaining recognition for their role in combating the COVID-19 pandemic, this paper explores and engineers three candidate proteins with the potential to reduce the prevalence of the elusive pathogen Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and its associated diseases. EBV, an extremely common herpesvirus that affects 95% of the adult population, has been implicated in various medical conditions, including infectious mononucleosis, cancers, and autoimmune diseases. Following an overview of mRNA vaccines and their applications, this paper discusses candidate EBV proteins gp350, gp42, and gL for the development of a vaccine, selected based on criteria such as protein abundance, functional importance, stage of EBV infection, presence on the viral envelope, and roles in immune evasion. The engineering process for mRNA vaccines involved the insertion of signal sequences, transmembrane domains, 5’ and 3’ untranslated regions, and poly (A) tails to ensure proper protein expression and localization. Potential next steps were discussed, including RNA generation through in vitro transcription and the potential use of bacteria to produce mRNA in vivo. Immunofluorescence, Western blotting, and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) were suggested as techniques to visualize protein expression, confirm localization, and quantify protein levels, respectively. If mRNA synthesis is successful, the candidates can move on to in vitro testing on human cell lines, animal models, and human trials—with revisions as needed. This study lays the groundwork for developing mRNA vaccines targeting EBV-associated diseases, offering a promising avenue for research in the fields of preventive medicine and immunology.