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Analysis of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus-specific CD8+ T-cells in Rhesus Macaques by Peptide-MHC-I Tetramer Staining
Published on: December 23, 2016
Immunological evaluation of an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in rhesus macaques
Hongbo Chen1, Zhongping Xie1, Runxiang Long1
1Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medicine Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research and Development on Severe Infectious Diseases, Kunming 650118, China.
Abstract:
Because of the relatively limited understanding of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pathogenesis, immunological analysis for vaccine development is needed. Mice and macaques were immunized with an inactivated severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccine prepared by two inactivators. Various immunological indexes were tested, and viral challenges were performed on day 7 or 150 after booster immunization in monkeys. This inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine was produced by sequential inactivation with formaldehyde followed by propiolactone. The various antibody responses and specific T cell responses to different viral antigens elicited in immunized animals were maintained for longer than 150 days. This comprehensive immune response could effectively protect vaccinated macaques by inhibiting viral replication in macaques and substantially alleviating immunopathological damage, and no clinical manifestation of immunopathogenicity was observed in immunized individuals during viral challenge. This candidate inactivated vaccine was identified as being effective against SARS-CoV-2 challenge in rhesus macaques.
Insights
This study developed an inactivated severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccine. The vaccine demonstrated long-lasting immune responses and effectively protected macaques against SARS-CoV-2 challenge.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
- Virology
Background:
- Limited understanding of COVID-19 pathogenesis necessitates immunological analysis for effective vaccine development.
- Development of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 requires comprehensive immunological evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidate.
- To evaluate the durability of immune responses and protection against viral challenge in animal models.
Main Methods:
- Mice and macaques were immunized with an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine produced by sequential formaldehyde and propiolactone inactivation.
- Immunological indexes, including antibody and T cell responses, were analyzed.
- Viral challenges were performed in immunized macaques at different time points post-booster immunization.
Main Results:
- The inactivated vaccine elicited sustained antibody and T cell responses to SARS-CoV-2 antigens for over 150 days.
- Vaccinated macaques showed effective protection against viral replication and reduced immunopathological damage upon SARS-CoV-2 challenge.
- No clinical signs of immunopathogenicity were observed in immunized macaques during viral challenge.
Conclusions:
- The candidate inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine is effective and safe, inducing robust and durable immune responses.
- This vaccine provides significant protection against SARS-CoV-2 challenge in rhesus macaques, inhibiting viral replication and mitigating immunopathology.
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