학술논문
A Gamma-adapted subunit vaccine induces broadly neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 variants and protects mice from infection
Document Type
article
Author
Lorena M. Coria; Juan Manuel Rodriguez; Agostina Demaria; Laura A. Bruno; Mayra Rios Medrano; Celeste Pueblas Castro; Eliana F. Castro; Sabrina A. Del Priore; Andres C. Hernando Insua; Ingrid G. Kaufmann; Lucas M. Saposnik; William B. Stone; Lineia Prado; Ulises S. Notaro; Ayelen N. Amweg; Pablo U. Diaz; Martin Avaro; Hugo Ortega; Ana Ceballos; Valeria Krum; Francisco M. Zurvarra; Johanna E. Sidabra; Ignacio Drehe; Jonathan A. Baqué; Mariana Li Causi; Analia V. De Nichilo; Cristian J. Payes; Teresa Southard; Julio C. Vega; Albert J. Auguste; Diego E. Álvarez; Juan M. Flo; Karina A. Pasquevich; Juliana Cassataro
Source
Nature Communications, Vol 15, Iss 1, Pp 1-14 (2024)
Subject
Language
English
ISSN
2041-1723
Abstract
Abstract In the context of continuous emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs), one strategy to prevent the severe outcomes of COVID-19 is developing safe and effective broad-spectrum vaccines. Here, we present preclinical studies of a RBD vaccine derived from the Gamma SARS-CoV-2 variant adjuvanted with Alum. The Gamma-adapted RBD vaccine is more immunogenic than the Ancestral RBD vaccine in terms of inducing broader neutralizing antibodies. The Gamma RBD presents more immunogenic B-cell restricted epitopes and induces a higher proportion of specific-B cells and plasmablasts than the Ancestral RBD version. The Gamma-adapted vaccine induces antigen specific T cell immune responses and confers protection against Ancestral and Omicron BA.5 SARS-CoV-2 challenge in mice. Moreover, the Gamma RBD vaccine induces higher and broader neutralizing antibody activity than homologous booster vaccination in mice previously primed with different SARS-CoV-2 vaccine platforms. Our study indicates that the adjuvanted Gamma RBD vaccine is highly immunogenic and a broad-spectrum vaccine candidate.