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A Novel Probiotic-Based Oral Vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant B.1.1.529
Eddie Chung Ting Chau1, Tsz Ching Kwong1, Chun Keung Pang1
1School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|September 28, 2023
Summary
A novel oral probiotic vaccine, OMGVac, effectively induced an immune response against the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant in hamsters. This safe and low-cost approach offers a promising alternative for future infectious disease vaccine development.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic necessitates accessible and effective vaccination strategies, especially with the emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants.
- Limitations in vaccine manufacturing and distribution highlight the need for alternative, low-cost delivery methods.
- Genetically modified probiotics are emerging as promising oral delivery vehicles for vaccines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate an oral probiotic vaccine using *Lactobacillus casei* engineered to express antigens from the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant (B.1.1.529).
- To assess the safety and immunogenicity of this novel vaccine (OMGVac) in a preclinical model.
Main Methods:
- Engineered *Lactobacillus casei* to express SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant spike protein epitopes.
- Administered the recombinant probiotic vaccine (OMGVac) orally to Golden Syrian hamsters.
- Assessed systemic immune response (IgG) and evaluated safety through physiological and histopathological examinations.
Main Results:
- OMGVac successfully elicited a robust IgG systemic immune response targeting the Omicron variant spike protein.
- No adverse physiological or histopathological effects were observed in the vaccinated hamsters, indicating a favorable safety profile.
- Demonstrated the potential of recombinant probiotics as live vectors for inducing systemic immunity.
Conclusions:
- The engineered probiotic *Lactobacillus casei* (OMGVac) represents a safe and effective oral vaccine candidate against the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant.
- This study validates the use of live recombinant probiotics as a viable platform for next-generation vaccine development against emerging infectious diseases.
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