1
|
Ozsahin DU, Ameen ZS, Hassan AS, Mubarak AS. Enhancing explainable SARS-CoV-2 vaccine development leveraging bee colony optimised Bi-LSTM, Bi-GRU models and bioinformatic analysis. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6737. [PMID: 38509174 PMCID: PMC10954760 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55762-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a single-stranded RNA virus that caused the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The COVID-19 outbreak has led to millions of deaths and economic losses globally. Vaccination is the most practical solution, but finding epitopes (antigenic peptide regions) in the SARS-CoV-2 proteome is challenging, costly, and time-consuming. Here, we proposed a deep learning method based on standalone Recurrent Neural networks to predict epitopes from SARS-CoV-2 proteins easily. We optimised the standalone Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory (Bi-LSTM) and Bidirectional Gated Recurrent Unit (Bi-GRU) with a bioinspired optimisation algorithm, namely, Bee Colony Optimization (BCO). The study shows that LSTM-based models, particularly BCO-Bi-LSTM, outperform all other models and achieve an accuracy of 0.92 and AUC of 0.944. To overcome the challenge of understanding the model predictions, explainable AI using the Shapely Additive Explanations (SHAP) method was employed to explain how Blackbox models make decisions. Finally, the predicted epitopes led to the development of a multi-epitope vaccine. The multi-epitope vaccine effectiveness evaluation is based on vaccine toxicity, allergic response risk, and antigenic and biochemical characteristics using bioinformatic tools. The developed multi-epitope vaccine is non-toxic and highly antigenic. Codon adaptation, cloning, gel electrophoresis assess genomic sequence, protein composition, expression and purification while docking and IMMSIM servers simulate interactions and immunological response, respectively. These investigations provide a conceptual framework for developing a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dilber Uzun Ozsahin
- Department of Medical Diagnostic Imaging, College of Health Science, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
- Operational Research Centre in Healthcare, Near East University, TRNC Mersin 10, Nicosia, 99138, Turkey
| | - Zubaida Said Ameen
- Operational Research Centre in Healthcare, Near East University, TRNC Mersin 10, Nicosia, 99138, Turkey
- Department of Biochemistry, Yusuf Maitama Sule University, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Abdurrahman Shuaibu Hassan
- Department of Electrical Electronics and Automation Systems Engineering, Kampala International University, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Auwalu Saleh Mubarak
- Operational Research Centre in Healthcare, Near East University, TRNC Mersin 10, Nicosia, 99138, Turkey
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil, Kano, Nigeria
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bharadwaj A, Kaur R, Gupta S. Emerging Treatment Approaches for COVID-19 Infection: A Critical Review. Curr Mol Med 2024; 24:435-448. [PMID: 37070448 DOI: 10.2174/1566524023666230417112543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
In the present scenario, the SARS-CoV-2 virus has imposed enormous damage on human survival and the global financial system. It has been estimated that around 111 million people all around the world have been infected, and about 2.47 million people died due to this pandemic. The major symptoms were sneezing, coughing, cold, difficulty breathing, pneumonia, and multi-organ failure associated 1with SARS-CoV-2. Currently, two key problems, namely insufficient attempts to develop drugs against SARSCoV-2 and the lack of any biological regulating process, are mostly responsible for the havoc caused by this virus. Henceforth, developing a few novel drugs is urgently required to cure this pandemic. It has been noticed that the pathogenesis of COVID-19 is caused by two main events: infection and immune deficiency, that occur during the pathological process. Antiviral medication can treat both the virus and the host cells. Therefore, in the present review, the major approaches for the treatment have been divided into "target virus" and "target host" groups. These two mechanisms primarily rely on drug repositioning, novel approaches, and possible targets. Initially, we discussed the traditional drugs per the physicians' recommendations. Moreover, such therapeutics have no potential to fight against COVID-19. After that, detailed investigation and analysis were conducted to find some novel vaccines and monoclonal antibodies and conduct a few clinical trials to check their effectiveness against SARSCoV- 2 and mutant strains. Additionally, this study presents the most successful methods for its treatment, including combinatorial therapy. Nanotechnology was studied to build efficient nanocarriers to overcome the traditional constraints of antiviral and biological therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alok Bharadwaj
- Department of Biotechnology, GLA University, Mathura, 281406, UP, India
| | - Rasanpreet Kaur
- Department of Biotechnology, GLA University, Mathura, 281406, UP, India
| | - Saurabh Gupta
- Department of Biotechnology, GLA University, Mathura, 281406, UP, India
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Amir M, Latha S, Sharma R, Kumar A. Association of Cardiovascular Events with COVID-19 Vaccines Using Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS): A Retrospective Study. Curr Drug Saf 2024; 19:402-406. [PMID: 38031796 DOI: 10.2174/0115748863276904231108095255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 vaccines have played a crucial role in reducing the burden of the global pandemic. However, recent case reports have indicated the association of the COVID- 19 vaccines with cardiovascular events but the exact association is unclear so far. OBJECTIVE Therefore, the objective of the current study is to find out the association of cardiovascular events with COVID-19 vaccines. METHODS The COVID-19 Vaccine Knowledge Base (Cov19VaxKB) tool was used to query the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) database. The proportional reporting ratio [PRR (≥2)] with associated chi-squared value (>4), and the number of cases > 0.2% of total reports, was used to assess the association of COVID-19 vaccines with cardiovascular events. RESULTS A total of 33,754 cases of cardiovascular events associated with COVID-19 vaccines were found in the Cov19VaxKB tool. The cases were observed in different age groups (18-64, and 65 years and above) and gender. The disproportionality measures indicate a statistically significant association between cardiovascular events and COVID-19 vaccines. CONCLUSION The current study identified a signal of various cardiovascular events with the COVID-19 vaccines. However, further causality assessment is required to confirm the association.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Amir
- Department of Clinical Research, Delhi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research (DIPSAR), Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University (DPSRU), New Delhi, 110017, India
| | - S Latha
- Department of Pharmacology, Delhi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research (DIPSAR), Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University (DPSRU), New Delhi, 110017, India
| | - Ruchika Sharma
- Centre for Precision Medicine and Pharmacy, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University (DPSRU), New Delhi, 110017, India
| | - Anoop Kumar
- Department of Clinical Research, Delhi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research (DIPSAR), Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University (DPSRU), New Delhi, 110017, India
- Department of Pharmacology, Delhi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research (DIPSAR), Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University (DPSRU), New Delhi, 110017, India
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Choi Y, Song Y, Cho Y, Choi KH, Park C, Lee DG, Lee R, Choi N, Kang JY, Im SG, Seong H. Streamlined Specimen Purification for Rapid COVID-19 Diagnosis Using Positively Charged Polymer Thin Film-Coated Surfaces and Chamber Digital PCR. Anal Chem 2023; 95:14357-14364. [PMID: 37712516 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c02716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic demands rapid and straightforward diagnostic tools to prevent early-stage viral transmission. Although nasopharyngeal swabs are a widely used patient sample collection method for diagnosing COVID-19, using these samples for diagnosis without RNA extraction increases the risk of obtaining false-positive and -negative results. Thus, multiple purification steps are necessary, which are time-consuming, generate significant waste, and result in substantial sample loss. To address these issues, we developed surface-modified polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tubes using the tertiary aminated polymer poly(2-dimethylaminomethylstyrene) (pDMAMS) via initiated chemical vapor deposition. Introducing the clinical samples into the pDMAMS-coated tubes resulted in approximately 100% RNA capture efficiency within 25 min, which occurred through electrostatic interactions between the positively charged pDMAMS surface and the negatively charged RNA. The captured RNA is then detected via chamber digital PCR, enabling a sensitive, accurate, and rapid diagnosis. Our platform provides a simple and efficient RNA extraction and detection strategy that allows detection from 22 nasopharyngeal swabs and 21 saliva specimens with 0% false negatives. The proposed method can facilitate the diagnosis of COVID-19 and contribute to the prevention of early-stage transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunyoung Choi
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, 5, Hwarang-ro 14-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 291 Daehak-ro, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Younseong Song
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 291 Daehak-ro, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Younghak Cho
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, 5, Hwarang-ro 14-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Hak Choi
- OPTOLANE Inc., 241, Pangyoyeok-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam, Gyeonggi 13494, Republic of Korea
| | - Chulmin Park
- Vaccine Bio Research Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, College of Medicine, 222 Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Gun Lee
- Vaccine Bio Research Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, College of Medicine, 222 Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Raeseok Lee
- Vaccine Bio Research Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, College of Medicine, 222 Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, College of Medicine, 222 Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Nakwon Choi
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, 5, Hwarang-ro 14-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Yoon Kang
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, 5, Hwarang-ro 14-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Gap Im
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 291 Daehak-ro, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyejeong Seong
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, 5, Hwarang-ro 14-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Niu D, Wu Y, Lian J. Circular RNA vaccine in disease prevention and treatment. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:341. [PMID: 37691066 PMCID: PMC10493228 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01561-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
CircRNAs are a class of single-stranded RNAs with covalently linked head-to-tail topology. In the decades since its initial discovery, their biogenesis, regulation, and function have rapidly disclosed, permitting a better understanding and adoption of them as new tools for medical applications. With the development of biotechnology and molecular medicine, artificial circRNAs have been engineered as a novel class of vaccines for disease treatment and prevention. Unlike the linear mRNA vaccine which applications were limited by its instability, inefficiency, and innate immunogenicity, circRNA vaccine which incorporate internal ribosome entry sites (IRESs) and open reading frame (ORF) provides an improved approach to RNA-based vaccination with safety, stability, simplicity of manufacture, and scalability. However, circRNA vaccines are at an early stage, and their optimization, delivery and applications require further development and evaluation. In this review, we comprehensively describe circRNA vaccine, including their history and superiority. We also summarize and discuss the current methodological research for circRNA vaccine preparation, including their design, synthesis, and purification. Finally, we highlight the delivery options of circRNA vaccine and its potential applications in diseases treatment and prevention. Considering their unique high stability, low immunogenicity, protein/peptide-coding capacity and special closed-loop construction, circRNA vaccine, and circRNA-based therapeutic platforms may have superior application prospects in a broad range of diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dun Niu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), 400038, Chongqing, China
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), 400038, Chongqing, China
| | - Yaran Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), 400038, Chongqing, China
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), 400038, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiqin Lian
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), 400038, Chongqing, China.
