Preclinical study of formulated recombinant nucleocapsid protein, the receptor binding domain of the spike protein, and truncated spike (S1) protein as vaccine candidates against COVID-19 in animal models.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In this pre-clinical study, we designed a candidate vaccine based on severe acute respiratory syndrome-related -coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antigens and evaluated its safety and immunogenicity.

Methods

SARS-CoV-2 recombinant protein antigens, including truncated spike protein (SS1, lacking the N-terminal domain of S1), receptor-binding domain (RBD), and nucleoprotein (N) were used. Immunization program was performed via injection of RBD, SS1 +RBD, and SS1 +N along with different adjuvants, Alum, AS03, and Montanide at doses of 0, 40, 80, and 120 μg at three-time points in mice, rabbits, and primates. The humoral and cellular immunity were analyzed by ELISA, VNT, splenocyte cytokine assay, and flow cytometry.

Results

The candidate vaccine produced strong IgG

SUBMITTER: Nazarian S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9222294 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature