Symmetry Controlled, Genetic Presentation of Bioactive Proteins on the P22 Virus-like Particle Using an External Decoration Protein

Viruses use spatial control of constituent proteins as a means of manipulating and evading host immune systems. Similarly, precise spatial control of proteins encapsulated or presented on designed nanoparticles has the potential to biomimetically amplify or shield biological interactions. Previously, we have shown the ability to encapsulate a wide range of guest proteins within the virus-like particle (VLP) from Salmonella typhimurium bacteriophage P22, including antigenic proteins from human pathogens such as influenza. Expanding on this robust encapsulation strategy, we have used the trimeric decoration protein (Dec) from bacteriophage L as a means of controlled exterior presentation on the mature P22 VLP, to which it binds with high affinity. Through genetic fusion to the C-terminus of the Dec protein, either the 17 kDa soluble region of murine CD40L or a minimal peptide designed from the binding region of the "self-marker" CD47 was independently presented on the P22 VLP capsid exterior. Both candidates retained function when presented as a Dec-fusion. Binding of the Dec domain to the P22 capsid was minimally changed across designed constructs, as measured by surface plasmon resonance, demonstrating the broad utility of this presentation strategy. Dec-mediated presentation offers a robust, modular means of decorating the exposed exterior of the P22 capsid in order to further orchestrate responses to internally functionalized VLPs within biological systems.