RESUMEN
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in global effects on human health, economic stability, and social norms. The emergence of viral variants raises concerns about the efficacy of existing vaccines and highlights the continued need for the development of efficient, fast-acting, and cost-effective vaccines. Here, we demonstrate the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of two vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV)-based vaccines encoding the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein either alone (VSV-SARS2) or in combination with the Ebola virus glycoprotein (VSV-SARS2-EBOV). Intranasally vaccinated hamsters showed an early CD8+ T cell response in the lungs and a greater antigen-specific IgG response, while intramuscularly vaccinated hamsters had an early CD4+ T cell and NK cell response. Intranasal vaccination resulted in protection within 10 days with hamsters not showing clinical signs of pneumonia when challenged with three different SARS-CoV-2 variants. This data demonstrates that VSV-based vaccines are viable single-dose, fast-acting vaccine candidates that are protective from COVID-19.
Asunto(s)
Vacunas contra la COVID-19/administración & dosificación , COVID-19/prevención & control , Ebolavirus/inmunología , Pandemias/prevención & control , SARS-CoV-2/inmunología , Glicoproteína de la Espiga del Coronavirus/inmunología , Vacunación/métodos , Virus de la Estomatitis Vesicular Indiana/inmunología , Animales , Anticuerpos Antivirales/sangre , Anticuerpos Antivirales/inmunología , COVID-19/sangre , COVID-19/inmunología , COVID-19/virología , Vacunas contra la COVID-19/inmunología , Chlorocebus aethiops , Cricetinae , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Ebolavirus/genética , Femenino , Humanos , Inmunogenicidad Vacunal , Inmunoglobulina G/sangre , Inmunoglobulina G/inmunología , Masculino , Plásmidos , Glicoproteína de la Espiga del Coronavirus/genética , Linfocitos T/inmunología , Resultado del Tratamiento , Células Vero , Virus de la Estomatitis Vesicular Indiana/genéticaRESUMEN
For the past 20 years, the notion of bioterror has been a source of considerable fear and panic worldwide. In response to the terror attacks of 2001 in the USA, extensive research funding was awarded to investigate bioterror-related pathogens. The global scientific legacy of this funding has extended into the present day, highlighted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Unsurprisingly, the surge in biodefence-related research and preparedness has been met with considerable apprehension and opposition. Here, we briefly outline the history of modern bioterror threats and biodefence research, describe the scientific legacy of biodefence research by highlighting advances pertaining to specific bacterial and viral pathogens, and summarise the future of biodefence research and its relevance today. We sought to address the sizeable question: have the past 20 years of investment into biodefence research and preparedness been worth it? The legacy of modern biodefence funding includes advancements in biosecurity, biosurveillence, diagnostics, medical countermeasures, and vaccines. In summary, we feel that these advances justify the substantial biodefence funding trend of the past two decades and set a precedent for future funding.