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), 400038, Chongqing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Cheng T, Han B, Liu Y. Exploring public sentiment and vaccination uptake of COVID-19 vaccines in England: a spatiotemporal and sociodemographic analysis of Twitter data. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1193750. [PMID: 37663835 PMCID: PMC10470640 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1193750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Vaccination is widely regarded as the paramount approach for safeguarding individuals against the repercussions of COVID-19. Nonetheless, concerns surrounding the efficacy and potential adverse effects of these vaccines have become prevalent among the public. To date, there has been a paucity of research investigating public perceptions and the adoption of COVID-19 vaccines. Therefore, the present study endeavours to address this lacuna by undertaking a spatiotemporal analysis of sentiments towards vaccination and its uptake in England at the local authority level, while concurrently examining the sociodemographic attributes at the national level. Methods A sentiment analysis of Twitter data was undertaken to delineate the distribution of positive sentiments and their demographic correlates. Positive sentiments were categorized into clusters to streamline comparison across different age and gender demographics. The relationship between positive sentiment and vaccination uptake was evaluated using Spearman's correlation coefficient. Additionally, a bivariate analysis was carried out to further probe public sentiment towards COVID-19 vaccines and their local adoption rates. Result The results indicated that the majority of positive tweets were posted by males, although females expressed higher levels of positive sentiment. The age group over 40 dominated the positive tweets and exhibited the highest sentiment polarity. Additionally, vaccination uptake was positively correlated with the number of positive tweets and the age group at the local authority level. Conclusion Overall, public opinions on COVID-19 vaccines are predominantly positive. The number of individuals receiving vaccinations at the local authority level is positively correlated with the prevalence of positive attitudes towards vaccines, particularly among the population aged over 40. These findings suggest that targeted efforts to increase vaccination uptake among younger populations, particularly males, are necessary to achieve widespread vaccination coverage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tao Cheng
- SpaceTimeLab, University College London, Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Yu K, Liu B, Yu H, Sun C, Wang X, Li G, Dong M, Wang Y, Zhang J, Xu N, Liu W. A neutralizing bispecific single-chain antibody against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant produced based on CR3022. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1155293. [PMID: 37207187 PMCID: PMC10189128 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1155293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The constantly mutating SARS-CoV-2 has been infected an increasing number of people, hence the safe and efficacious treatment are urgently needed to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, neutralizing antibodies (Nabs), targeting the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein are potentially effective therapeutics against COVID-19. As a new form of antibody, bispecific single chain antibodies (BscAbs) can be easily expressed in E. coli and exhibits broad-spectrum antiviral activity. Methods In this study, we constructed two BscAbs 16-29, 16-3022 and three single chain variable fragments (scFv) S1-16, S2-29 and S3022 as a comparison to explore their antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2. The affinity of the five antibodies was characterized by ELISA and SPR and the neutralizing activity of them was analyzed using pseudovirus or authentic virus neutralization assay. Bioinformatics and competitive ELISA methods were used to identify different epitopes on RBD. Results Our results revealed the potent neutralizing activity of two BscAbs 16-29 and 16-3022 against SARS-CoV-2 original strain and Omicron variant infection. In addition, we also found that SARS-CoV RBD-targeted scFv S3022 could play a synergistic role with other SARS-CoV-2 RBD-targeted antibodies to enhance neutralizing activity in the form of a BscAb or in cocktail therapies. Discussion This innovative approach offers a promising avenue for the development of subsequent antibody therapies against SARSCoV-2. Combining the advantages of cocktails and single-molecule strategies, BscAb therapy has the potential to be developed as an effective immunotherapeutic for clinical use to mitigate the ongoing pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaikai Yu
- Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Bin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Haotian Yu
- Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Chengbiao Sun
- Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Xuefeng Wang
- Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Guorui Li
- College of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, China
| | - Mingxin Dong
- Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Jianxu Zhang
- Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Na Xu
- Academic Affairs Office, Jilin Medical University, Jilin, Jilin, China
| | - Wensen Liu
- Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Changchun, Jilin, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Rahman IU, Austin A, Nelson N. Willingness to COVID-19 vaccination: Empirical evidence from EU. Heliyon 2023; 9:e15776. [PMID: 37153419 PMCID: PMC10152756 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The unforgettable COVID-19 shock is most likely to be reversed by a viable vaccination strategy. In this paper, we investigate willingness to be vaccinated (WTV) against the COVID-19. Current trends suggest that only around 73% of EU inhabitants (15 and +) were immunized, with more than 104 million people still warranted to be immunized. Vaccine reluctance is a key impediment to conducting immunization programs in the setting of a pandemic. We provide first of its kind empirical evidence on the citizens (N = 11,932) of the EU-27 by employing the recent data from the European Commission. Based on the survey responses, controlling for the correlations in the error terms, we utilize a simulated multivariate probit regression model. Our results show that amongst all the statistically significant drivers of the WTV, the positive perception (vaccination works and has no side effects); R&D information (clarity on how vaccination is developed, tested, authorized) has the largest impact on the WTV. We find that the group of variables on social feedback (Positive perception; social adoption and pressure), and on trustworthy sources of information (R&D info; medical advice) are to be considered for WTV policy. The counteracting policy gaps that act against WTV include vaccination governance dissatisfaction, perception of long-term side effects, growing mistrust in information sources, uncertainty between safety and efficacy, education level, and risky age group. Strategies based on the outcomes of this study are needed to address public acceptance and willingness to vaccinate during a pandemic. This research is novel and offers authorities in-depth insights into the challenges and solutions regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and thus to its end via stimulation of the WTV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Imran Ur Rahman
- Center for Trans-Himalaya Studies, School of Economics and Management, Leshan Normal University, 778 Binhe Road, Leshan, China
| | - Arslan Austin
- Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Communication and Environment, Friedrich-Heinrich-Allee 25, 47475, Kamp-Lintfort, Germany
| | - Naveed Nelson
- GCP-Service International Ltd. & Co. KG (GCP-Service) Haus 3, Anne-Conway-Straße 2, 28359, Bremen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zhao X, Meo MS, Ibrahim TO, Aziz N, Nathaniel SP. Impact of Economic Policy Uncertainty and Pandemic Uncertainty on International Tourism: What do We Learn From COVID-19? EVALUATION REVIEW 2023; 47:320-349. [PMID: 36255210 PMCID: PMC9579821 DOI: 10.1177/0193841x221132125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Uncertainty is an overarching aspect of life that is particularly pertinent to the present COVID-19 pandemic crisis; as seen by the pandemic's rapid worldwide spread, the nature and level of uncertainty have possibly increased due to the possible disconnects across national borders. The entire economy, especially the tourism industry, has been dramatically impacted by COVID-19. In the current study, we explore the impact of economic policy uncertainty (EPU) and pandemic uncertainty (PU) on inbound international tourism by using data gathered from Italy, Spain, and the United States for the years 1995-2021. Using the Quantile on Quantile (QQ) approach, the study confirms that EPU and PU negatively affected inbound tourism in all states. Wavelet-based Granger causality further reveals bi-directional causality running from EPU to inbound tourism and unidirectional causality from PU to inbound tourism in the long run. The overall findings show that COVID-19 has had a strong negative effect on tourism. So resilient skills are required to restore a sustainable tourism industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhao
- School of Statistics and Applied Mathematics, 12531Anhui University of Finance and Economics, China
| | - Muhammad Saeed Meo
- School of Economics and Management, Xiamen University, China; University of Economics and Human Sciences, Poland; Graduate School of Business, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia
| | | | - Noshaba Aziz
- School of Economics, Shandong University of Technology China
| | - Solomon Prince Nathaniel
- Department of Economics, University of Lagos, Nigeria; School of Foundation, Lagos State University, Nigeria
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Baghban R, Ghasemian A, Mahmoodi S. Nucleic acid-based vaccine platforms against the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19). Arch Microbiol 2023; 205:150. [PMID: 36995507 PMCID: PMC10062302 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-023-03480-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has infected 673,010,496 patients and caused the death of 6,854,959 cases globally until today. Enormous efforts have been made to develop fundamentally different COVID-19 vaccine platforms. Nucleic acid-based vaccines consisting of mRNA and DNA vaccines (third-generation vaccines) have been promising in terms of rapid and convenient production and efficient provocation of immune responses against the COVID-19. Several DNA-based (ZyCoV-D, INO-4800, AG0302-COVID19, and GX-19N) and mRNA-based (BNT162b2, mRNA-1273, and ARCoV) approved vaccine platforms have been utilized for the COVID-19 prevention. mRNA vaccines are at the forefront of all platforms for COVID-19 prevention. However, these vaccines have lower stability, while DNA vaccines are needed with higher doses to stimulate the immune responses. Intracellular delivery of nucleic acid-based vaccines and their adverse events needs further research. Considering re-emergence of the COVID-19 variants of concern, vaccine reassessment and the development of polyvalent vaccines, or pan-coronavirus strategies, is essential for effective infection prevention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roghayyeh Baghban
- Poostchi Ophthalmology Research Center, Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Abdolmajid Ghasemian
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Shirin Mahmoodi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Chehelgerdi M, Heidarnia F, Dehkordi FB, Chehelgerdi M, Khayati S, Khorramian-Ghahfarokhi M, Kabiri-Samani S, Kabiri H. Immunoinformatic prediction of potential immunodominant epitopes from cagW in order to investigate protection against Helicobacter pylori infection based on experimental consequences. Funct Integr Genomics 2023; 23:107. [PMID: 36988775 PMCID: PMC10049908 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-023-01031-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori is a leading cause of stomach cancer and peptic ulcers. Thus, identifying epitopes in H. pylori antigens is important for disease etiology, immunological surveillance, enhancing early detection tests, and developing optimal epitope-based vaccines. We used immunoinformatic and computational methods to create a potential CagW epitope candidate for H. pylori protection. The cagW gene of H. pylori was amplified and cloned into pcDNA3.1 (+) for injection into the muscles of healthy BALB/c mice to assess the impact of the DNA vaccine on interleukin levels. The results will be compared to a control group of mice that received PBS or cagW-pcDNA3.1 (+) vaccinations. An analysis of CagW protein antigens revealed 8 CTL and 7 HTL epitopes linked with AYY and GPGPG, which were enhanced by adding B-defensins to the N-terminus. The vaccine's immunogenicity, allergenicity, and physiochemistry were validated, and its strong activation of TLRs (1, 2, 3, 4, and 10) suggests it is antigenic. An in-silico cloning and immune response model confirmed the vaccine's expression efficiency and predicted its impact on the immune system. An immunofluorescence experiment showed stable and bioactive cagW gene expression in HDF cells after cloning the whole genome into pcDNA3.1 (+). In vivo vaccination showed that pcDNA3.1 (+)-cagW-immunized mice had stronger immune responses and a longer plasmid DNA release window than control-plasmid-immunized mice. After that, bioinformatics methods predicted, developed, and validated the three-dimensional structure. Many online services docked it with Toll-like receptors. The vaccine was refined using allergenicity, antigenicity, solubility, physicochemical properties, and molecular docking scores. Virtual-reality immune system simulations showed an impressive reaction. Codon optimization and in-silico cloning produced E. coli-expressed vaccines. This study suggests a CagW epitopes-protected H. pylori infection. These studies show that the proposed immunization may elicit particular immune responses against H. pylori, but laboratory confirmation is needed to verify its safety and immunogenicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matin Chehelgerdi
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
- Sina Borna Aria (SABA) Co., Ltd., Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Heidarnia
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran
- Department of Plant Breeding and Biotechnology, Shahrekord University, Shahr-e Kord, Iran
| | - Fereshteh Behdarvand Dehkordi
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Mohammad Chehelgerdi
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran.
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran.
- Sina Borna Aria (SABA) Co., Ltd., Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran.
