Two-component spike nanoparticle vaccine protects macaques from SARS-CoV-2 infection

Cell. 2021 Mar 4;184(5):1188-1200.e19. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2021.01.035. Epub 2021 Jan 26.

Abstract

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic is continuing to disrupt personal lives, global healthcare systems, and economies. Hence, there is an urgent need for a vaccine that prevents viral infection, transmission, and disease. Here, we present a two-component protein-based nanoparticle vaccine that displays multiple copies of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Immunization studies show that this vaccine induces potent neutralizing antibody responses in mice, rabbits, and cynomolgus macaques. The vaccine-induced immunity protects macaques against a high-dose challenge, resulting in strongly reduced viral infection and replication in the upper and lower airways. These nanoparticles are a promising vaccine candidate to curtail the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Keywords: B cells; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; antibodies; immunity; macaques; nanoparticles; protection; vaccine.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Neutralizing
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • COVID-19 / immunology
  • COVID-19 / prevention & control
  • COVID-19 Vaccines / administration & dosage*
  • COVID-19 Vaccines / immunology*
  • Macaca fascicularis*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Models, Animal
  • Nanoparticles / administration & dosage
  • Rabbits
  • SARS-CoV-2 / physiology
  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus / blood
  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus / chemistry*
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Viral Load

Substances

  • Antibodies, Neutralizing
  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus
  • spike protein, SARS-CoV-2