A protein-based COVID-19 vaccine candidate that mimics the shape of the virus to trigger robust antibody response in animals have been developed by the Scientists.  In the cohort study published in the journal ACS Central Science, the researchers immunised mice with nanoparticles that mimic SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, by displaying multiple copies of the “Receptor-binding-domain”  antigen.

Moajority of protein-based vaccines train the immune system to recognise the Receptor-binding-domain, a portion of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, which the virus uses to enter and infect human cells. The spike protein binds to the ACE-2 receptor on host cell surfaces, which acts as a gateway for the entry of the virus. However, not all vaccines elicit both antibody and T cell responses, both of which are thought to be important for longer-lasting immunity, the Researchers noted. Although the new vaccine still needs to be tested for safety and efficacy in humans, it could have advantages over mRNA vaccines with regard to widespread distribution in resource-limited areas, they said.

 The researchers from the University of Chicago, United State had previously developed a vaccine delivery tool called polymersomes that is self-assembling, spherical nanoparticles that can encapsulate antigens and adjuvants, and then release them inside immune cells.

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