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Optimization and Deoptimization of Codons in SARS-CoV-2 and Related Implications for Vaccine Development
Xinkai Wu1, Ke-Jia Shan1, Fuwen Zan2
1State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, Center for Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
Codon usage in severe respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) evolved to reduce protein expression, impacting virus fitness. Optimizing codons for spike mRNA vaccines (Omicron variants) enhanced expression, aiding vaccine development.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Vaccine Development
Background:
- Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2.
- Thousands of SARS-CoV-2 genetic variants identified globally.
- Viral sequence analysis shows decreasing codon adaptation index (CAI) over time.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the role of codon usage in SARS-CoV-2 evolution and fitness.
- Determine the impact of codon deoptimization on viral protein expression.
- Develop and validate codon-optimized mRNA vaccine candidates against Omicron variants.
Main Methods:
- Sequence analysis to calculate codon adaptation index (CAI).
- Evolution modeling to understand mutation preferences.
- Dual-luciferase assays to measure protein expression.
- Design and experimental validation of mRNA vaccine candidates.
Main Results:
- SARS-CoV-2 CAI values decreased over time, linked to mutation preference.
- Codon deoptimization was found to weaken viral protein expression.
- Codon-optimized Omicron BA.2.12.1, BA.4/5, and XBB.1.5 spike mRNA vaccines showed high expression.
Conclusions:
- Codon usage significantly influences SARS-CoV-2 evolution and fitness.
- Codon optimization is crucial for enhancing protein expression in mRNA vaccines.
- This study provides a framework for developing effective mRNA and DNA vaccines.
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