Vaccines based on virus-like nano-particles for use against Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) coronavirus

Vaccine. 2020 Aug 10;38(36):5742-5746. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2020.07.003. Epub 2020 Jul 11.

Abstract

Recent advances in virus-like nanoparticles against Middle East respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (MERS-CoV) can initiate vaccine production faster for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), while ensuring the safety, easy administration, and long-term effects. Patients with this viral pathogen suffer from excess mortality. MERS-CoV can spread through bioaerosol transmission from animal or human sources. The appearance of an outbreak in South Korea sparked off a strong urge to design strategies for developing an effective vaccine since the emergence of MERS-CoV in 2012. Well unfortunately, this is an important fact in virus risk management. The studies showed that virus-like nanoparticles (VLPs) could be effective in its goal of stopping the symptoms of MERS-CoV infection. Besides, due to the genetic similarities in the DNA sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 with MERS-CoV and the first identified severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV) in China since 2002/2003, strategic approaches could be used to manage SARS-CoV 2. Gathering the vital piece of information obtained so far could lead to a breakthrough in the development of an effective vaccine against SARS-CoV-2, which is prioritized and focussed by the World Health Organization (WHO). This review focuses on the virus-like nanoparticle that got successful results in animal models of MERS-CoV.

Keywords: Coronavirus; MERS-CoV; Nanoparticles; Vaccine; Virus-like particles.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Betacoronavirus / immunology
  • COVID-19
  • Coronavirus Infections / prevention & control*
  • Drug Evaluation, Preclinical
  • Humans
  • Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus / immunology*
  • Pandemics / prevention & control
  • Pneumonia, Viral / prevention & control
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Vaccines, Virus-Like Particle / immunology*
  • Vaccines, Virus-Like Particle / isolation & purification

Substances

  • Vaccines, Virus-Like Particle