An enveloped virus-like particle vaccine expressing a stabilized prefusion form of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein elicits highly potent immunity

Vaccine. 2021 Aug 16;39(35):4988-5001. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.07.034. Epub 2021 Jul 16.

Abstract

We evaluated enveloped virus-like particles (eVLPs) expressing various forms of the Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein and several adjuvants in an effort to identify a highly potent Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine candidate. eVLPs expressing a modified prefusion form of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein were selected as they induced high antibody binding titers and neutralizing activity after a single injection in mice. Formulation of SARS-CoV-2 S eVLPs with aluminum phosphate resulted in balanced induction of IgG2 and IgG1 isotypes and antibody binding and neutralization titers were undiminished for more than 3 months after a single immunization. A single dose of this candidate, named VBI-2902a, protected Syrian golden hamsters from challenge with SARS-CoV-2 and supports the on-going clinical evaluation of VBI-2902a as a highly potent vaccine against COVID-19.

Keywords: Immunogenicity; Neutralizing antibodies; SARS-COV-2; Vaccine; Virus-like-particles.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Neutralizing
  • Antibodies, Viral
  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • COVID-19*
  • Cricetinae
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus / genetics
  • Vaccines, Virus-Like Particle*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Neutralizing
  • Antibodies, Viral
  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus
  • Vaccines, Virus-Like Particle
  • spike protein, SARS-CoV-2