RESUMO
The nucleocapsid protein (NP) of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) contains immunogenic epitopes that can induce cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) against viral infection. This makes the nucleocapsid protein a suitable candidate for developing a vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 infection. This article reports the intradermal delivery of NP antigen using dissolvable microneedle skin patches that could induce both significant B cell and T cell responses.
Assuntos
Anticorpos Antivirais/sangue , Vacinas contra COVID-19/imunologia , COVID-19/prevenção & controle , Proteínas do Nucleocapsídeo de Coronavírus/imunologia , SARS-CoV-2/imunologia , Linfócitos T Citotóxicos/imunologia , Animais , Linfócitos B/imunologia , Vacinas contra COVID-19/administração & dosagem , Proteínas do Nucleocapsídeo de Coronavírus/administração & dosagem , Ensaio de Imunoadsorção Enzimática , Injeções Intradérmicas/métodos , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos BALB C , Fosfoproteínas/administração & dosagem , Fosfoproteínas/imunologiaRESUMO
SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein has been proposed as a good vaccine target. N-specific T cells were observed in SARS-CoV-2 N immunized mice and COVID-19 convalescents. It is of importance to identify the T cell responses triggered by SARS-CoV-2 N protein. Intradermal immunization with SARS-CoV N protein was demonstrated to elicit non-protective T cell responses which may be avoided by intranasal vaccination. Therefore, we conducted intranasal vaccination of BALB/c mice with recombinant adenovirus type-5 expressing SARS-CoV-2 N protein. Such procedure induced CD8 T cell responses in the lung. Meanwhile CD4 T cell responses were observed in the spleen, which was associated with robust antibody production. Our study further supports the notion that SARS-CoV-2 N protein can work as a target for vaccine development.
