Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Protocol for Recombinant RBD-based SARS Vaccines: Protein Preparation, Animal Vaccination and Neutralization Detection
12:09

Protocol for Recombinant RBD-based SARS Vaccines: Protein Preparation, Animal Vaccination and Neutralization Detection

Published on: May 2, 2011

42.6K

Protection efficacy of mRNA-based SARS-CoV-2 variant vaccine in non-human primates

Dongrong Yi1, Yongxin Zhang1, Jing Wang1

  • 1Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100050, China.

Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica. B
|April 3, 2025
PubMed

Insights

A novel mRNA vaccine (RG001) provides complete protection against SARS-CoV-2 variants in primates. This vaccine candidate shows broad efficacy against multiple variants, including Omicron sublineages, offering hope for controlling COVID-19.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Immunology
  • Vaccine Development

Background:

  • Emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants poses a global challenge to COVID-19 control.
  • Existing vaccines show reduced efficacy against immune-evasive variants.
  • Need for broad-spectrum countermeasures against SARS-CoV-2 and related sarbecoviruses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and evaluate a novel mRNA vaccine (RG001) encoding the full-length Spike glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2.
  • To assess the protective efficacy of RG001 against SARS-CoV-2 variants in a non-human primate model.
  • To investigate the neutralizing antibody and cellular immune responses elicited by RG001.

Main Methods:

  • Development of a lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-encapsulated mRNA vaccine (mRNA-LNP) encoding the full-length Spike (S) glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 (RG001).
  • Intramuscular immunization of Rhesus monkeys with two doses of RG001.
  • Assessment of neutralizing antibodies, cellular responses, viral replication, and lung lesions in immunized animals post-challenge.
  • Evaluation of a third dose of RG001 in mice against Omicron variants (BA.1, XBB.1.16, JN.1).

Main Results:

  • Two doses of RG001 conferred complete protection in Rhesus monkeys, preventing acute lung lesions and viral replication.
  • RG001 elicited robust neutralizing antibodies and cellular responses against SARS-CoV-2 variants.
  • A third dose of RG001 demonstrated effective neutralizing antibodies against epidemic strains XBB and JN.1.
  • Similar cellular responses were observed against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants in immunized mice.

Conclusions:

  • RG001, an mRNA-LNP vaccine, shows significant potential for broad protection against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants.
  • The vaccine candidate effectively induces humoral and cellular immunity, crucial for combating immune-evasive strains.
  • RG001 represents a promising countermeasure for controlling the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Keywords:
Cellular immunityCirculating Omicron sublineagesHumoral immunityNon-human primateSARS-CoV-2Spike glycoproteinVaccinemRNA-LNP

More Related Videos

Using Reverse Genetics to Manipulate the NSs Gene of the Rift Valley Fever Virus MP-12 Strain to Improve Vaccine Safety and Efficacy09:13

Using Reverse Genetics to Manipulate the NSs Gene of the Rift Valley Fever Virus MP-12 Strain to Improve Vaccine Safety and Efficacy

Published on: November 1, 2011

17.3K
Preparation and Gene Modification of Nonhuman Primate Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells11:16

Preparation and Gene Modification of Nonhuman Primate Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells

Published on: February 15, 2019

7.5K

Related Concept Videos

Viral Mutations00:36

Viral Mutations

A mutation is a change in the sequence of bases of DNA or RNA in a genome. Some mutations occur during replication of the genome due to errors made by the polymerase enzymes that replicate DNA or RNA. Unlike DNA polymerase, RNA polymerase is prone to errors because it is not capable of “proofreading” its work. Viruses with RNA-based genomes, like HIV, therefore accrue mutations faster than viruses with DNA-based genomes. Because mutation and recombination provide the raw material for adaptive...