Design of the SARS-CoV-2 RBD vaccine antigen improves neutralizing antibody response.

ABSTRACT: The receptor binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein is the primary target of neutralizing antibodies and is a component of almost all current vaccines. Here, RBD immunogens were created with stabilizing amino acid changes that improve the neutralizing antibody response, as well as characteristics for production, storage, and distribution. A computational design and in vitro screening platform identified three improved immunogens, each with approximately nine amino acid changes relative to the native RBD sequence, and four key changes conserved between immunogens. The changes are adaptable to all vaccine platforms and compatible with mutations in emerging variants of concern. The immunogens elicit higher levels of neutralizing antibodies than native RBD, focus the immune respo

SUBMITTER: Dickey TH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9473567 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature