A modular protocol for virosome display of subunit vaccine antigens.

Antigen array increases B cell receptor (BCR) triggering and the titer of antibodies elicited by subunit vaccines. Here, we present a protocol for multivalent antigen display by synthetic virosomes: preformed liposomes bearing glycoprotein spike proteins from enveloped viruses. We describe how to customize lipid stoichiometry within preformed liposomes and attach user-defined antigens via covalent and/or non-covalent interactions. In addition to generating vaccine research tools, this protocol demonstrates how two-dimensional membrane array resolves and activates exceptionally weak but critical virus-receptor interactions.