Novel SARS-COV2 poly epitope phage-based candidate vaccine and its immunogenicity

Area of Science:

• * Vaccinology and immunology
• * Molecular biology and bioinformatics

Background:

• * The global emergence of SARS-CoV-2 necessitates novel vaccine strategies.
• * Bacteriophages are explored as cost-effective vaccine platforms due to their adjuvant properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To design and validate a poly-epitope vaccine candidate using viral proteins.
• * To assess the immunogenicity and adjuvant potential of phage-displayed poly-epitopes.

Main Methods:

• * Bioinformatic analysis to predict B and T cell epitopes from SARS-CoV-2 proteins.
• * Construction of poly-epitope sequences and their display on bacteriophages (Poly1 and Poly2).
• * Immunization of mice with recombinant phages and evaluation of humoral and cellular immune responses.

Main Results:

• * Recombinant phages displaying poly-epitopes (Poly1 and Poly2) were successfully produced.
• * Phage administration induced significant humoral immune responses and cellular immunity activation in mice.
• * Interferon-gamma levels indicated robust immune system activation.

Conclusions:

• * Phage-displayed poly-epitopes possess adjuvant properties, enhancing immunity against SARS-CoV-2.
• * Recombinant phages are promising candidates for developing injectable and oral vaccines.
• * This approach offers a stable and cost-effective vaccine development strategy.