The drug must now undergo phase 1 clinical trials in humans. Researchers say they have developed a new type of vaccine that offers protection against at least eight SARS-like viruses, including COVID-19 variants.
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The new vaccine, which has been tested in mice and monkeys so far, works by delivering fragments of spike proteins from betacoronaviruses like SARS-CoV-2 and seven other SARS into the immune system, according to researchers at the California Institute of Technology. The spike protein fragments attached to a protein structure that – when presented to the immune system – induces the production of antibodies to fight the virus.
“SARS-CoV-2 has proven capable of creating new variants that could prolong the global COVID-19 pandemic,” said Pamela Björkman of Caltech, professor of biology and bioengineering at David Baltimore.
“In addition, the fact that three betacoronaviruses – SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 – have spread from animal hosts to humans over the past 20 years demonstrates the need to develop broad-based protective vaccines. is,” said Bjorkman, who is also a professor at the Merkin Institute and senior fellow in biology and bioengineering.
According to the researchers, the mosaic nanoparticle intentionally released SARS-CoV, the virus responsible for severe acute respiratory syndrome. Researchers designed the vaccine so that animals vaccinated with the mosaic nanoparticle and then exposed to SARS-CoV would elicit an immune response.
The researchers said the tests proved successful because the vaccinated mice and monkeys had no detectable virus in their systems despite attempts to infect them with either SARS-CoV or SARS-CoV-2.
“We’re really excited about that,” said Björkman.
The animals injected with the naked nanoparticles failed to fight off the virus and died.
The drug must now undergo phase 1 clinical trials in humans. Researchers say it will take place at Oxford University and is expected to last at least a year.
“It’s certainly encouraging,” said Dr. Paul Offit, a virologist and immunologist at the University of Pennsylvania, the Los Angeles Times. “But these are animal model studies, and as is well known among scientists, rats lie and monkeys exaggerate.”
“Developing universal vaccines is difficult,” Offit said. “It’s not because of the lack of money. It’s not because of lack of desire or effort. It’s a very difficult thing.”
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