Neutralization of ARCoV-induced sera against SARS-CoV-2 variants

Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2022 Nov 30;18(6):2094142. doi: 10.1080/21645515.2022.2094142. Epub 2022 Jul 11.

Abstract

ARCoV is a candidate mRNA vaccine encoding receptor-binding domain of SARS-CoV-2. Its safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity profile have been confirmed in the phase 1 clinical trial in China. A multi-regional phase 3 clinical trial is currently underway to test the efficacy of ARCoV (NCT04847102). Here, we tested the cross-neutralization against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) of a panel of serum samples from participants in the phase 1 clinical trial of ARCoV by pesudo- and authentic SARS-CoV-2. Our data suggest the immunity induced by the ARCoV vaccine reduced but still has significant neutralization against the Alpha and Delta variants. Moreover, ARCoV maintained activity against the Beta variant, despite of its obvious reduction in neutralizing titers. Our findings further support the solid protective neutralization activity against VOCs induced by ARCoV vaccine.

Keywords: ARCoV; Neutralization; SARS-CoV-2; Variants of concern; mRNA vaccine.

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Neutralizing
  • Antibodies, Viral
  • COVID-19* / prevention & control
  • China
  • Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic
  • Humans
  • Neutralization Tests
  • SARS-CoV-2* / genetics
  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus / genetics

Substances

  • Antibodies, Neutralizing
  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus
  • spike protein, SARS-CoV-2

Supplementary concepts

  • SARS-CoV-2 variants

Grants and funding

This study was supported by the National Key Research and Development Project of China (2020YFC0842200, 2020YFA0707801) and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (82171820). C.F.Q. was supported by the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholar (number 81925025) and the Innovative Research Group (number 81621005) from the National Natural Science Foundation China.