Original transcriptome sequencing data in manuscript "INFα-gE-Fc fusion protein enhances both T cell and B cell immune responses for VZV vaccine"

This study constructed a novel self-adjuvant fusion immunogen IFNα-gE-Fc to synergistically boost host immune responses, and systematically assessed its immunogenicity in mice under adjuvant-free condition as well as three distinct adjuvant combinations (Alum, MnJ, AS01b). The fusion protein exhibited prominent immune potency: high titers of neutralizing antibodies and Th1-skewed cellular immunity were elicited without exogenous adjuvants. It robustly triggered dendritic cell activation and augmented responses of Tfh and germinal center B cells. Transcriptome profiling verified that the synergistic stimulation of humoral and innate immune pathways accounts for its immune-enhancing effects. Compared with standalone gE protein, IFNα-gE-Fc delivered superior immunogenicity in all tested adjuvant platforms, and the provoked immune responses persisted steadily for a minimum of 250 days. In summary, IFNα-gE-Fc serves as a favorable immunogen candidate for next-generation non-live vaccines against varicella and herpes zoster to intervene distinct phases of VZV infection.