Scripps Research Nanodisc Vaccine Platform

Scientists at Scripps Research, in collaboration with International AIDS Vaccine Initiative and other institutes, have developed a novel nanodisc-based platform that allows viral surface proteins to be studied in a form that closely mimics their natural state. This addresses a long-standing challenge in vaccine development, as traditional lab-made proteins often lack key parts that sit within the virus' membrane, obscuring how antibodies truly identify and neutralize viral targets. The new approach embeds viral proteins into lipid molecules, preserving their membrane-like structure. The platform was successfully tested using proteins from HIV and Ebola, two viruses known for their difficult-to-target surface proteins. This technology provides a clearer view of antibody-viral protein interactions, revealing hidden features and insights into how antibodies neutralize viruses. The system is also scalable and efficient, reducing preparation time from months to about a week, making it practical for comparing multiple vaccine candidates. While not a vaccine itself, this platform is a powerful tool to inform and accelerate the development of next-generation vaccines for various viruses, including influenza and SARS-CoV-2. The findings were published in Nature Communications and supported by funding from the Norway — Norwegian Institute of Public Health, the Gates Foundation, International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.