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Attacking the Intruder at the Gate: Prospects of Mucosal Anti SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines
Kacper Karczmarzyk1, Małgorzata Kęsik-Brodacka2
1Department of Bacterial Genetics, Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland.
Abstract:
The sudden outbreak of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic in December 2019 caused crises and health emergencies worldwide. The rapid spread of the virus created an urgent need for the development of an effective vaccine and mass immunization to achieve herd immunity. Efforts of scientific teams at universities and pharmaceutical companies around the world allowed for the development of various types of preparations and made it possible to start the vaccination process. However, it appears that the developed vaccines are not effective enough and do not guarantee long-lasting immunity, especially for new variants of SARS-CoV-2. Considering this problem, it is promising to focus on developing a Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) mucosal vaccine. Such a preparation applied directly to the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract might provide an immune barrier at the primary point of virus entry into the human body while inducing systemic immunity. A number of such preparations against SARS-CoV-2 are already in various phases of preclinical and clinical trials, and several of them are very close to being accepted for general use, constituting a milestone toward pandemic containment.
Insights
Developing mucosal vaccines for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) offers a promising strategy to combat SARS-CoV-2 variants. These vaccines may provide a crucial immune barrier at the point of entry, enhancing protection beyond current options.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
- Virology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, necessitated rapid vaccine development for herd immunity.
- Current vaccines provide protection but face challenges with waning immunity and emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants.
- Existing vaccines are primarily administered systemically, not at the primary site of viral entry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential of developing mucosal vaccines against SARS-CoV-2.
- To investigate mucosal vaccines as a strategy to overcome limitations of current COVID-19 vaccines.
- To establish an immune barrier at the respiratory tract's mucous membranes.
Main Methods:
- Review of ongoing preclinical and clinical trials for COVID-19 mucosal vaccines.
- Analysis of the proposed mechanism of action for mucosal vaccine-induced immunity.
- Evaluation of the potential for mucosal vaccines to induce both local and systemic immunity.
Main Results:
- Several COVID-19 mucosal vaccine candidates are progressing through preclinical and clinical trials.
- Mucosal vaccines aim to create an immune barrier at the upper respiratory tract.
- These vaccines have the potential to induce both local and systemic immune responses.
Conclusions:
- Mucosal vaccines represent a promising advancement in COVID-19 vaccine technology.
- They offer a potential solution for long-lasting immunity and protection against SARS-CoV-2 variants.
- Successful development and deployment could be a milestone in pandemic containment.
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