Multipolymer microsphere delivery of SARS-CoV-2 antigens.

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Immunology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Current severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines require boosters due to emerging variants.
• Effective antigen delivery is crucial for successful antiviral vaccine development and sustained immune response.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a controlled, biodegradable polymeric microsphere system for improved SARS-CoV-2 antigen delivery.
• To evaluate the potential of this system for sustained antigen release and long-lasting antiviral immunity.

Main Methods:

• Chemically inactivated SARS-CoV-2 viral proteins were encapsulated within biodegradable, stable, biocompatible, and nontoxic polymeric microspheres.
• The antigen-loaded microsphere system was assessed for its ability to induce immune protective responses.

Main Results:

• SARS-CoV-2 proteins encapsulated in polymeric microspheres successfully induced robust antiviral immunity.
• The microsphere system demonstrated potential to eliminate the need for repeat vaccine administrations.

Conclusions:

• Injectable biodegradable polymers offer a promising strategy for sustained release of viral antigens, potentially reducing immunization frequency.
• This approach could lead to longer-lasting antiviral protective immunity and address challenges posed by viral genomic variability.