Frontiers in Immunology (Dec 2021)

Preclinical Immune Response and Safety Evaluation of the Protein Subunit Vaccine Nanocovax for COVID-19

  • Thi Nhu Mai Tran,
  • Bruce Pearson May,
  • Trong Thuan Ung,
  • Mai Khoi Nguyen,
  • Thi Thuy Trang Nguyen,
  • Van Long Dinh,
  • Chinh Chung Doan,
  • The Vinh Tran,
  • Hiep Khong,
  • Thi Thanh Truc Nguyen,
  • Hoang Quoc Huy Hua,
  • Viet Anh Nguyen,
  • Tan Phat Ha,
  • Dang Luu Phan,
  • Truong An Nguyen,
  • Thi Ngoc Bui,
  • Tieu My Tu,
  • Thi Theo Nguyen,
  • Thi Thuy Hang Le,
  • Thi Lan Dong,
  • Trong Hieu Huynh,
  • Phien Huong Ho,
  • Nguyen Thanh Thao Le,
  • Cong Thao Truong,
  • Hoang Phi Pham,
  • Cong Y. Luong,
  • Nie Lim Y,
  • Minh Ngoc Cao,
  • Duy Khanh Nguyen,
  • Thi Thanh Le,
  • Duc Cuong Vuong,
  • Le Khanh Hang Nguyen,
  • Minh Si Do

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2021.766112
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 12

Abstract

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The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has become a global health concern. The development of vaccines with high immunogenicity and safety is crucial for controlling the global COVID-19 pandemic and preventing further illness and fatalities. Here, we report the development of a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidate, Nanocovax, based on recombinant protein production of the extracellular (soluble) portion of the spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2. The results showed that Nanocovax induced high levels of S protein-specific IgG and neutralizing antibodies in three animal models: BALB/c mouse, Syrian hamster, and a non-human primate (Macaca leonina). In addition, a viral challenge study using the hamster model showed that Nanocovax protected the upper respiratory tract from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Nanocovax did not induce any adverse effects in mice (Mus musculus var. albino) and rats (Rattus norvegicus). These preclinical results indicate that Nanocovax is safe and effective.

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