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Influenza A Virus Studies in a Mouse Model of Infection
Published on: September 7, 2017
Protective Efficacy of Inactivated Vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Mice and Non-Human Primates
Yan-Feng Yao1, Ze-Jun Wang2, Ren-Di Jiang1,3
1Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China.
Abstract:
The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused more than 96 million infections and over 2 million deaths worldwide so far. However, there is no approved vaccine available for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the disease causative agent. Vaccine is the most effective approach to eradicate a pathogen. The tests of safety and efficacy in animals are pivotal for developing a vaccine and before the vaccine is applied to human populations. Here we evaluated the safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of an inactivated vaccine based on the whole viral particles in human ACE2 transgenic mouse and in non-human primates. Our data showed that the inactivated vaccine successfully induced SARS-CoV-2-specific neutralizing antibodies in mice and non-human primates, and subsequently provided partial (in low dose) or full (in high dose) protection of challenge in the tested animals. In addition, passive serum transferred from vaccine-immunized mice could also provide full protection from SARS-CoV-2 infection in mice. These results warranted positive outcomes in future clinical trials in humans.
Insights
An inactivated whole-particle vaccine for COVID-19 demonstrated safety and efficacy in animal models. This vaccine successfully induced neutralizing antibodies and protected against SARS-CoV-2 challenge, supporting human clinical trials.
Area of Science:
- Vaccinology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic has caused millions of infections and deaths globally.
- No approved vaccines are currently available for SARS-CoV-2.
- Vaccine development requires rigorous animal testing for safety and efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of a whole-particle inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine.
- To assess vaccine performance in human ACE2 transgenic mice and non-human primates.
Main Methods:
- Administration of an inactivated whole-particle SARS-CoV-2 vaccine to animal models.
- Assessment of SARS-CoV-2-specific neutralizing antibody induction.
- Evaluation of protection against viral challenge post-vaccination.
- Analysis of passive immunity transfer from vaccinated to naive animals.
Main Results:
- The inactivated vaccine successfully induced SARS-CoV-2-specific neutralizing antibodies in both mice and non-human primates.
- Vaccination provided partial or full protection against SARS-CoV-2 challenge, depending on the dosage.
- Passive transfer of serum from immunized mice conferred complete protection against infection in recipient mice.
Conclusions:
- The inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine is safe and immunogenic in preclinical animal models.
- The vaccine demonstrates efficacy in protecting against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- These findings support the advancement of this vaccine candidate into human clinical trials.
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