Poxvirus MVA Expressing SARS-CoV-2 S Protein Induces Robust Immunity and Protects Rhesus Macaques From SARS-CoV-2
oleh: Petra Mooij, Juan García-Arriaza, Juan García-Arriaza, Patricia Pérez, Patricia Pérez, Adrian Lázaro-Frías, Adrian Lázaro-Frías, Babs E. Verstrepen, Kinga P. Böszörményi, Daniella Mortier, Zahra Fagrouch, Gwendoline Kiemenyi-Kayere, Henk Niphuis, Roja Fidel Acar, Lisette Meijer, Marieke A. Stammes, Ivanela Kondova, Ernst J. Verschoor, Corine H. GeurtsvanKessel, Erwin de Bruin, Reina S. Sikkema, Joanna Luczkowiak, Rafael Delgado, Rafael Delgado, Dolores Montenegro, Eugenia Puentes, Esteban Rodríguez, Willy M. J. M. Bogers, Gerrit Koopman, Mariano Esteban
| Format: | Article |
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| Diterbitkan: | Frontiers Media S.A. 2022-03-01 |
Deskripsi
Novel safe, immunogenic, and effective vaccines are needed to control the COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2. Here, we describe the safety, robust immunogenicity, and potent efficacy elicited in rhesus macaques by a modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) vector expressing a full-length SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein (MVA-S). MVA-S vaccination was well tolerated and induced S and receptor-binding domain (RBD)-binding IgG antibodies and neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 and several variants of concern. S-specific IFNγ, but not IL-4, -producing cells were also elicited. After SARS-CoV-2 challenge, vaccinated animals showed a significant strong reduction of virus loads in bronchoalveolar lavages (BAL) and decreased levels in throat and nasal mucosa. Remarkably, MVA-S also protected macaques from fever and infection-induced cytokine storm. Computed tomography and histological examination of the lungs showed reduced lung pathology in MVA-S-vaccinated animals. These findings favor the use of MVA-S as a potential vaccine for SARS-CoV-2 in clinical trials.