| | - Shahoo Khayati
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Milad Khorramian-Ghahfarokhi
- Division of Biotechnology, Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Saber Kabiri-Samani
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
- Sina Borna Aria (SABA) Co., Ltd., Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Kabiri
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
- Sina Borna Aria (SABA) Co., Ltd., Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Gholami F, Hamidi Farahani R, Karimi Rahjerdi A, Ahi M, Sheidaei A, Gohari K, Rahimi Z, Ansarifar A, Basiri P, Moradi M, Jahangiri A, Naderi K, Ghasemi S, Khatami P, Honari M, Khodaverdloo S, Shooshtari M, Mehr Azin H, Moradi S, Shafaghi B, Allahyari H, Monazah A, Khodaei Poor A, Taghva Z, Bakhshande H, Karimi Nia M, Solaymani Dodaran M, Forooghizade M. Phase II randomized, double blind, placebo controlled, clinical trial of safety and immunogenicity of an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine FAKHRAVAC in adults aged 18-70 years. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:118. [PMID: 36829111 PMCID: PMC9951829 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08079-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The FAKHRAVAC®, an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, was assessed for safety and immunogenicity in a phase II trial. METHODS We did a phase II, single-centered, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of the FAKHRAVAC inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine on adults aged 18 to 70. The two parallel groups received two intramuscular injections of either a 10-µg vaccine or a placebo at 2-week intervals. The participants' immunogenicity responses and the occurrence of solicited and unsolicited adverse events were compared over the study period of up to 6 months. Immunogenicity outcomes include serum neutralizing antibody activity and specific IgG antibody levels. RESULTS Five hundred eligible participants were randomly (1:1) assigned to vaccine or placebo groups. The median age of the participants was 36 years, and 75% were male. The most frequent local adverse reaction was tenderness (21.29% after the first dose and 8.52% after the second dose), and the most frequent systemic adverse reaction was headache (11.24% after the first dose and 8.94% after the second dose). Neutralizing antibody titers two and four weeks after the second injection in the vaccine group showed about 3 and 6 times increase compared to the placebo group (GMR = 2.69, 95% CI 2.32-3.12, N:309) and (GMR = 5.51, 95% CI 3.94-8.35, N:285). A four-fold increase in the neutralizing antibody titer was seen in 69.6% and 73.4% of the participants in the vaccine group two and four weeks after the second dose, respectively. Specific ELIZA antibody response against a combination of S1 and RBD antigens 4 weeks after the second injection increased more than three times in the vaccine compared to the placebo group (GMR = 3.34, 95% CI 2.5-4.47, N:142). CONCLUSIONS FAKHRAVAC® is safe and induces a significant humoral immune response to the SARS-CoV-2 virus at 10-µg antigen dose in adults aged 18-70. A phase III trial is needed to assess the clinical efficacy. TRIAL REGISTRATION Trial Registry Number: Ref., IRCT20210206050259N2 ( http://irct.ir ; registered on 08/06/2021).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Gholami
- grid.411746.10000 0004 4911 7066Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran ,grid.411746.10000 0004 4911 7066Clinical Trial Center of Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Ahmad Karimi Rahjerdi
- Milad Daro Noor Pharmaceutical (MDNP) Company IR, Tehran, Iran ,grid.419654.bStem Cell Technology Research Center (STRC), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Ahi
- grid.411746.10000 0004 4911 7066Clinical Trial Center of Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Sheidaei
- grid.411746.10000 0004 4911 7066Clinical Trial Center of Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kimiya Gohari
- grid.411746.10000 0004 4911 7066Clinical Trial Center of Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Rahimi
- grid.411746.10000 0004 4911 7066Clinical Trial Center of Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Akram Ansarifar
- grid.411746.10000 0004 4911 7066Clinical Trial Center of Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pouria Basiri
- Milad Daro Noor Pharmaceutical (MDNP) Company IR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Milad Moradi
- Milad Daro Noor Pharmaceutical (MDNP) Company IR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arash Jahangiri
- Milad Daro Noor Pharmaceutical (MDNP) Company IR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kosar Naderi
- Milad Daro Noor Pharmaceutical (MDNP) Company IR, Tehran, Iran ,grid.419654.bStem Cell Technology Research Center (STRC), Tehran, Iran
| | - Soheil Ghasemi
- Milad Daro Noor Pharmaceutical (MDNP) Company IR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pezhman Khatami
- Milad Daro Noor Pharmaceutical (MDNP) Company IR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Honari
- Milad Daro Noor Pharmaceutical (MDNP) Company IR, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | - Hajar Mehr Azin
- Milad Daro Noor Pharmaceutical (MDNP) Company IR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sohrab Moradi
- Milad Daro Noor Pharmaceutical (MDNP) Company IR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Batool Shafaghi
- Milad Daro Noor Pharmaceutical (MDNP) Company IR, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Arina Monazah
- Milad Daro Noor Pharmaceutical (MDNP) Company IR, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Zahra Taghva
- Milad Daro Noor Pharmaceutical (MDNP) Company IR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hooman Bakhshande
- grid.411746.10000 0004 4911 7066Clinical Trial Center of Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Masoud Solaymani Dodaran
- grid.411746.10000 0004 4911 7066Clinical Trial Center of Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Vetráková A, Chovanová RK, Rechtoríková R, Krajčíková D, Barák I. Bacillus subtilis spores displaying RBD domain of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:1550-1556. [PMID: 36778063 PMCID: PMC9904849 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacillus subtilis spores are considered to be efficient and useful vehicles for the surface display and delivery of heterologous proteins. In this study, we prepared recombinant spores with the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein displayed on their surface in fusion with the CotZ or CotY spore coat proteins as a possible tool for the development of an oral vaccine against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The RBD was attached to the N-terminus or C-terminus of the coat proteins. We also directly adsorbed non-recombinantly produced RBD to the spore surface. SDS-PAGE, western blot and fluorescence microscopy were used to analyze RBD surface expression on purified spores. Results obtained from both display systems, recombinant and non-recombinant, demonstrated that RBD was present on the spore surfaces.
Collapse
|
14
|
Onifade AA, Fowotade A, Rahamon SK, Edem VF, Yaqub SA, Akande OK, Arinola OG. Seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies in vaccinated and vaccine naïve adult Nigerians. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280276. [PMID: 36689402 PMCID: PMC9870169 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reports on the evaluation of immune responses to different COVID-19 vaccines are limited. Similarly, effects of age and gender have not been well explored as variables that could impact on the vaccine-induced antibody response. Therefore, seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies in vaccinated and vaccine naïve adult Nigerians was determined in this study. METHODOLOGY A total of 141 adults were enrolled into this study. Presence or absence of SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed by real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase-chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay on nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swab specimens. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Specific IgG and IgM antibodies were qualitatively detected using a Rapid Diagnostic Test kit. RESULTS Pre-vaccination, 77% of the study participants had never had PCR-confirmed COVID-19 test yet 66.7% of them were seropositive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Of 111 COVID-19 vaccinated participants, 69.2% and 73.8% of them had SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG post-first and second doses of COVID-19 vaccine respectively. However, 23.1% and 21.4% of the participants who have had first and second doses respectively had no detectable anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. The proportion of participants with SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG was insignificantly higher in those between the ages of 18-40 years and 41-59 years compared with individuals aged ≥60 years. No significant association was observed between gender and seropositivity for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. CONCLUSION There is high SARS-CoV-2 antibody seroprevalence among Nigerian adults who never had PCR-confirmed COVID-19. Also, there is the need for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies screening post vaccination as this could be essential in achieving herd immunity. Age and gender do not seem to have significant association with seropositivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Adeola Fowotade
- Biorepository Clinical Virology Laboratory, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Sheu Kadiri Rahamon
- Department of Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Victory Fabian Edem
- Department of Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | | | - Olatunji Kadri Akande
- Biorepository Clinical Virology Laboratory, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Ali FEM, Abd El-Aziz MK, Ali MM, Ghogar OM, Bakr AG. COVID-19 and hepatic injury: cellular and molecular mechanisms in diverse liver cells. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:425-449. [PMID: 36688024 PMCID: PMC9850933 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i3.425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) represents a global health and economic challenge. Hepatic injuries have been approved to be associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection. The viral tropism pattern of SARS-CoV-2 can induce hepatic injuries either by itself or by worsening the conditions of patients with hepatic diseases. Besides, other factors have been reported to play a crucial role in the pathological forms of hepatic injuries induced by SARS-CoV-2, including cytokine storm, hypoxia, endothelial cells, and even some treatments for COVID-19. On the other hand, several groups of people could be at risk of hepatic COVID-19 complications, such as pregnant women and neonates. The present review outlines and discusses the interplay between SARS-CoV-2 infection and hepatic injury, hepatic illness comorbidity, and risk factors. Besides, it is focused on the vaccination process and the role of developed vaccines in preventing hepatic injuries due to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fares E M Ali
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut 71524, Egypt
| | | | - Mahmoud M Ali
- Department of Pharmacology, Al-Azhar University, Assiut 71524, Egypt
| | - Osama M Ghogar
- Department of Biochemistry Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Assiut, Egypt
| | - Adel G Bakr
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut 71524, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Bok S, Martin D, Acosta E, Shum J, Harvie J, Lee M. Psychometric development of the COVID-19 vaccine misinformation scale and effects on vaccine hesitancy. Prev Med Rep 2022; 31:102087. [PMID: 36505271 PMCID: PMC9722623 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2022.102087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
To help inform post-COVID-19 pandemic practical health policies, the researchers created the COVID-19 vaccine misinformation scale (CVMS). During the COVID-19 pandemic, falsehoods spread online which casted doubt and concerns about the vaccine. Example misconceptions included vaccination leads to greater vulnerability to other illness and would alter someone's DNA. The researchers performed two large surveys with U.S. participants. The researchers reviewed debunked COVID-19 vaccine falsehoods online. Construction of the CVMS followed standard psychometric scale development steps. Statistical analysis provided support for the 10-item CVMS with satisfactory reliability, discriminant validity, and convergent validity. Predictive validity regression analysis demonstrated the CVMS associated with higher vaccine hesitancy. The prevalence of vaccine misbeliefs broadened pandemic healthcare challenges. On top of existing duties, healthcare workers had to explain vaccine efficacy and safety to dispel fallacies. The researchers discuss implications for the CVMS within the context of motivated reasoning theory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Bok
- Department of Marketing, College of Business and Economics, California State University, East Bay, Hayward, CA, USA
- Corresponding author.
| | - Daniel Martin
- Department of Management, College of Business and Economics, California State University, East Bay, Hayward, CA, USA
| | - Erik Acosta
- California State University, East Bay, Hayward, CA, USA
| | - James Shum
- Golden Gate University, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jason Harvie
- California State University, East Bay, Hayward, CA, USA
| | - Maria Lee
- Nutritional Therapist, NTP, CMT, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Wang S, Xu L, Mu T, Qin M, Zhao P, Xie L, Du L, Wu Y, Legrand N, Mouchain K, Fichet G, Liu Y, Yin W, Zhao J, Ji M, Gong B, Klein M, Wu K. Intranasal delivery of a chimpanzee adenovirus vector expressing a pre-fusion spike (BV-AdCoV-1) protects golden Syrian hamsters against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:979641. [PMID: 36405962 PMCID: PMC9671113 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.979641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
We evaluated the immunogenicity and protective ability of a chimpanzee replication-deficient adenovirus vectored COVID-19 vaccine (BV-AdCoV-1) expressing a stabilized pre-fusion SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein in golden Syrian hamsters. Intranasal administration of BV-AdCoV-1 elicited strong humoral and cellular immunity in the animals. Furthermore, vaccination prevented weight loss, reduced SARS-CoV-2 infectious virus titers in the lungs as well as lung pathology and provided protection against SARS-CoV-2 live challenge. In addition, there was no vaccine-induced enhanced disease nor immunopathological exacerbation in BV-AdCoV-1-vaccinated animals. Furthermore, the vaccine induced cross-neutralizing antibody responses against the ancestral strain and the B.1.617.2, Omicron(BA.1), Omicron(BA.2.75) and Omicron(BA.4/5) variants of concern. These results demonstrate that BV-AdCoV-1 is potentially a promising candidate vaccine to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection, and to curtail pandemic spread in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shen Wang
- Regularoty and Medical Affairs Department, Wuhan BravoVax Co., Ltd., Wuhan, China
| | - Long Xu
- Project Management Department, Wuhan BravoVax Co., Ltd., Wuhan, China
| | - Ting Mu
- Innovative Discovery Department, Wuhan BravoVax Co., Ltd., Wuhan, China
| | - Mian Qin
- Project Management Department, Wuhan BravoVax Co., Ltd., Wuhan, China
| | - Ping Zhao
- Test Development Department, Wuhan BravoVax Co., Ltd., Wuhan, China
| | - Liang Xie
- Innovative Discovery Department, Wuhan BravoVax Co., Ltd., Wuhan, China
| | - Linsen Du
- China Office, Voisin Consulting Life Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Wu
- Test Development Department, Wuhan BravoVax Co., Ltd., Wuhan, China
| | - Nicolas Legrand
- In Vivo Sciences Department, Oncodesign, Centre François Hyafil, Villebon-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Karine Mouchain
- DMPK & Bioanalytical Sciences Department, Oncodesign, Centre François Hyafil, Villebon-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Guillaume Fichet
- In Vitro Sciences Department, Oncodesign, Centre François Hyafil, Villebon-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Yi Liu
- Project Management Department, Wuhan BravoVax Co., Ltd., Wuhan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysts and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenhao Yin
- Project Management Department, Wuhan BravoVax Co., Ltd., Wuhan, China
| | - Jin Zhao
- Test Development Department, Wuhan BravoVax Co., Ltd., Wuhan, China
| | - Min Ji
- Regularoty and Medical Affairs Department, Wuhan BravoVax Co., Ltd., Wuhan, China
| | - Bo Gong
- Regularoty and Medical Affairs Department, Wuhan BravoVax Co., Ltd., Wuhan, China
| | - Michel Klein
- Executive Office, Wuhan BravoVax Co., Ltd., Wuhan, China
- Executive Office, Shanghai BravoBio Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Ke Wu
- Executive Office, Wuhan BravoVax Co., Ltd., Wuhan, China
- Executive Office, Shanghai BravoBio Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Application of Nanotechnology in COVID-19 Infection: Findings and Limitations. JOURNAL OF NANOTHERANOSTICS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/jnt3040014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an urgent need to address the global mortality of the COVID-19 pandemic, as it reached 6.3 million as of July 2022. As such, the experts recommended the mass diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection at an early stage using nanotechnology-based sensitive diagnostic approaches. The development of nanobiosensors for Point-of-Care (POC) sampling of COVID-19 could ensure mass detection without the need for sophisticated laboratories or expert personnel. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques for POC detection was also proposed. In addition, the utilization of various antiviral nanomaterials such as Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) for the development of masks for personal protection mitigates viral transmission. Nowadays, nano-assisted vaccines have been approved for emergency use, but their safety and effectiveness in the mutant strain of the SARS-CoV-2 virus remain challenging. Methodology: Updated literature was sourced from various research indexing databases such as PubMed, SCOPUS, Science Direct, Research Gate and Google Scholars. Result: We presented the concept of novel nanotechnology researched discovery, including nano-devices, electrochemical biosensing, nano-assisted vaccine, and nanomedicines, for use in recent times, which could be a formidable step for future management of COVID-19.
Collapse
|
19
|
Liu Z, Yang C, Zhang H, Cao G, Wang S, Yin S, Wang Y. SARS-CoV-2 tetrameric RBD protein blocks viral infection and induces potent neutralizing antibody response. Front Immunol 2022; 13:960094. [PMID: 36389744 PMCID: PMC9659643 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.960094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has posed serious threats to global health and economy and calls for the development of safe treatments and effective vaccines. The receptor-binding domain in the spike protein (SRBD) of SARS-CoV-2 is responsible for its binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. It contains multiple dominant neutralizing epitopes and serves as an important antigen for the development of COVID-19 vaccines. Here, we showed that dimeric SRBD-Fc and tetrameric 2xSRBD-Fc fusion proteins bind ACE2 with different affinity and block SARS-CoV-2 pseudoviral infection. Immunization of mice with SRBD-Fc fusion proteins elicited high titer of RBD-specific antibodies with robust neutralizing activity against pseudoviral infections. As such, our study indicates that the polymeric SRBD-Fc fusion protein can serve as a treatment agent as well as a vaccine for fighting COVID-19.
Collapse
|
20
|
Govea-Alonso DO, Malla A, Bolaños-Martínez OC, Vimolmangkang S, Rosales-Mendoza S. An Algae-Made RBD from SARS-CoV-2 Is Immunogenic in Mice. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15101298. [PMID: 36297410 PMCID: PMC9607479 DOI: 10.3390/ph15101298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the current advances in global vaccination against SARS-CoV-2, boosting is still required to sustain immunity in the population, and the induction of sterilizing immunity remains as a pending goal. Low-cost oral immunogens could be used as the basis for the design of affordable and easy-to-administer booster vaccines. Algae stand as promising platforms to produce immunogens at low cost, and it is possible to use them as oral delivery carriers since they are edible (not requiring complex purification and formulation processes). Herein, a Chlamydomonas-made SARS-CoV-2 RBD was evaluated as an oral immunogen in mice to explore the feasibility of developing an oral algae-based vaccine. The test immunogen was stable in freeze-dried algae biomass and able to induce, by the oral route, systemic and mucosal humoral responses against the spike protein at a similar magnitude to those induced by injected antigen plus alum adjuvant. IgG subclass analysis revealed a Th2-bias response which lasted over 4 months after the last immunization. The induced antibodies showed a similar reactivity against either Delta or Omicron variants. This study represents a step forward in the development of oral vaccines that could accelerate massive immunization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dania O. Govea-Alonso
- Laboratorio de Biofarmacéuticos Recombinantes, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av. Dr. Manuel Nava 6, San Luis Potosi 78210, Mexico
- Sección de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud y Biomedicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av. Sierra Leona 550, Lomas 2ª Sección, San Luis Potosi 78210, Mexico
| | - Ashwini Malla
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Plant-Produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Omayra C. Bolaños-Martínez
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Plant-Produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Sornkanok Vimolmangkang
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Plant-Produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Correspondence: (S.V.); (S.R.-M.); Tel./Fax: +52-444-826-2440 (S.R.-M.)
| | - Sergio Rosales-Mendoza
- Laboratorio de Biofarmacéuticos Recombinantes, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av. Dr. Manuel Nava 6, San Luis Potosi 78210, Mexico
- Sección de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud y Biomedicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av. Sierra Leona 550, Lomas 2ª Sección, San Luis Potosi 78210, Mexico
- Correspondence: (S.V.); (S.R.-M.); Tel./Fax: +52-444-826-2440 (S.R.-M.)
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Pattanshetty S, Pardesi M, Gudi N. A Comparative Analysis on the Social Determinants of COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage in Fragile and Conflict Affected Settings and Non-fragile and Conflict Affected Settings. Int J Health Policy Manag 2022; 12:6830. [PMID: 36300252 PMCID: PMC10125044 DOI: 10.34172/ijhpm.2022.6830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has coerced various resources of all the countries. While the high-income nations redirected financial and human resources to understand specific determinants of vaccination coverage, fragile and conflict-affected setting (FCS) nations were waiting for global bodies to cater to their ever-growing need for vaccines and other lifesaving drugs. This study aimed to determine various factors influencing vaccine coverage in the FCS context. METHODS World Bank's classification of FCS states was the primary source for country classification. The study utilized data from various other open sources. The study models cross-country inequities in COVID-19 vaccine coverage and we have employed multi-variate log-linear regressions to understand the relationship between COVID-19 vaccine coverage and cross-country macro-level determinants. The analysis was conducted on two samples, non-FCS Countries and the FCS countries. RESULTS Socio-economic determinants such as gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, socioeconomic resilience; health system determinants such as density of human resources, government spending on health expenditure; and political determinants such as effective government, more power to regional governments, political stability and absence of violence play a pivotal role in vaccine coverage. We also found that FCS countries with a higher share of people strongly believing in the vaccine effectiveness have a positive association with COVID-19 vaccine coverage. CONCLUSION The study confirmed that political factors, government effectiveness and political stability are also important determinants of vaccine coverage. The result further draws attention to few policy implications such as promoting future research to explore the linkages between the perceived equality before the law and individual liberty and its effect on vaccination coverage in the FCS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay Pattanshetty
- Department of Global Health Governance, Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Mantej Pardesi
- Department of Microeconomics and Public Economics, School of Business and Economics, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Nachiket Gudi
- Public Health Evidence South Asia, Department of Health Information, Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Osouli-Bostanabad K, Puliga S, Serrano DR, Bucchi A, Halbert G, Lalatsa A. Microfluidic Manufacture of Lipid-Based Nanomedicines. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14091940. [PMID: 36145688 PMCID: PMC9506151 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14091940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Nanoparticulate technologies have revolutionized drug delivery allowing for passive and active targeting, altered biodistribution, controlled drug release (temporospatial or triggered), enhanced stability, improved solubilization capacity, and a reduction in dose and adverse effects. However, their manufacture remains immature, and challenges exist on an industrial scale due to high batch-to-batch variability hindering their clinical translation. Lipid-based nanomedicines remain the most widely approved nanomedicines, and their current manufacturing methods remain discontinuous and face several problems such as high batch-to-batch variability affecting the critical quality attributes (CQAs) of the product, laborious multistep processes, need for an expert workforce, and not being easily amenable to industrial scale-up involving typically a complex process control. Several techniques have emerged in recent years for nanomedicine manufacture, but a paradigm shift occurred when microfluidic strategies able to mix fluids in channels with dimensions of tens of micrometers and small volumes of liquid reagents in a highly controlled manner to form nanoparticles with tunable and reproducible structure were employed. In this review, we summarize the recent advancements in the manufacturing of lipid-based nanomedicines using microfluidics with particular emphasis on the parameters that govern the control of CQAs of final nanomedicines. The impact of microfluidic environments on formation dynamics of nanomaterials, and the application of microdevices as platforms for nanomaterial screening are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karim Osouli-Bostanabad
- Biomaterials, Bio-Engineering and Nanomedicine (BioN) Lab, Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, White Swan Road, Portsmouth PO1 2DT, UK
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Robertson Wing, University of Strathclyde, 161, Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK
| | - Sara Puliga
- Biomaterials, Bio-Engineering and Nanomedicine (BioN) Lab, Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, White Swan Road, Portsmouth PO1 2DT, UK
| | - Dolores R. Serrano
- Pharmaceutics and Food Technology Department, School of Pharmacy, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Plaza Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Facultad de Farmacia, Instituto Universitario de Farmacia Industrial, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (D.R.S.); (A.L.); Tel.: +44-141-548-2675 (A.L.)
| | - Andrea Bucchi
- School of Mechanical and Design Engineering, Faculty of Technology, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 3DJ, UK
| | - Gavin Halbert
- CRUK Formulation Unit, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Robertson Wing, University of Strathclyde, 161, Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK
| | - Aikaterini Lalatsa
- Biomaterials, Bio-Engineering and Nanomedicine (BioN) Lab, Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, White Swan Road, Portsmouth PO1 2DT, UK
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Robertson Wing, University of Strathclyde, 161, Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK
- CRUK Formulation Unit, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Robertson Wing, University of Strathclyde, 161, Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK
- Correspondence: (D.R.S.); (A.L.); Tel.: +44-141-548-2675 (A.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Li HL, Yang BY, Wang LJ, Liao K, Sun N, Liu YC, Ma RF, Yang XD. A meta-analysis result: Uneven influences of season, geo-spatial scale and latitude on relationship between meteorological factors and the COVID-19 transmission. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 212:113297. [PMID: 35436453 PMCID: PMC9011904 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Meteorological factors have been confirmed to affect the COVID-19 transmission, but current studied conclusions varied greatly. The underlying causes of the variance remain unclear. Here, we proposed two scientific questions: (1) whether meteorological factors have a consistent influence on virus transmission after combining all the data from the studies; (2) whether the impact of meteorological factors on the COVID-19 transmission can be influenced by season, geospatial scale and latitude. We employed a meta-analysis to address these two questions using results from 2813 published articles. Our results showed that, the influence of meteorological factors on the newly-confirmed COVID-19 cases varied greatly among existing studies, and no consistent conclusion can be drawn. After grouping outbreak time into cold and warm seasons, we found daily maximum and daily minimum temperatures have significant positive influences on the newly-confirmed COVID-19 cases in cold season, while significant negative influences in warm season. After dividing the scope of the outbreak into national and urban scales, relative humidity significantly inhibited the COVID-19 transmission at the national scale, but no effect on the urban scale. The negative impact of relative humidity, and the positive impacts of maximum temperatures and wind speed on the newly-confirmed COVID-19 cases increased with latitude. The relationship of maximum and minimum temperatures with the newly-confirmed COVID-19 cases were more susceptible to season, while relative humidity's relationship was more affected by latitude and geospatial scale. Our results suggested that relationship between meteorological factors and the COVID-19 transmission can be affected by season, geospatial scale and latitude. A rise in temperature would promote virus transmission in cold seasons. We suggested that the formulation and implementation of epidemic prevention and control should mainly refer to studies at the urban scale. The control measures should be developed according to local meteorological properties for individual city.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Li Li
- College of Geography and Tourism Culture, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Bai-Yu Yang
- College of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Li-Jing Wang
- College of Geography and Tourism Culture, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Ke Liao
- College of Geography and Tourism Culture, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Nan Sun
- College of Geography and Tourism Culture, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Yong-Chao Liu
- College of Geography and Tourism Culture, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China; Ningbo Universities Collaborative Innovation Center for Land and Marine Spatial Utilization and Governance Research at Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China; Donghai Academy, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Ren-Feng Ma
- College of Geography and Tourism Culture, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China; Ningbo Universities Collaborative Innovation Center for Land and Marine Spatial Utilization and Governance Research at Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China; Donghai Academy, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Xiao-Dong Yang
- College of Geography and Tourism Culture, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China; Ningbo Universities Collaborative Innovation Center for Land and Marine Spatial Utilization and Governance Research at Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China; Donghai Academy, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Lin XQ, Zhang MX, Chen Y, Xue JJ, Chen HD, Tung TH, Zhu JS. Relationship between knowledge, attitudes, and practices and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy: A cross-sectional study in Taizhou, China. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:770933. [PMID: 36082277 PMCID: PMC9445127 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.770933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to explore COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Chinese adults and analyzed the relationship between knowledge, attitudes, practices (KAP), and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Methods A population-based self-administered online survey was conducted in Taizhou, China to evaluate the population's hesitancy to receive COVID-19 vaccination. A total of 2.463 adults received the invitation for the survey through WeChat (A Chinese app that is used for chat, social media, and mobile payment), and 1.788 interviewees answered the structured questionnaire. The overall response rate was 72.6%. Results Total 45.2% of people were hesitant about the COVID-19 vaccination. Using binary logistic regression analysis, we found low perception of safety (Model 3: Odds ratio = 2.977, Confidence interval: 2.237–3.963) and efficacy (Model 3: OR = 1.904, 95%CI: 1.462–2.479) of the COVID-19 vaccine in adults is the most important risk factor for COVID-19 vaccine hesitation. People who know more about COVID-19 vaccination are less hesitant (Model 2: OR = 0.967, 95% CI: 0.951–0.983). People who did not seek information independently about the COVID-19 vaccine are more likely to be skeptical (Model 4: OR = 1.300, 95% CI: 1.058–1.598, P = 0.013). Conclusion In China, the population had higher levels of COVID-19 vaccine hesitation, and their knowledge of the COVID-19 vaccine, perceptions of safety and efficacy, and physical health status were significantly associated with vaccine hesitation. These results provide ideas for promoting COVID-19 vaccination and intervention and have far-reaching implications for further strengthening research on vaccine hesitancy in COVID-19 and exploring strategies for COVID-19 vaccine promotion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Qing Lin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
| | - Mei-Xian Zhang
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
- Public Laboratory, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
| | - Ji-Ji Xue
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
| | - He-Dan Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Taizhou Hospital, Zhejiang University, Linhai, China
| | - Tao-Hsin Tung
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
- *Correspondence: Jian-Sheng Zhu
| | - Jian-Sheng Zhu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
- Tao-Hsin Tung
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Vaccines platforms and COVID-19: what you need to know. Trop Dis Travel Med Vaccines 2022; 8:20. [PMID: 35965345 PMCID: PMC9537331 DOI: 10.1186/s40794-022-00176-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The novel SARS-CoV-2, responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, is the third zoonotic coronavirus since the beginning of the 21 first century, and it has taken more than 6 million human lives because of the lack of immunity causing global economic losses. Consequently, developing a vaccine against the virus represents the fastest way to finish the threat and regain some "normality." OBJECTIVE Here, we provide information about the main features of the most important vaccine platforms, some of them already approved, to clear common doubts fostered by widespread misinformation and to reassure the public of the safety of the vaccination process and the different alternatives presented. METHODS Articles published in open access databases until January 2022 were identified using the search terms "SARS-CoV-2," "COVID-19," "Coronavirus," "COVID-19 Vaccines," "Pandemic," COVID-19, and LMICs or their combinations. DISCUSSION Traditional first-generation vaccine platforms, such as whole virus vaccines (live attenuated and inactivated virus vaccines), as well as second-generation vaccines, like protein-based vaccines (subunit and viral vector vaccines), and third-generation vaccines, such as nanoparticle and genetic vaccines (mRNA vaccines), are described. CONCLUSIONS SARS-CoV-2 sequence information obtained in a record time provided the basis for the fast development of a COVID-19 vaccine. The adaptability characteristic of the new generation of vaccines is changing our capability to react to emerging threats to future pandemics. Nevertheless, the slow and unfair distribution of vaccines to low- and middle-income countries and the spread of misinformation are a menace to global health since the unvaccinated will increase the chances for resurgences and the surge of new variants that can escape the current vaccines.
Collapse
|
26
|
Medeiros MZ, Soares PF, Fialho BC, Gauss L, Piran FS, Lacerda DP. Vaccine innovation model: A technology transfer perspective in pandemic contexts. Vaccine 2022; 40:4748-4763. [PMID: 35773123 PMCID: PMC9236274 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.06.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
This work identifies the innovations that made it possible for the Bio-Manguinhos/Fiocruz Immunobiological Technology Institute to engage in the entire production of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine (ChAdOx1 nCov-19) in Brazil, just 1.8 years after the COVID-19 pandemic was declared. The results were summarized in a case-based innovation model composed of 11 workstreams, 32 stages, 22 gates, 11 innovations, and 38 events. In terms of research contributions, three were found: (i) the identification of firm and government-level innovations allowing the substantial reduction in the COVID-19 vaccine time-to-market in Brazil; (ii) the presentation of empirical evidence supporting the new Outbreak Paradigm for vaccine research, development, and production; and (iii) the proposition of a conceptual model for describing innovations through the vaccine value chain in pandemic contexts, particularly when technology transfer is involved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maurício Z Medeiros
- Bio-Manguinhos/Fiocruz Immunobiological Technology Institute, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Priscila F Soares
- Bio-Manguinhos/Fiocruz Immunobiological Technology Institute, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Beatriz C Fialho
- Bio-Manguinhos/Fiocruz Immunobiological Technology Institute, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Leandro Gauss
- Production and Systems Engineering Graduate Program, Unisinos, São Leopoldo, RS, Brazil.
| | - Fábio S Piran
- Production and Systems Engineering Graduate Program, Unisinos, São Leopoldo, RS, Brazil
| | - Daniel P Lacerda
- Production and Systems Engineering Graduate Program, Unisinos, São Leopoldo, RS, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Ahiakpa JK, Cosmas NT, Anyiam FE, Enalume KO, Lawan I, Gabriel IB, Oforka CL, Dahir HG, Fausat ST, Nwobodo MA, Massawe GP, Obagha AS, Okeh DU, Karikari B, Aderonke ST, Awoyemi OM, Aneyo IA, Doherty FV. COVID-19 vaccines uptake: Public knowledge, awareness, perception and acceptance among adult Africans. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0268230. [PMID: 35648745 PMCID: PMC9159554 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The willingness of Africa’s population to patronise the COVID-19 vaccines is critical to the efficiency of national immunisation programmes. This study surveys the views of adult African inhabitants toward vaccination and the possibility of participating or not participating in governments’ efforts to get citizens vaccinated. Method A cross-sectional online survey of adult Africans was undertaken from December 2020 to March 2021. Responses were anonymised. The Pearson Chi-square test was performed to determine whether or not there were any variations in knowledge, awareness, perception and acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccines among the participants. Binomial logistic regression was used to evaluate the factors associated with willingness to accept the COVID-19 vaccines and participate in immunisation programmes. Results The results indicate that COVID-19 vaccines are more likely to be used by adult Africans over the age of 18 who are largely technologically savvy (55 percent) if the vaccine is made broadly available. A total of 33 percent of those who responded said they were unlikely to receive the vaccine, with another 15 percent stating they were undecided. Aside from that, we found that vaccine hesitancy was closely associated with socio-demographic characteristics such as age, gender, education and source of information. We also found that there were widespread conspiracies and myths about the COVID-19 vaccines. Conclusion More than one-third of African adults who participated in the survey indicated they would not receive the COVID-19 vaccine, with majority of them expressing skepticisms about the vaccine’s efficacy. It is possible that many of the people who would not be vaccinated would have an impact on the implementation of a COVID-19 immunisation programme that is meant for all of society. Majority of the respondents were unwilling to pay for the COVID-19 vaccines when made available. An awareness campaign should be focused on promoting the benefits of vaccination at the individual and population levels, as well as on taking preemptive actions to debunk misconceptions about the vaccines before they become further widespread.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John K Ahiakpa
- Research Desk Consulting Limited, Kwabenya-Accra, Ghana.,Organisation of African Academic Doctors, OAAD, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Nanma T Cosmas
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria
| | - Felix E Anyiam
- Centre for Health and Development, University of Port Harcourt, River State, Nigeria
| | - Kingsley O Enalume
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Delta State, Nigeria
| | - Ibrahim Lawan
- School of Biology, University of St Andrews, St. Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Ijuptil B Gabriel
- Yola Department of Biochemistry School of Life Sciences, Modibbo Adama University, Girei, Adamawa State, Nigeria
| | | | - Hamze G Dahir
- School of Public Health and Nutrition, Amoud University Borama, Awdal, Somaliland
| | - Salisu T Fausat
- Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Maureen A Nwobodo
- Public Health Department of Gregory University Uturu, Abia State, Nigeria
| | | | - Adachukwu S Obagha
- African Regional Postgraduate Programme in Insect Science, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Debra U Okeh
- Department of Community Medicine, Federal Medical Centre Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria
| | - Benjamin Karikari
- Organisation of African Academic Doctors, OAAD, Nairobi, Kenya.,Department of Crop Science, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
| | - Samuel T Aderonke
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Olushola M Awoyemi
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, The Institute Environmental and Human Health, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, United States of America
| | - Idowu A Aneyo
- Department of Zoology, University of Lagos, Akoka-Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Olu-Abiodun O, Abiodun O, Okafor N. COVID-19 vaccination in Nigeria: A rapid review of vaccine acceptance rate and the associated factors. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0267691. [PMID: 35544545 PMCID: PMC9094528 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccine acceptance among a large population of people can determine the successful control of the COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to assess the COVID-19 vaccine acceptance rate and to identify the predicting factors to the non-acceptance of the vaccine in Nigeria up to date. In line with this, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases were searched for relevant articles between January 2020 and November 2021 in this rapid review. Ten articles with 9,287 individuals met the inclusion criteria and formed the basis for the final COVID-19 acceptance estimates. A total of ten peer-reviewed articles were reviewed. The vaccine acceptance rate ranged from 20.0% to 58.2% among adults across the six geopolitical zones of the country. Non-acceptance of the vaccine was found to be a result of propaganda, adverse effect concerns, and conspiracy theories. National, community, and individual-level interventions need to be developed to improve the COVID-19 vaccine acceptance rate in the country. Greater efforts could be put in place to address the issues of concern leading to the unwillingness of the people to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Also, as the pandemic is unfolding, emerging evidence needs to be synthesized and updated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oluwatosin Olu-Abiodun
- Department of Community Health Nursing, School of nursing Sciences, Babcock University, Ilishan, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Olumide Abiodun
- Department of Community Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, Babcock University, Ilishan, Ogun State, Nigeria
- * E-mail:
| | - Ngozi Okafor
- Department of Community Health Nursing, School of nursing Sciences, Babcock University, Ilishan, Ogun State, Nigeria
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Potential of Microneedle Systems for COVID-19 Vaccination: Current Trends and Challenges. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14051066. [PMID: 35631652 PMCID: PMC9144974 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14051066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
To prevent the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and aid restoration to prepandemic normality, global mass vaccination is urgently needed. Inducing herd immunity through mass vaccination has proven to be a highly effective strategy for preventing the spread of many infectious diseases, which protects the most vulnerable population groups that are unable to develop immunity, such as people with immunodeficiencies or weakened immune systems due to underlying medical or debilitating conditions. In achieving global outreach, the maintenance of the vaccine potency, transportation, and needle waste generation become major issues. Moreover, needle phobia and vaccine hesitancy act as hurdles to successful mass vaccination. The use of dissolvable microneedles for COVID-19 vaccination could act as a major paradigm shift in attaining the desired goal to vaccinate billions in the shortest time possible. In addressing these points, we discuss the potential of the use of dissolvable microneedles for COVID-19 vaccination based on the current literature.
Collapse
|
30
|
A comprehensive review on COVID-19 vaccines: development, effectiveness, adverse effects, distribution and challenges. Virusdisease 2022; 33:1-22. [PMID: 35127995 PMCID: PMC8806010 DOI: 10.1007/s13337-022-00755-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The present SARS-CoV-2 induced COVID-19 pandemic is responsible for millions of deaths, illnesses, and economic loss worldwide. There are 21 COVID-19 vaccines from different platforms approved worldwide for emergency use until 13 August 2021. Later, BNT162b2 obtained full approval from the FDA. The efficacy of the leading vaccines such as BNT162b2, mRNA-1273, Gam-Covid-Vac, Ad26.COV2.S, ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, and BBIBP-CorV, against SARS-CoV-2 documented as 95%, 94.1%, 91.6%, 67%, 70.4%, and 78.1%, respectively. Moreover, against the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2, BNT162b2, ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, and BBV152 showed 88%, 70%, and 65.2% efficacy, respectively. Apart from the common adverse effects such as fever, fatigue, headache, and pain in the injection site, Bell’s palsy with BNT162b2, myocarditis and pericarditis with mRNA-1273, and thrombosis with ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 have been reported though seemed not alarming. Furthermore, global production and distribution of vaccines should be ensured in an equal and justifiable way that the immunity and protection against the virus would be optimum and persistent.
Collapse
|
31
|
Musielak E, Feliczak-Guzik A, Nowak I. Synthesis and Potential Applications of Lipid Nanoparticles in Medicine. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 15:682. [PMID: 35057398 PMCID: PMC8780297 DOI: 10.3390/ma15020682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Currently, carriers of active ingredients in the form of particles of a size measured in nanometers are the focus of interest of research centers worldwide. So far, submicrometer emulsions, liposomes, as well as microspheres, and nanospheres made of biodegradable polymers have been used in medicine. Recent studies show particular interest in nanoparticles based on lipids, and at the present time, are even referred to as the "era of lipid carriers". With the passage of time, lipid nanoparticles of the so-called first and second generation, SLN (Solid Lipid Nanoparticles) and nanostructured lipid carriers and NLC (Nanostructured Lipid Carriers), respectively, turned out to be an alternative for all imperfections of earlier carriers. These carriers are characterized by a number of beneficial functional properties, including, among others, structure based on lipids well tolerated by the human body, high stability, and ability to carry hydro- and lipophilic compounds. Additionally, these carriers can enhance the distribution of the drug in the target organ and alter the pharmacokinetic properties of the drug carriers to enhance the medical effect and minimize adverse side effects. This work is focused on the current review of the state-of-the-art related to the synthesis and applications of popular nanoparticles in medicine, with a focus on their use, e.g., in COVID-19 vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Izabela Nowak
- Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 8, 61-614 Poznań, Poland; (E.M.); (A.F.-G.)
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Yang K, Deng J, Wang L, Jiang S, Lu R, Liu Z, Tuo X. Tracing Management and Epidemiological Characteristics of COVID-19 Close Contacts in Cities Around Chengdu, China. Front Public Health 2022; 9:645798. [PMID: 34976905 PMCID: PMC8714902 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.645798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Close contacts have become a potential threat to the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The purpose of this study was to understand the epidemiological characteristics of close contacts of confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19 in the surrounding cities of Chengdu, China, so as to provide a basis for the management strategy of close contacts. Methods: Close contacts were determined through epidemiological investigation of indicated cases, and relevant information was entered in the “Close Contact Information Management System.” Retrospective data of close contacts from January 22 to May 1, 2020 were collected and organized. Meanwhile, the contact mode, isolation mode, and medical outcome of close contacts were descriptively analyzed. Results: A total of 986 close contacts were effectively traced, with an average age of (36.69 ± 16.86) years old, who were mainly distributed in cities of eastern Chengdu. The frequency of contact was mainly occasional contact, 80.42% of them were relatives and public transportation personnel. Besides, the time of tracking close contacts and feedback was (10.64 ± 5.52) and (7.19 ± 6.11) days, respectively. A total of seven close contacts were converted to confirmed cases. Conclusions: Close contacts of COVID-19 have a risk of invisible infection. Early control of close contacts may be helpful to control the epidemic of COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kai Yang
- Emergency and Business Management Office, Chengdu Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiali Deng
- Department of Orthopaedics, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Liang Wang
- Emergency and Business Management Office, Chengdu Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chengdu, China
| | - Shan Jiang
- Emergency and Business Management Office, Chengdu Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chengdu, China
| | - Rong Lu
- Emergency and Business Management Office, Chengdu Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhijian Liu
- Department of Infectious Disease Control, Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Chenghua District, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoli Tuo
- Emergency and Business Management Office, Chengdu Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Jacobs C, Musonda NC, Tembo D, Simwaka M, Mwamba E, Munsaka SM, Shumba S. Gender disparities and associated factors to intention to getting a second dose of COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine among adult populations in selected facilities of Lusaka, Zambia. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0000265. [PMID: 36962377 PMCID: PMC10021410 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
As COVID-19 vaccines are becoming more available, there is also a growing need to understand the population receiving the doses, existing inequalities and the intention to getting the second vaccine dose among the populations that receive the vaccines. We evaluated gender inequalities and intention to uptake of the second dose of COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine among adult populations in selected urban facilities of Lusaka, Zambia. A cross-sectional study design was conducted between May and June 2021 among adults who received AstraZeneca vaccine from three selected urban facilities of Lusaka, Zambia. Phone-based interviews were conducted 6 weeks after the first dose of the vaccine. Descriptive analysis and mixed-effect logistic regression were done using STATA version 16.2. Of the 1321 adults who had received AstraZeneca vaccine, 868 respondents completed the questionnaire. About, 47% (408/868) were females and 53% (460/868) were males. Median age in the study was 40 years. Majority of males were educated (54%) and employed (57%). Furthermore, majority of females that got the first dose of AstraZeneca reported experiencing side effects (76.98%) compared to males (64.24%). Among study participants, 93.7% intended to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine, of whom 46.7% (380/814) were females and 52.9% (434/814) were males. Majority of participants that did not intend to get a second dose were not married (55.56%). Only age (AOR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.02-1.08) predicted intention to getting a second dose of AstraZeneca vaccine. We found important gender-dependent differences in the side effects reported by females that received the first dose of Astra Zeneca. Finding that intention to get the second dose of the vaccine increased with age suggests a need for enhancing COVID-19 vaccination programmes targeting young people and a need for further research to identify specific adverse effects of COVID-19 Astra Zeneca vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Choolwe Jacobs
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Nedah Chikonde Musonda
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Deborah Tembo
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- Zambia National Public Health Institute, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Miyanda Simwaka
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | - Sody Mweetwa Munsaka
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Samson Shumba
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Expression of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Receptor Binding Domain on Recombinant B. subtilis on Spore Surface: A Potential COVID-19 Oral Vaccine Candidate. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 10:vaccines10010002. [PMID: 35062663 PMCID: PMC8780001 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Various types of vaccines, such as mRNA, adenovirus, and inactivated virus by injection, have been developed to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection. Although some of them have already been approved under the COVID-19 pandemic, various drawbacks, including severe side effects and the requirement for sub-zero temperature storage, may hinder their applications. Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) is generally recognized as a safe and endotoxin-free Gram-positive bacterium that has been extensively employed as a host for the expression of recombinant proteins. Its dormant spores are extraordinarily resistant to the harsh environment in the gastrointestinal tract. This feature makes it an ideal carrier for oral administration in resisting this acidic environment and for release in the intestine. In this study, an engineered B. subtilis spore expressing the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein receptor binding domain (sRBD) on the spore surface was developed. In a pilot test, no adverse health event was observed in either mice or healthy human volunteers after three oral courses of B. subtilis spores. Significant increases in neutralizing antibody against sRBD, in both mice and human volunteers, after oral administration were also found. These findings may enable the further clinical developments of B. subtilis spores as an oral vaccine candidate against COVID-19 in the future.
Collapse
|
35
|
Among sheeples and antivaxxers: Social media responses to COVID-19 vaccine news posted by Canadian news organizations, and recommendations to counter vaccine hesitancy. Can Commun Dis Rep 2021; 47:524-533. [PMID: 35018140 DOI: 10.14745/ccdr.v47i12a03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background To create a successful public health initiative that counters vaccine hesitancy and promotes vaccine acceptance, it is essential to gain a strong understanding of the beliefs, attitudes and subjective risk perceptions of the population. Methods A qualitative analysis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine discourse from 3,731 social media posts on the Twitter and Facebook accounts of six Canadian news organizations was used to identify the perceptions, attitudes, beliefs and intentions of Canadian news organizations' social media commenters toward taking a COVID-19 vaccine. Results Four main themes were identified: 1) COVID-19 vaccine safety and efficacy concerns; 2) conspiracy theories stemming from mistrust in government and other organizations; 3) a COVID-19 vaccine is unnecessary because the virus is not dangerous; and 4) trust in COVID-19 vaccines as a safe solution. Based on themes and subthemes, several key communication recommendations were developed for promotion of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance, including infographics championed by Public Health that highlight the benefits of the vaccine for those who have received it, public education about the contents and safety of the vaccine and eliciting an emotional connection through personal stories of those impacted by COVID-19. Conclusion Specific considerations, such as leveraging the public's trust in healthcare professionals to act as a liaison between Public Health and the Canadian public to communicate the benefits of the vaccine against COVID-19 and its variants, may help reduce COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy.
Collapse
|
36
|
Baptista B, Carapito R, Laroui N, Pichon C, Sousa F. mRNA, a Revolution in Biomedicine. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:2090. [PMID: 34959371 PMCID: PMC8707022 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13122090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The perspective of using messenger RNA (mRNA) as a therapeutic molecule first faced some uncertainties due to concerns about its instability and the feasibility of large-scale production. Today, given technological advances and deeper biomolecular knowledge, these issues have started to be addressed and some strategies are being exploited to overcome the limitations. Thus, the potential of mRNA has become increasingly recognized for the development of new innovative therapeutics, envisioning its application in immunotherapy, regenerative medicine, vaccination, and gene editing. Nonetheless, to fully potentiate mRNA therapeutic application, its efficient production, stabilization and delivery into the target cells are required. In recent years, intensive research has been carried out in this field in order to bring new and effective solutions towards the stabilization and delivery of mRNA. Presently, the therapeutic potential of mRNA is undoubtedly recognized, which was greatly reinforced by the results achieved in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, but there are still some issues that need to be improved, which are critically discussed in this review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Baptista
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (B.B.); (R.C.)
| | - Rita Carapito
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (B.B.); (R.C.)
| | - Nabila Laroui
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire (CBM), UPR 4301 CNRS, University of Orléans, 45071 Orléans, France;
| | - Chantal Pichon
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire (CBM), UPR 4301 CNRS, University of Orléans, 45071 Orléans, France;
| | - Fani Sousa
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (B.B.); (R.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Abdou MS, Kheirallah KA, Aly MO, Ramadan A, Elhadi YAM, Elbarazi I, Deghidy EA, El Saeh HM, Salem KM, Ghazy RM. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination psychological antecedent assessment using the Arabic 5c validated tool: An online survey in 13 Arab countries. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0260321. [PMID: 34843545 PMCID: PMC8629271 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Following the emergency approval of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines, research into its vaccination hesitancy saw a substantial increase. However, the psychological behaviors associated with this hesitancy are still not completely understood. This study assessed the psychological antecedents associated with COVID-19 vaccination in the Arab population. METHODOLOGY The validated Arabic version of the 5C questionnaire was distributed online across various social media platforms in Arabic-speaking countries. The questionnaire had three sections, namely, socio-demographics, COVID-19 related infection and vaccination, and the 5C scale of vaccine psychological antecedents of confidence, complacency, constraints, calculation, and collective responsibility. RESULTS In total, 4,474 participants with a mean age of 32.48 ± 10.76 from 13 Arab countries made up the final sample, 40.8% of whom were male. Around 26.7% of the participants were found to be confident about the COVID-19 vaccination, 10.7% indicated complacency, 96.5% indicated they had no constraints, 48.8% had a preference for calculation and 40.4% indicated they had collective responsibility. The 5C antecedents varied across the studied countries with the confidence and collective responsibility being the highest in the United Arab Emirates (59.0% and 58.0%, respectively), complacency and constraints in Morocco (21.0% and 7.0%, respectively) and calculation in Sudan (60.0%). The regression analyses revealed that sex, age, educational degrees, being a health care professional, history of COVID-19 infection and having a relative infected or died from COVID-19 significantly predicted the 5C psychological antecedents by different degrees. CONCLUSION There are wide psychological antecedent variations between Arab countries, and different determinants can have a profound effect on the COVID-19 vaccine's psychological antecedents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Shawky Abdou
- Epidemiology Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
- * E-mail: ,
| | - Khalid A. Kheirallah
- Department of Public Health, Medical School of Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Maged Ossama Aly
- Nutrition Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Ramadan
- Department of Applied Statistics, Faculty of Graduate Studies for Statistical Research, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Yasir Ahmed Mohammed Elhadi
- Department of Public Health, Medical Research Office, Sudanese Medical Research Association, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Iffat Elbarazi
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, AlAin, UAE
| | - Ehsan Akram Deghidy
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and Medical Statistics, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Haider M. El Saeh
- Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tripoli, Tripoli, Libya
| | - Karem Mohamed Salem
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Fayoum University, Faiyum, Egypt
| | - Ramy Mohamed Ghazy
- Tropical Health Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Evaluation of a downstream process for the recovery and concentration of a Cell-Culture-Derived rVSV-Spike COVID-19 vaccine candidate. Vaccine 2021; 39:7044-7051. [PMID: 34756612 PMCID: PMC8531466 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.10.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
rVSV-Spike (rVSV-S) is a recombinant viral vaccine candidate under development to control the COVID-19 pandemic and is currently in phase II clinical trials. rVSV-S induces neutralizing antibodies and protects against SARS-CoV-2 infection in animal models. Bringing rVSV-S to clinical trials required the development of a scalable downstream process for the production of rVSV-S that can meet regulatory guidelines. The objective of this study was the development of the first downstream unit operations for cell-culture-derived rVSV-S, namely, the removal of nucleic acid contamination, the clarification and concentration of viral harvested supernatant, and buffer exchange. Retaining the infectivity of the rVSV-S during the downstream process was challenged by the shear sensitivity of the enveloped rVSV-S and its membrane protruding spike protein. Through a series of screening experiments, we evaluated and established the required endonuclease treatment conditions, filter train composition, and hollow fiber-tangential flow filtration parameters to remove large particles, reduce the load of impurities, and concentrate and exchange the buffer while retaining rVSV-S infectivity. The combined effect of the first unit operations on viral recovery and the removal of critical impurities was examined during scale-up experiments. Overall, approximately 40% of viral recovery was obtained and the regulatory requirements of less than 10 ng host cell DNA per dose were met. However, while 86–97% of the host cell proteins were removed, the regulatory acceptable HCP levels were not achieved, requiring subsequent purification and polishing steps. The results we obtained during the scale-up experiments were similar to those obtained during the screening experiments, indicating the scalability of the process. The findings of this study set the foundation for the development of a complete downstream manufacturing process, requiring subsequent purification and polishing unit operations for clinical preparations of rVSV-S.
Collapse
|
39
|
Goyal D, Inada-Kim M, Mansab F, Iqbal A, McKinstry B, Naasan AP, Millar C, Thomas S, Bhatti S, Lasserson D, Burke D. Improving the early identification of COVID-19 pneumonia: a narrative review. BMJ Open Respir Res 2021; 8:8/1/e000911. [PMID: 34740942 PMCID: PMC8573292 DOI: 10.1136/bmjresp-2021-000911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Delayed presentation of COVID-19 pneumonia increases the risk of mortality and need for high-intensity healthcare. Conversely, early identification of COVID-19 pneumonia grants an opportunity to intervene early and thus prevent more complicated, protracted and less successful hospital admissions. To improve the earlier detection of COVID-19 pneumonia in the community we provide a narrative review of current evidence examining the clinical parameters associated with early disease progression. Through an evolving literature review, we examined: the symptoms that may suggest COVID-19 progression; the timing of deterioration; the utility of basic observations, clinical examination and chest X-ray; the value of postexertion oxygen saturations; and the use of CRP to monitor disease progression. We go on to discuss the challenges in monitoring the COVID-19 patient in the community and discuss thresholds for further assessment. Confusion, persistent fever and shortness of breath were identified as worrying symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 disease progression necessitating urgent clinical contact. Importantly, a significant proportion of COVID-19 pneumonia patients appear not to suffer dyspnoea despite severe disease. Patients with this asymptomatic hypoxia seem to have a poorer prognosis. Such patients may present with other signs of hypoxia: severe fatigue, exertional fatigue and/or altered mental status. We found duration of symptoms to be largely unhelpful in determining risk, with evidence of deterioration at any point in the disease. Basic clinical parameters (pulse, respiratory rate, blood pressure, temperature and oxygen saturations (SpO2)) are likely of high value in detecting the deteriorating community COVID-19 patient and/or COVID-19 mimickers/complications (eg, sepsis, bacterial pneumonia and pulmonary embolism). Of these, SpO2 carried the greatest utility in detecting COVID-19 progression. CRP is an early biochemical parameter predictive of disease progression and used appropriately is likely to contribute to the early identification of COVID-19 pneumonia. Identifying progressive COVID-19 in the community is feasible using basic clinical questions and measurements. As such, if we are to limit the mortality, morbidity and the need for complicated, protracted admissions, monitoring community COVID-19 cases for signs of deterioration to facilitate early intervention is a viable strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Goyal
- Department of Acute Internal Medicine, Gibraltar Health Authority, Gibraltar, Gibraltar
| | - Matthew Inada-Kim
- Department of Infection, Antimicrobial Resistance and Deterioration, NHS England, Redditch, Worcestershire, UK.,Department of Acute Medicine, Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Winchester, Hampshire, UK
| | - Fatam Mansab
- Department of Public Health, Gibraltar Health Authority, Gibraltar, Gibraltar
| | - Amir Iqbal
- Department of Covid-19 Remote Monitoring of Patients During Response & Recovery, NHS Grampian, Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Brian McKinstry
- Usher Institute of Population Health Sciences and Informatics, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Adeeb P Naasan
- Department of General Medicine, Islands Hospital, Oban, UK
| | - Colin Millar
- Department of General Medicine, Islands Hospital, Oban, UK
| | - Stephen Thomas
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, Highland, UK
| | - Sohail Bhatti
- Department of Public Health, Gibraltar Health Authority, Gibraltar, Gibraltar
| | - Daniel Lasserson
- Hospital at Home, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK.,Department of Ambulatory Medicine, University of Warwick, Coventry, West Midlands, UK
| | - Derek Burke
- Department of Clinical Governance, Gibraltar Health Authority, Gibraltar, Gibraltar
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Rao GK, Gowthami B, Naveen NR, Samudrala PK. An updated review on potential therapeutic drug candidates, vaccines and an insight on patents filed for COVID-19. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PHARMACOLOGY AND DRUG DISCOVERY 2021; 2:100063. [PMID: 34870158 PMCID: PMC8498785 DOI: 10.1016/j.crphar.2021.100063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of COVID-19 was recognized in December 2019 in China and as of October5th, the pandemic was swept through 216 countries and infected around 34,824,108 individuals, thus posing an unprecedented threat to world's health and economy. Several researchers reported that, a significant mutation in membrane proteins and receptor binding sites of preceding severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) to turned as novel SARS-CoV-2 virus and disease was named as COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019). Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment available for COVID-19 patients. The lessons learned from the past management of SARS-CoV and other pandemics, have provided some insights to treat COVID-19. Currently, therapies like anti-viral treatment, immunomodulatory agents, plasma transfusion and supportive intervention etc., are using to treat the COVID-19. Few of these were proven to provide significant therapeutic benefits in treating the COVID-19, however no drug is approved by the regulatory agencies. As the fatality rate is high in patients with comorbid conditions, we have also enlightened the current in-line treatment therapies and specific treatment strategies in comorbid conditions to combat the emergence of COVID-19. In addition, pharmaceutical, biological companies and research institutions across the globe have begun to develop thesafe and effective vaccine for COVID-19. Globally around 170 teams of researchers are racing to develop the COVID-19 vaccine and here we have discussed about their current status of development. Furthermore, recent patents filed in association with COVID-19 was elaborated. This can help many individuals, researchers or health workers, in applying these principles for diagnosis/prevention/management/treatment of the current pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G.S.N. Koteswara Rao
- College of Pharmacy, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation, Vaddeswaram, Andhra Pradesh 522502, India
| | - Buduru Gowthami
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Annamacharya College of Pharmacy, New Boyanapalli, Rajampet, Andhra Pradesh 516126, India
| | - N. Raghavendra Naveen
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Sri Adichunchanagiri College of Pharmacy, Adichunchanagiri University, B.G.Nagar, Karnataka, 571448, India
| | - Pavan Kumar Samudrala
- Department of Pharmacology, Shri Vishnu College of Pharmacy, Vishnupur, Bhimavaram, 534202, Andhra Pradesh, India
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Attitudes of Dermatologic Patients Towards COVID-19 Vaccines: a Questionnaire-Based Survey. SN COMPREHENSIVE CLINICAL MEDICINE 2021; 3:2214-2221. [PMID: 34568763 PMCID: PMC8453471 DOI: 10.1007/s42399-021-01048-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this paper is to evaluate the attitudes of patients with various dermatologic diseases towards coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccines. The present questionnaire-based study was conducted on patients admitted to the outpatient clinic of the Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Ufuk University Hospital, between January 1 and 31, 2021. The study population was divided into two groups based on their ages: (1) < 40 age group (n = 188) and (2) ≥ 40 age group (n = 111), and answers given to 35 specific questions were compared between the groups. The older group had significantly higher levels of anxiety compared to the younger group (p = 0.017). Although approximately 60% of cases in the older group were dedicated to being vaccinated, 40% of the younger participants were not sure about vaccination (p < 0.001). The most frequently demanded vaccine types were the inactivated and mRNA vaccines in the elderly and young groups, respectively (p < 0.001). Statistically significant positive weak correlations were observed for age, chronic disease of medication, and presence of severe COVID 19 cases in the environment (r = 0.125 p = 0.031, r = 0.184 p = 0.001, r = 0.122 p = 0.035, respectively). Dermatologic patients had generally positive attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination, and their preferences were affected by age.
Collapse
|
42
|
COVID-19 Vaccine, TRIPS, and Global Health Diplomacy: India's Role at the WTO Platform. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:6658070. [PMID: 34485525 PMCID: PMC8416375 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6658070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
In light of the devastation caused by COVID-19, the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) and vaccine research and development (R&D) have been occupying a prominent position in the field of global health diplomacy (GHD). Most countries, international organizations, and charitable organizations have been engaged in the R&D of COVID-19 vaccines to ensure timely affordability and accessibility to all countries. Concomitantly, the World Trade Organization (WTO) provides some provisions and enforcements regarding copyrights, patents, trademarks, geographical indications, and industrial designs. Given these safeguards, it is considered that intellectual property rights (IPRs) have become major barriers to the affordability and accessibility of vaccines/medicines/technology, particularly to the developing/least developed countries. Realizing the gravity of the pandemic impact, as well as its huge population and size, India has elevated this issue in its global health diplomacy by submitting a joint proposal with South Africa to the World Trade Organization (WTO) for a temporary waiver of IPRs to ensure timely affordability and accessibility of COVID-19 medical products to all countries. However, the issue of the temporary waive off had become a geopolitical issue. Countries that used to claim per se as strong advocates of human rights, egalitarianism, and healthy democracy have opposed this proposal. In this contrasting milieu, this paper is aimed at examining how the TRIPS has become a barrier for developing countries' development and distribution of vaccines/technology; secondly, how India strategizes its role in the WTO in pursuant of its global health diplomacy? We conclude that the IPRs regime should not become a barrier to the accessibility/affordability of essential drugs and vaccines. To ensure access, India needs to get more engaged in GHD with all the involved global stakeholders to get strong support for their joint proposal. The developed countries that rejected/resisted the proposal can rethink their full support.
Collapse
|
43
|
Sharma K, Koirala A, Nicolopoulos K, Chiu C, Wood N, Britton PN. Vaccines for COVID-19: Where do we stand in 2021? Paediatr Respir Rev 2021; 39:22-31. [PMID: 34362666 PMCID: PMC8274273 DOI: 10.1016/j.prrv.2021.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
As of July 2021, over 3 billion doses of a COVID-19 vaccines have been administered globally, and there are now 19 COVID-19 vaccines approved for use in at least one country. Several of these have been shown to be highly effective both in clinical trials and real-world observational studies, some of which have included special populations of interest. A small number of countries have approved a COVID-19 vaccine for use in adolescents or children. These are laudable achievements, but the global vaccination effort has been challenged by inequitable distribution of vaccines predominantly to high income countries, with only 0.9% of people in low-income countries having received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Addressing this inequity is of critical importance and will result in better control of SARS-CoV-2 globally. Other challenges include: the reduced protection from COVID-19 vaccines against some strains of SARS-CoV-2, necessitating the development of variant specific vaccines; and uncertainties around the duration of protection from vaccine-induced immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ketaki Sharma
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, Westmead, NSW, Australia,Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Archana Koirala
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, Westmead, NSW, Australia,Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia,Department of Infectious Diseases, Nepean Hospital, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Katrina Nicolopoulos
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Clayton Chiu
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, Westmead, NSW, Australia,Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nicholas Wood
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, Westmead, NSW, Australia,Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Philip N. Britton
- Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia,Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, NSW, Australia,Corresponding author at: University of Sydney Clinical School, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Locked Bag 4001, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Colombani T, Eggermont LJ, Rogers ZJ, McKay LGA, Avena LE, Johnson RI, Storm N, Griffiths A, Bencherif SA. Biomaterials and Oxygen Join Forces to Shape the Immune Response and Boost COVID-19 Vaccines. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:2100316. [PMID: 34580619 PMCID: PMC8209904 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202100316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led to an unprecedented global health crisis, resulting in a critical need for effective vaccines that generate protective antibodies. Protein subunit vaccines represent a promising approach but often lack the immunogenicity required for strong immune stimulation. To overcome this challenge, it is first demonstrated that advanced biomaterials can be leveraged to boost the effectiveness of SARS-CoV-2 protein subunit vaccines. Additionally, it is reported that oxygen is a powerful immunological co-adjuvant and has an ability to further potentiate vaccine potency. In preclinical studies, mice immunized with an oxygen-generating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cryogel-based vaccine (O2-CryogelVAX) exhibit a robust Th1 and Th2 immune response, leading to a sustained production of highly effective neutralizing antibodies against the virus. Even with a single immunization, O2-CryogelVAX achieves high antibody titers within 21 days, and both binding and neutralizing antibody levels are further increased after a second dose. Engineering a potent vaccine system that generates sufficient neutralizing antibodies after one dose is a preferred strategy amid vaccine shortage. The data suggest that this platform is a promising technology to reinforce vaccine-driven immunostimulation and is applicable to current and emerging infectious diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thibault Colombani
- Department of Chemical EngineeringNortheastern UniversityBostonMA02115USA
| | - Loek J. Eggermont
- Department of Chemical EngineeringNortheastern UniversityBostonMA02115USA
| | - Zachary J. Rogers
- Department of Chemical EngineeringNortheastern UniversityBostonMA02115USA
| | - Lindsay G. A. McKay
- Department of Microbiology and National Emerging Infectious Diseases LaboratoriesBoston University School of MedicineBostonMA02118USA
| | - Laura E. Avena
- Department of Microbiology and National Emerging Infectious Diseases LaboratoriesBoston University School of MedicineBostonMA02118USA
| | - Rebecca I. Johnson
- Department of Microbiology and National Emerging Infectious Diseases LaboratoriesBoston University School of MedicineBostonMA02118USA
| | - Nadia Storm
- Department of Microbiology and National Emerging Infectious Diseases LaboratoriesBoston University School of MedicineBostonMA02118USA
| | - Anthony Griffiths
- Department of Microbiology and National Emerging Infectious Diseases LaboratoriesBoston University School of MedicineBostonMA02118USA
| | - Sidi A. Bencherif
- Department of Chemical EngineeringNortheastern UniversityBostonMA02115USA
- Department of BioengineeringNortheastern UniversityBostonMA02115USA
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied SciencesHarvard UniversityCambridgeMA02138USA
- Biomechanics and Bioengineering (BMBI)UTC CNRS UMR 7338University of Technology of CompiègneSorbonne UniversityCompiègne60203France
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Kashir J, Ambia AR, Shafqat A, Sajid MR, AlKattan K, Yaqinuddin A. Scientific premise for the involvement of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT). J Leukoc Biol 2021; 111:725-734. [PMID: 34467562 PMCID: PMC8667645 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.5covr0621-320rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Following on from the devastating spread of COVID‐19, a major global priority has been the production, procurement, and distribution of effective vaccines to ensure that the global pandemic reaches an end. However, concerns were raised about worrying side effects, particularly the occurrence of thrombosis and thrombocytopenia after administration of the Oxford/AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson's Janssen COVID‐19 vaccine, in a phenomenon being termed vaccine‐induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT). Similar to heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), this condition has been associated with the development of anti‐platelet factor 4 antibodies, purportedly leading to neutrophil‐platelet aggregate formation. Although thrombosis has also been a common association with COVID‐19, the precise molecular mechanisms governing its occurrence are yet to be established. Recently, increasing evidence highlights the NLRP3 (NOD‐like, leucine‐rich repeat domains, and pyrin domain‐containing protein) inflammasome complex along with IL‐1β and effete neutrophils producing neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) through NETosis. Herein, we propose and discuss that perhaps the incidence of VITT may be due to inflammatory reactions mediated via IL‐1β/NLRP3 inflammasome activation and consequent overproduction of NETs, where similar autoimmune mechanisms are observed in HIT. We also discuss avenues by which such modalities could be treated to prevent the occurrence of adverse events and ensure vaccine rollouts remain safe and on target to end the current pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junaid Kashir
- Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.,Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Areez Shafqat
- Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Huntingford C, Rawson T, Bonsall MB. Optimal COVID-19 Vaccine Sharing Between Two Nations That Also Have Extensive Travel Exchanges. Front Public Health 2021; 9:633144. [PMID: 34458218 PMCID: PMC8387873 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.633144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Countries around the world have observed reduced infections from the SARS-CoV-2 virus, that causes COVID-19 illness, primarily due to non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) such as lockdowns and social distancing measures designed to limit physical proximity between people. However, economies and societal interactions require restarting, and so lockdowns cannot continue indefinitely. Therefore, much hope is placed in using newly developed vaccines as a route back to normality, but this raises key questions about how they are shared. There are also emerging questions regarding travel. For instance, international business and trade necessitates at least some in-person exchanges, alongside restarting travel also for tourist purposes. By utilising a Susceptible-Infected-Recovered-Vaccinated (SIRV) mathematical model, we simulate the populations of two nations in parallel, where the first nation produces a vaccine and decides the extent to which it is shared with the second. Overlaying our mathematical structure is the virus-related effects of travel between the two nations. We find that even with extensive travel, nation one minimises its total number of deaths by simply retaining vaccines, aiming for full inoculation as fast as possible, suggesting that the risks posed by travel can be mitigated by rapidly vaccinating its own population. If instead we consider the total deaths i.e., sum of deaths of both nations, then such a policy of not sharing by nation one until full vaccination is highly sub-optimal. A policy of low initial sharing causes many more deaths in nation two than lives saved in nation one, raising important ethical issues. This imbalance in the health impact of vaccination provision must be considered as some countries begin to approach the point of extensive vaccination, while others lack the resources to do so.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas Rawson
- Mathematical Ecology Research Group, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Michael B Bonsall
- Mathematical Ecology Research Group, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Jeeva S, Kim KH, Shin CH, Wang BZ, Kang SM. An Update on mRNA-Based Viral Vaccines. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:965. [PMID: 34579202 PMCID: PMC8473183 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9090965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
With the success of COVID-19 vaccines, newly created mRNA vaccines against other infectious diseases are beginning to emerge. Here, we review the structural elements required for designing mRNA vaccine constructs for effective in vitro synthetic transcription reactions. The unprecedently speedy development of mRNA vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was enabled with previous innovations in nucleoside modifications during in vitro transcription and lipid nanoparticle delivery materials of mRNA. Recent updates are briefly described in the status of mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2, influenza virus, and other viral pathogens. Unique features of mRNA vaccine platforms and future perspectives are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Sang-Moo Kang
- Center for Inflammation, Immunity & Infection, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA; (S.J.); (K.-H.K.); (C.H.S.); (B.-Z.W.)
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Yaqinuddin A, Shafqat A, Kashir J, Alkattan K. Effect of SARS-CoV-2 Mutations on the Efficacy of Antibody Therapy and Response to Vaccines. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:914. [PMID: 34452039 PMCID: PMC8402590 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9080914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 causes severe acute respiratory syndrome, which has led to significant morbidity and mortality around the world. Since its emergence, extensive prophylactic and therapeutic countermeasures have been employed to successfully prevent the spread of COVID-19. Extensive work has been undertaken on using monoclonal antibody therapies, mass vaccination programs, and antiviral drugs to prevent and treat COVID-19. However, since antiviral drugs could take years to become widely available, immunotherapy and vaccines currently appear to be the most feasible option. In December 2020, the first vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 was approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) and, subsequently, many other vaccines were approved for use by different international regulators in different countries. Most monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and vaccines target the SARS-CoV-2 surface spike (S) protein. Recently, mutant (or variant) SARS-CoV-2 strains with increased infectivity and virulence that evade protective host antibodies present either due to infection, antibody therapy, or vaccine administration have emerged. In this manuscript, we discuss the different monoclonal antibody and vaccine therapies available against COVID-19 and how the efficacy of these therapies is affected by the emergence of variants of SARS-CoV-2. We also discuss strategies that might help society cope with variants that could neutralize the effects of immunotherapy and escape the protective immunity conferred by vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Yaqinuddin
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia; (A.S.); (J.K.); (K.A.)
| | - Areez Shafqat
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia; (A.S.); (J.K.); (K.A.)
| | - Junaid Kashir
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia; (A.S.); (J.K.); (K.A.)
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khaled Alkattan
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia; (A.S.); (J.K.); (K.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Francis AI, Ghany S, Gilkes T, Umakanthan S. Review of COVID-19 vaccine subtypes, efficacy and geographical distributions. Postgrad Med J 2021; 98:389-394. [PMID: 37066438 DOI: 10.1136/postgradmedj-2021-140654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
As of 1 May 2021, there have been 152 661 445 Covid-19 cases with 3 202 256 deaths globally. This pandemic led to the race to discover a vaccine to achieve herd immunity and curtail the damaging effects of Covid-19. This study aims to discuss the most recent WHO-approved Covid-19 vaccine subtypes, their status and geographical scheduled updates as of 4 May 2021. The keywords "Covid-19, Vaccines, Pfizer, BNT162b2, AstraZeneca, AZD1222, Moderna, mRNA-1273, Janssen, Ad26.COV2.S" were typed into PubMed. Thirty Two relevant PubMed articles were included in the study. The vaccines discussed are Pfizer/BNT162b2, Moderna Vaccine/mRNA1273, AstraZeneca/AZD122/ChAdOx1 n-CoV-19 and the Janssen vaccines/Ad26.COV2.S, as well as their platforms, trials, limitations and geographical distributions. As of 16 May 2021, the number of countries that have approved the use of the following vaccines is Pfizer in 85, Moderna in 46, Oxford/AstraZeneca in 101, and Janssen in 41.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andre Ian Francis
- Department of Clinical Medical Sciences, The Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
| | - Saudah Ghany
- Department of Clinical Medical Sciences, The Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
| | - Tia Gilkes
- Department of Clinical Medical Sciences, The Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
| | - Srikanth Umakanthan
- Pathology unit, Department of Paraclinical Sciences, The University Of The West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Mendonça SA, Lorincz R, Boucher P, Curiel DT. Adenoviral vector vaccine platforms in the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. NPJ Vaccines 2021; 6:97. [PMID: 34354082 PMCID: PMC8342436 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-021-00356-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Adenoviral vectors have been explored as vaccine agents for a range of infectious diseases, and their ability to induce a potent and balanced immune response made them logical candidates to apply to the COVID-19 pandemic. The unique molecular characteristics of these vectors enabled the rapid development of vaccines with advanced designs capable of overcoming the biological challenges faced by early adenoviral vector systems. These successes and the urgency of the COVID-19 situation have resulted in a flurry of candidate adenoviral vector vaccines for COVID-19 from both academia and industry. These vaccines represent some of the lead candidates currently supported by Operation Warp Speed and other government agencies for rapid translational development. This review details adenoviral vector COVID-19 vaccines currently in human clinical trials and provides an overview of the new technologies employed in their design. As these vaccines have formed a cornerstone of the COVID-19 global vaccination campaign, this review provides a full consideration of the impact and development of this emerging platform.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samir Andrade Mendonça
- Washington University in Saint Louis, School of Medicine, Biologic Therapeutics Center, Radiation Oncology Department. 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Reka Lorincz
- Washington University in Saint Louis, School of Medicine, Biologic Therapeutics Center, Radiation Oncology Department. 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Paul Boucher
- Washington University in Saint Louis, School of Medicine, Biologic Therapeutics Center, Radiation Oncology Department. 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - David T Curiel
- Washington University in Saint Louis, School of Medicine, Biologic Therapeutics Center, Radiation Oncology Department. 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| |
Collapse
|