A bivalent nanoparticle vaccine exhibits potent cross-protection against the variants of SARS-CoV-2

Cell Rep. 2022 Jan 18;38(3):110256. doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.110256. Epub 2021 Dec 23.

Abstract

Inoculation against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is ongoing worldwide. However, the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants could cause immune evasion. We developed a bivalent nanoparticle vaccine that displays the receptor binding domains (RBDs) of the D614G and B.1.351 strains. With a prime-boost or a single-dose strategy, this vaccine elicits a robust neutralizing antibody and full protection against infection with the authentic D614G or B.1.351 strain in human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 transgene mice. Interestingly, 8 months after inoculation with the D614G-specific vaccine, a new boost with this bivalent vaccine potently elicits cross-neutralizing antibodies for SARS-CoV-2 variants in rhesus macaques. We suggest that the D614G/B.1.351 bivalent vaccine could be used as an initial single dose or a sequential enforcement dose to prevent infection with SARS-CoV-2 and its variants.

Keywords: B.1.351 variants; SARS-CoV-2 variants; bivalent nanoparticle vaccine.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CHO Cells
  • COVID-19 / prevention & control*
  • COVID-19 Vaccines / chemical synthesis
  • COVID-19 Vaccines / immunology
  • COVID-19 Vaccines / therapeutic use
  • Chlorocebus aethiops
  • Cricetulus
  • Cross Protection* / immunology
  • Female
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Macaca mulatta
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Nanoparticles
  • SARS-CoV-2 / immunology*
  • Vaccination / methods
  • Vaccines, Combined / chemical synthesis
  • Vaccines, Combined / immunology
  • Vaccines, Combined / therapeutic use*
  • Vero Cells

Substances

  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • Vaccines, Combined

Supplementary concepts

  • SARS-CoV-2 variants