Adjuvanted subunit intranasal vaccine reduces SARS-CoV-2 onward transmission in hamsters.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Most COVID-19 vaccine trials have focused on recipient protection, not protection of their contacts, a critical need. As a subunit intranasal COVID-19 vaccine reduced nasopharyngeal virus more than did an intramuscular (IM) vaccine, we hypothesized that this vaccine might reduce onward transmission to others.

Methods

We vaccinated hamsters with either the IM-administrated licensed mRNA vaccine twice or one dose of mRNA IM followed by adjuvanted subunit intranasal vaccine. 24 hours after SARS-CoV-2 challenge, these animals were housed with naïve recipients in a contactless chamber that allows airborne transmission.

Results

Onward airborne transmission was profoundly blocked: the donor and recipients of the intranasal vaccine-boosted group had lower oral an

SUBMITTER: Sui Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11841495 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature