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12 pages, 13950 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Single-Round Infection Fluorescent SARS-CoV-2 Neutralization Test for COVID-19 Serological Testing at a Biosafety Level-2 Laboratory

by Jing Zou, Hongjie Xia, Pei-Yong Shi, Xuping Xie and Ping Ren

Viruses 2022, 14(6), 1211; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14061211 - 02 Jun 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2492

Abstract

A robust serological test to measure neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in biosafety level-2 (BSL-2) laboratories is useful for monitoring antibody response after vaccination or natural infection. The gold standard assay is the conventional plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) which requires extensive labor, live [...] Read more.

A robust serological test to measure neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in biosafety level-2 (BSL-2) laboratories is useful for monitoring antibody response after vaccination or natural infection. The gold standard assay is the conventional plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) which requires extensive labor, live viruses, and BSL-3 facilities. Recently, we developed a novel single-round infection fluorescent SARS-CoV-2 virus (SFV) that can be safely used at BSL-2 laboratories for high-throughput neutralization and antiviral testing. In this study, we evaluated the performance of the neutralization test using this SFV with 80 PRNT-positive and 92 PRNT-negative clinical serum or plasma specimens. The SFV neutralization test (SFVNT) has 100% sensitivity and specificity compared to the PRNT. Furthermore, the neutralizing titers generated by the SFVNT and PRNT are highly correlated, with R² = 0.903 (p < 0.0001). Due to high sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and reproducibility, the SFVNT can be deployed for the large-scale testing of COVID-19 patients or vaccinated people in general lab settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccines for Emerging Zoonotic Viruses)

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21 pages, 5529 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Single Dose of the Deactivated Rabies-Virus Vectored COVID-19 Vaccine, CORAVAX, Is Highly Efficacious and Alleviates Lung Inflammation in the Hamster Model

by Drishya Kurup, Christoph Wirblich, Leila Zabihi Diba, Rachael Lambert, Megan Watson, Noor Shaikh, Holly Ramage, Charalambos Solomides and Matthias J. Schnell

Viruses 2022, 14(6), 1126; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14061126 - 24 May 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2364

Abstract

Without sufficient herd immunity through either vaccination or natural infection, the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic is unlikely to be controlled. Waning immunity with the currently approved vaccines suggests the need to evaluate vaccines causing the induction of long-term responses. Here, we report the [...] Read more.

Without sufficient herd immunity through either vaccination or natural infection, the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic is unlikely to be controlled. Waning immunity with the currently approved vaccines suggests the need to evaluate vaccines causing the induction of long-term responses. Here, we report the immunogenicity and efficacy of our adjuvanted single-dose Rabies-vectored SARS-CoV-2 S1 vaccine, CORAVAX, in hamsters. CORAVAX induces high SARS-CoV-2 S1-specific and virus-neutralizing antibodies (VNAs) that prevent weight loss, viral loads, disease, lung inflammation, and the cytokine storm in hamsters. We also observed high Rabies VNA titers. In summary, CORAVAX is a promising dual-antigen vaccine candidate for clinical evaluation against SARS-CoV-2 and Rabies virus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccines for Emerging Zoonotic Viruses)

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13 pages, 1048 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Immune Response 5–7 Months after Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 in Elderly Nursing Home Residents in the Czech Republic: Comparison of Three Vaccines

by Jan Martínek, Hana Tomášková, Jaroslav Janošek, Hana Zelená, Alena Kloudová, Jakub Mrázek, Eduard Ježo, Vlastimil Král, Jitka Pohořská, Hana Šturcová and Rastislav Maďar

Viruses 2022, 14(5), 1086; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14051086 - 18 May 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1844

Abstract

Background and Aims: Elderly nursing home residents are especially prone to a severe course of SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this study, we aimed to investigate the complex immune response after vaccination depending on the convalescence status and vaccine. Methods: Sampling took place in September–October [...] Read more.

Background and Aims: Elderly nursing home residents are especially prone to a severe course of SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this study, we aimed to investigate the complex immune response after vaccination depending on the convalescence status and vaccine. Methods: Sampling took place in September–October 2021. IgG antibodies against spike protein and nucleocapsid protein, the titer of virus neutralization antibodies against delta and (on a subset of patients) omicron, and cellular immunity (interferon-gamma release assay) were tested in nursing home residents vaccinated with Pfizer, Moderna (both 30–31 weeks after the completion of vaccination), or AstraZeneca (23 weeks) vaccines. The prevalence with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was evaluated in Stata version 17. Results: 95.2% (95% CI: 92.5–97.1%) of the 375 participants had positive results of anti-S IgG, 92.8% (95% CI: 89.7–95.2%) were positive in virus neutralization assay against delta, and 89.0% (95% CI: 84.5–92.5%) in the interferon-gamma-releasing assay detecting cellular immunity. Results of the virus neutralization assay against omicron correlated with those against delta but the neutralization capacity was reduced by about half. As expected, the worst results were found for the AstraZeneca vaccine, although the vaccination-to-test period was the shortest for this vaccine. All immune parameters were significantly higher in convalescent residents than in naive residents after vaccination. No case of COVID-19 occurred during the vaccination-to-test period. Conclusions: A high immune response, especially among vaccinated convalescents (i.e., residents with hybrid immunity), was found in elderly nursing home residents 5–7 months after vaccination against SARS-CoV-2. In view of this, it appears that such residents are much better protected from COVID-19 than those who are only vaccinated and the matter of individual approach to the booster dose in such individuals should be further discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccines for Emerging Zoonotic Viruses)

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16 pages, 3039 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Highly Thermotolerant SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Elicits Neutralising Antibodies against Delta and Omicron in Mice

by Petrus Jansen van Vuren, Alexander J. McAuley, Michael J. Kuiper, Nagendrakumar Balasubramanian Singanallur, Matthew P. Bruce, Shane Riddell, Sarah Goldie, Shruthi Mangalaganesh, Simran Chahal, Trevor W. Drew, Kim R. Blasdell, Mary Tachedjian, Leon Caly, Julian D. Druce, Shahbaz Ahmed, Mohammad Suhail Khan, Sameer Kumar Malladi, Randhir Singh, Suman Pandey, Raghavan Varadarajan and Seshadri S. Vasan Show full author list Hide full author list

Viruses 2022, 14(4), 800; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14040800 - 13 Apr 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3574

Abstract

As existing vaccines fail to completely prevent COVID-19 infections or community transmission, there is an unmet need for vaccines that can better combat SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC). We previously developed highly thermo-tolerant monomeric and trimeric receptor-binding domain derivatives that can withstand 100 [...] Read more.

As existing vaccines fail to completely prevent COVID-19 infections or community transmission, there is an unmet need for vaccines that can better combat SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC). We previously developed highly thermo-tolerant monomeric and trimeric receptor-binding domain derivatives that can withstand 100 °C for 90 min and 37 °C for four weeks and help eliminate cold-chain requirements. We show that mice immunised with these vaccine formulations elicit high titres of antibodies that neutralise SARS-CoV-2 variants VIC31 (with Spike: D614G mutation), Delta and Omicron (BA.1.1) VOC. Compared to VIC31, there was an average 14.4-fold reduction in neutralisation against BA.1.1 for the three monomeric antigen-adjuvant combinations and a 16.5-fold reduction for the three trimeric antigen-adjuvant combinations; the corresponding values against Delta were 2.5 and 3.0. Our findings suggest that monomeric formulations are suitable for upcoming Phase I human clinical trials and that there is potential for increasing the efficacy with vaccine matching to improve the responses against emerging variants. These findings are consistent with in silico modelling and AlphaFold predictions, which show that, while oligomeric presentation can be generally beneficial, it can make important epitopes inaccessible and also carries the risk of eliciting unwanted antibodies against the oligomerisation domain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccines for Emerging Zoonotic Viruses)

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Review

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22 pages, 1440 KiB

Open AccessReview

Progress towards the Development of a Universal Influenza Vaccine

by Wen-Chien Wang, Ekramy E. Sayedahmed, Suryaprakash Sambhara and Suresh K. Mittal

Viruses 2022, 14(8), 1684; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14081684 - 30 Jul 2022

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 4534

Abstract

Influenza viruses are responsible for millions of cases globally and significantly threaten public health. Since pandemic and zoonotic influenza viruses have emerged in the last 20 years and some of the viruses have resulted in high mortality in humans, a universal influenza vaccine [...] Read more.

Influenza viruses are responsible for millions of cases globally and significantly threaten public health. Since pandemic and zoonotic influenza viruses have emerged in the last 20 years and some of the viruses have resulted in high mortality in humans, a universal influenza vaccine is needed to provide comprehensive protection against a wide range of influenza viruses. Current seasonal influenza vaccines provide strain-specific protection and are less effective against mismatched strains. The rapid antigenic drift and shift in influenza viruses resulted in time-consuming surveillance and uncertainty in the vaccine protection efficacy. Most recent universal influenza vaccine studies target the conserved antigen domains of the viral surface glycoproteins and internal proteins to provide broader protection. Following the development of advanced vaccine technologies, several innovative strategies and vaccine platforms are being explored to generate robust cross-protective immunity. This review provides the latest progress in the development of universal influenza vaccines. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccines for Emerging Zoonotic Viruses)

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21 pages, 2204 KiB

Open AccessReview

Replicating Viral Vector-Based Vaccines for COVID-19: Potential Avenue in Vaccination Arena

by Vivek P. Chavda, Rajashri Bezbaruah, Mansi Athalye, Palak K. Parikh, Abu Sufiyan Chhipa, Snehal Patel and Vasso Apostolopoulos

Viruses 2022, 14(4), 759; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14040759 - 06 Apr 2022

Cited by 38 | Viewed by 5967

Abstract

The “severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)” is the third member of human coronavirus (CoV) that is held accountable for the current “coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)” pandemic. In the past two decades, the world has witnessed the emergence of two other similar [...] Read more.

The “severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)” is the third member of human coronavirus (CoV) that is held accountable for the current “coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)” pandemic. In the past two decades, the world has witnessed the emergence of two other similar CoVs, namely SARS-CoV in 2002 and MERS-CoV in 2013. The extent of spread of these earlier versions was relatively low in comparison to SARS-CoV-2. Despite having numerous reports inclined towards the zoonotic origin of the virus, one cannot simply sideline the fact that no animal originated CoV is thus far identified that is considered similar to the initial edition of SARS-CoV-2; however, under-sampling of the diverse variety of coronaviruses remains a concern. Vaccines are proved to be an effective tool for bringing the end to such a devastating pandemic. Many vaccine platforms are explored for the same but in this review paper, we will discuss the potential of replicating viral vectors as vaccine carriers for SARS-CoV-2. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccines for Emerging Zoonotic Viruses)

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19 pages, 1994 KiB

Open AccessReview

mRNA Vaccine Development for Emerging Animal and Zoonotic Diseases

by Ting Le, Chao Sun, Jitao Chang, Guijie Zhang and Xin Yin

Viruses 2022, 14(2), 401; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14020401 - 15 Feb 2022

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 15492

Abstract

In the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases, mRNA vaccines hold great promise because of their low risk of insertional mutagenesis, high potency, accelerated development cycles, and potential for low-cost manufacture. In past years, several mRNA vaccines have entered clinical trials and have [...] Read more.

In the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases, mRNA vaccines hold great promise because of their low risk of insertional mutagenesis, high potency, accelerated development cycles, and potential for low-cost manufacture. In past years, several mRNA vaccines have entered clinical trials and have shown promise for offering solutions to combat emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases such as rabies, Zika, and influenza. Recently, the successful application of mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 has further validated the platform and opened the floodgates to mRNA vaccine’s potential in infectious disease prevention, especially in the veterinary field. In this review, we describe our current understanding of the mRNA vaccines and the technologies used for mRNA vaccine development. We also provide an overview of mRNA vaccines developed for animal infectious diseases and discuss directions and challenges for the future applications of this promising vaccine platform in the veterinary field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccines for Emerging Zoonotic Viruses)

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23 pages, 706 KiB

Open AccessReview

Fighting Fire with Fire: Immunogenicity of Viral Vectored Vaccines against COVID-19

by Aiquan Chang and Jingyou Yu

Viruses 2022, 14(2), 380; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14020380 - 12 Feb 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3221

Abstract

The persistent expansion of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) requires the rapid development of safe and effective countermeasures to reduce transmission, morbidity, and mortality. Several highly efficacious vaccines are actively being deployed [...] Read more.

The persistent expansion of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) requires the rapid development of safe and effective countermeasures to reduce transmission, morbidity, and mortality. Several highly efficacious vaccines are actively being deployed around the globe to expedite mass vaccination and control of COVID-19. Notably, viral vectored vaccines (VVVs) are among the first to be approved for global distribution and use. In this review, we examine the humoral, cellular, and innate immune responses elicited by viral vectors, and the immune correlates of protection against COVID-19 in preclinical and clinical studies. We also discuss the durability and breadth of immune response induced by VVVs and boosters. Finally, we present challenges associated with VVVs and offer solutions for overcoming certain limitations of current vaccine regimens. Collectively, this review provides the rationale for expanding the portfolio of VVVs against SARS-CoV-2. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccines for Emerging Zoonotic Viruses)

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