SARS-COV-2 Antigen Nanoparticles and Uses Thereof
Background
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a novel betacoronavirus, has caused a global health crisis and still poses a substantial risk to public health, leading to over 103 million reported infections in the United States and over 774 million worldwide since 2019. The widespread deployment of safe and effective vaccines is likely the only way to slow the spread of the virus and to lessen its serious effects. The receptor binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 Spike is a promising vaccine target since it binds to human ACE2 receptors, allowing the virus to enter cells. However, RBD is poorly immunogenic. Another complication of vaccines is that they often work poorly in vulnerable populations such as young children and the elderly, who are at higher risk of developing serious complications due to COVID-19 infection.
Technology Overview
To overcome these obstacles, researchers at Boston Children’s Hospital have developed a nanoparticle composed of SARS-CoV-2 RBD to increase RBD immunogenicity and protective immunity against SARS-CoV-2. The nanoparticle includes the self-aggregating protein lumazine synthase (LuS) which increases RBD immunogenicity. It also includes the Beta coronavirus protein antigen which is covalently linked to the lumazine synthase. Consequently, the nanoparticle enhances an immune response against the Beta coronavirus protein antigen when administered and enhances the production of antigen-specific antibodies, which in this case is Immunoglobulin G (IgG). The nanoparticle is also formulated with an oil in water emulsion (OIW) which also increases its immunogenicity. This formulation increases RBD immunogenicity and protective immunity against SARS-CoV-2, especially in vulnerable populations.
Applications
- Diseases caused by a Betacoronavirus
- Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)
- Sudden Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
- Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
- Adjuvant to increase vaccine effectiveness in vulnerable populations (very young and elderly)
Advantages
- Increased RBD immunogenicity
- Increased protective immunity against SARS-CoV-2
- Enhanced production of antigen-specific antibodies, in this case is Immunoglobulin G (IgG).
- Vaccine formulation works for distinct vulnerable populations
Publications
