Despite the rapid development and approval of several COVID vaccines based on the full-length spike protein, there is a need for safe, potent, and high-volume vaccines. Considering the predominance of the production of neutralizing antibodies targeting the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of S-protein after natural infection or vaccination, it makes sense to choose RBD as a vaccine immunogen. However, due to its small size, RBD exhibits relatively poor immunogenicity. Searching for novel adjuvants for RBD-based vaccine formulations is considered a good strategy for enhancing its immunogenicity. Herein, we assess the immunogenicity of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 RBD conjugated to a polyglucin:spermidine complex (PGS) and dsRNA (RBD-PGS + dsRNA) in a mouse model. BALB/c mice were immunized intramuscularly twice, with a 2-week interval, with 50 µg of RBD, RBD with Al(OH)3, or conjugated RBD. A comparative analysis of serum RBD-specific IgG and neutralizing antibody titers showed that PGS, PGS + dsRNA, and Al(OH)3 enhanced the specific humoral response in animals. There was no significant difference between the groups immunized with RBD-PGS + dsRNA and RBD with Al(OH)3. Additionally, the study of the T-cell response in animals showed that, unlike adjuvants, the RBD-PGS + dsRNA conjugate stimulates the production of specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in animals.
Keywords: COVID-19; RBD; SARS-CoV-2; adjuvant; receptor-binding domain.