Mucosal TLR2-activating protein-based vaccination induces potent pulmonary immunity and protection against SARS-CoV-2 in mice.

ABSTRACT: Current vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 substantially reduce mortality, but protection against infection is less effective. Enhancing immunity in the respiratory tract, via mucosal vaccination, may provide protection against infection and minimise viral spread. Here, we report testing of a subunit vaccine in mice, consisting of SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein with a TLR2-stimulating adjuvant (Pam₂Cys), delivered to mice parenterally or mucosally. Both routes of vaccination induce substantial neutralising antibody (nAb) titres, however, mucosal vaccination uniquely generates anti-Spike IgA, increases nAb in the serum and airways, and increases lung CD4⁺ T-cell responses. TLR2 is expressed by respiratory epithelia and immune cells. Using TLR2 deficient chimeric mice, we determine

SUBMITTER: Ashhurst AS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9665025 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature