Screening optimal DC-targeting peptide to enhance the immune efficacy of recombinant expressing RHDV VP60.

Dendritic cells (DCs) present an ideal target for delivering immunogenic cargo due to their potent antigen-presenting capabilities. This targeting approach holds promise in vaccine development by enhancing the efficiency of antigen recognition and capture by DCs. To identify a high-affinity targeting peptide binding to rabbit DCs, rabbit monocyte-derived DCs (raMoDCs) were isolated and cultured, and a novel peptide, HS (HSLRHDYGYPGH), was identified using a phage-displayed peptide library. Alongside HS, two other DC-targeting peptides, KC1 and MY, previously validated in our laboratory, were employed to construct recombinant fusion-expressed rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) capsid protein VP60. These recombinant strains were named HS-VP60/, KC1-VP60/, and MY-VP60/. The ability of these recombinant to bind rabbit DCs was evaluated both in vivo and in vitro. Results demonstrated that the DC-targeting peptide KC1 significantly enhanced the capture efficiency of recombinant by raMoDCs, promoted DC maturation, and increased cytokine secretion. Furthermore, oral administration of KC1-VP60/ effectively induced SIgA and IgG production in rabbits, prolonged rabbit survival post-challenge, and reduced RHDV copies in organs. In summary, the DC-targeting peptide KC1 exhibited robust binding to raMoDCs, and recombinant expressing KC1-VP60 protein antigens efficiently induced systemic and mucosal immune responses in rabbits, conferring protective efficacy against RHDV. This study offers valuable insights for the development of novel RHDV vaccines.