1. Preclinical evaluation of a COVID-19 vaccine candidate based on a recombinant RBD fusion heterodimer of SARS-CoV-2
- Author
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Antonio Barreiro, Antoni Prenafeta, Gregori Bech-Sabat, Mercè Roca, Eva Perozo Mur, Ricard March, Luis González-González, Laia Madrenas, Júlia Corominas, Alex Fernández, Alexandra Moros, Manuel Cañete, Mercè Molas, Thais Pentinat-Pelegrin, Clara Panosa, Alberto Moreno, Ester Puigvert Molas, Eva Pol Vilarrassa, Jordi Palmada, Carme Garriga, Teresa Prat Cabañas, Javier Iglesias-Fernández, Júlia Vergara-Alert, Cristina Lorca-Oró, Núria Roca, Leira Fernández-Bastit, Jordi Rodon, Mònica Pérez, Joaquim Segalés, Edwards Pradenas, Silvia Marfil, Benjamin Trinité, Raquel Ortiz, Bonaventura Clotet, Julià Blanco, Jorge Díaz Pedroza, Rosa Ampudia Carrasco, Yaiza Rosales Salgado, Jordina Loubat-Casanovas, Sara Capdevila Larripa, Julia Garcia Prado, Jordi Barretina, Marta Sisteré-Oró, Paula Cebollada Rica, Andreas Meyerhans, and Laura Ferrer
- Subjects
Health sciences ,Immune response ,Immunology ,Microbiology ,Science - Abstract
Summary: Current COVID-19 vaccines have been associated with a decline in infection rates, prevention of severe disease, and a decrease in mortality rates. However, SARS-CoV-2 variants are continuously evolving, and development of new accessible COVID-19 vaccines is essential to mitigate the pandemic. Here, we present data on preclinical studies in mice of a receptor-binding domain (RBD)-based recombinant protein vaccine (PHH-1V) consisting of an RBD fusion heterodimer comprising the B.1.351 and B.1.1.7 SARS-CoV-2 variants formulated in SQBA adjuvant, an oil-in-water emulsion. A prime-boost immunisation with PHH-1V in BALB/c and K18-hACE2 mice induced a CD4+ and CD8+ T cell response and RBD-binding antibodies with neutralizing activity against several variants, and also showed a good tolerability profile. Significantly, RBD fusion heterodimer vaccination conferred 100% efficacy, preventing mortality in SARS-CoV-2 infected K18-hACE2 mice, but also reducing Beta, Delta and Omicron infection in lower respiratory airways. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of this recombinant vaccine strategy.
- Published
- 2023
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