First-generation vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 do not provide adequate immune protection. Therefore, we engineered a divalent gene construct combining the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein and the immunodominant region of the viral nucleocapsid. This fusion protein was produced in either E. coli or a recombinant baculovirus system. Subsequently, the fusion protein was mixed with adjuvant and administered to mice in a prime-booster mode. Mice (72%) produced an IgG response against both proteins (titer: 10-4-10-5) 14 days after the first booster injection, which was increased to 100% by a second booster. Comparable IgG responses were detected against the delta, gamma and omicron variants of the RBD region. Durability testing revealed IgGs beyond 90 days. In addition, cytolytic effector cell molecules were increased in lymphocytes isolated from peripheral blood. Ex vivo stimulation of T cells by nucleocapsid and RBD peptides showed antigen-specific upregulation of CD44 among the CD4+ and CD8+ T cells of vaccinated mice. No side effect was documented in the central nervous system. Cumulatively, these data represent a proof-of-principle approach alternative to existing mRNA vaccination strategies.
Keywords: bivalent vaccine; neuroinflammation; nucleocapsid; receptor-binding domain.