ABSTRACT
Numerous vaccines have been developed to address the current COVID-19 pandemic, but safety, cross-neutralizing efficacy, and long-term protectivity of currently approved vaccines are still important issues. In this study, we developed a subunit vaccine, ASD254, by using a nanoparticle vaccine platform to encapsulate the SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor-binding domain (RBD) protein. As compared with the aluminum-adjuvant RBD vaccine, ASD254 induced higher titers of RBD-specific antibodies and generated 10- to 30-fold more neutralizing antibodies. Mice vaccinated with ASD254 showed protective immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 challenge, with undetectable infectious viral loads and reduced typical lesions in lung. Besides, neutralizing antibodies in vaccinated mice lasted for at least one year and were effective against various SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, including B.1.1.7 (Alpha), B.1.351 (Beta), P.1 (Gamma), B.1.617.2 (Delta), and B.1.1.529 (Omicron). Furthermore, particle size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential of ASD254 remained stable after 8-month storage at 4°C. Thus, ASD254 is a promising nanoparticle vaccine with good immunogenicity and stability to be developed as an effective vaccine option in controlling upcoming waves of COVID-19.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: With the continuous emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants that feature increased transmission and immune escape, there is an urgent demand for a better vaccine design that will provide broader neutralizing efficacy. METHODS: We report an mRNA-based vaccine using an engineered "hybrid" receptor binding domain (RBD) that contains all 16 point-mutations shown in the currently prevailing Omicron and Delta variants. RESULTS: A booster dose of hybrid vaccine in mice previously immunized with wild-type RBD vaccine induced high titers of broadly neutralizing antibodies against all tested SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs). In naïve mice, hybrid vaccine generated strong Omicron-specific neutralizing antibodies as well as low but significant titers against other VOCs. Hybrid vaccine also elicited CD8+/IFN-γ+ T cell responses against a conserved T cell epitope present in wild type and all VOCs. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that inclusion of different antigenic mutations from various SARS-CoV-2 variants is a feasible approach to develop cross-protective vaccines.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , SARS-CoV-2 , Animals , Antibodies, Neutralizing , Antibodies, Viral , Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies , COVID-19/prevention & control , Humans , Mice , SARS-CoV-2/genetics , Vaccines, Synthetic , mRNA VaccinesSubject(s)
COVID-19/immunology , Coronaviridae Infections/prevention & control , Coronavirus Envelope Proteins/immunology , Cross Protection , SARS-CoV-2/immunology , Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/immunology , Antibodies, Viral/biosynthesis , Antigens, Viral/biosynthesis , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/virology , Common Cold/epidemiology , Common Cold/immunology , Common Cold/virology , Coronaviridae/immunology , Coronaviridae Infections/epidemiology , Coronaviridae Infections/immunology , Coronaviridae Infections/virology , Coronavirus Envelope Proteins/genetics , Coronavirus M Proteins/genetics , Coronavirus M Proteins/immunology , Coronavirus Nucleocapsid Proteins/genetics , Coronavirus Nucleocapsid Proteins/immunology , Cross Reactions , Endemic Diseases , Humans , Machine Learning/statistics & numerical data , Phosphoproteins/genetics , Phosphoproteins/immunology , SARS-CoV-2/pathogenicity , Sequence Homology, Amino Acid , Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/geneticsABSTRACT
Each year, influenza causes a significant acute respiratory disease burden. In addition, influenza pandemics periodically occur. Annual vaccination is the best tool for influenza prevention, but its effectiveness can vary from year to year. The narrow specificity of conventional vaccines and the drug resistance of currently circulating viruses reduce the effectiveness of prophylaxis and treatment and require the development of new broad-spectrum preparations. Furthermore, the challenge of creating a highly effective universal influenza vaccine takes on renewed intensity in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.