1
|
Rabdano SO, Ruzanova EA, Vertyachikh AE, Teplykh VA, Emelyanova AB, Rudakov GO, Arakelov SA, Pletyukhina IV, Saveliev NS, Lukovenko AA, Fakhretdinova LN, Safi AS, Zhirenkina EN, Polyakova IN, Belozerova NS, Klykov VV, Savelieva AP, Ekimov AA, Pokachalov KV, Merkulov VA, Yudin SM, Kruchko DS, Berzin IA, Skvortsova VI. N-protein vaccine is effective against COVID-19: Phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Infect 2024; 89:106288. [PMID: 39341405 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2024.106288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2024] [Revised: 09/19/2024] [Accepted: 09/21/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the success of first-generation COVID-19 vaccines targeting the spike (S) protein, emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants have led to immune escape, reducing the efficacy of these vaccines. Additionally, some individuals are unable to mount an effective immune response to S protein-based vaccines. This has created a need for alternative vaccine strategies that are less susceptible to mutations and capable of providing broad and durable protection. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel COVID-19 vaccine based on the full-length recombinant nucleocapsid (N) protein of SARS-CoV-2. METHODS We conducted a prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 clinical trial (NCT05726084) in Russia. Participants (n = 5229) were adults aged 18 years and older, with a BMI of 18.5-30 kg/m², and without significant clinical abnormalities. They were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive a single intramuscular dose of either the N protein-based vaccine (50 µg) or placebo. Randomization was done through block randomization, and masking was ensured by providing visually identical formulations of vaccine and placebo. The primary outcome was the incidence of symptomatic COVID-19 confirmed by PCR more than 15 days after vaccination within a 180-day observation period, analyzed on an intention-to-treat basis. FINDINGS Between May 18, 2023, and August 9, 2023, 5229 participants were randomized, with 3486 receiving the vaccine and 1743 receiving the placebo. Eight cases of PCR-confirmed symptomatic COVID-19 occurred in the vaccine group (0.23%) compared to 27 cases in the placebo group (1.55%), yielding a vaccine efficacy of 85.2% (95% CI: 67.4-93.3; p < 0.0001). Adverse events were mostly mild and included local injection site reactions. There were no vaccine-related serious adverse events. INTERPRETATION The N protein-based COVID-19 vaccine demonstrated significant efficacy and a favorable safety profile, suggesting it could be a valuable addition to the global vaccination effort, particularly in addressing immune escape variants and offering an alternative for those unable to respond to S protein-based vaccines. These results support the continued development and potential deployment of N protein-based vaccines in the ongoing fight against COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sevastyan O Rabdano
- Saint Petersburg Scientific Research Institute of Vaccines and Serums of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia (SPbSRIVS), Saint Petersburg, Russia.
| | - Ellina A Ruzanova
- Saint Petersburg Scientific Research Institute of Vaccines and Serums of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia (SPbSRIVS), Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Anastasiya E Vertyachikh
- Saint Petersburg Scientific Research Institute of Vaccines and Serums of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia (SPbSRIVS), Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Valeriya A Teplykh
- Saint Petersburg Scientific Research Institute of Vaccines and Serums of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia (SPbSRIVS), Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Alla B Emelyanova
- Saint Petersburg Scientific Research Institute of Vaccines and Serums of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia (SPbSRIVS), Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - German O Rudakov
- Saint Petersburg Scientific Research Institute of Vaccines and Serums of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia (SPbSRIVS), Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Sergei A Arakelov
- Saint Petersburg Scientific Research Institute of Vaccines and Serums of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia (SPbSRIVS), Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Iuliia V Pletyukhina
- Saint Petersburg Scientific Research Institute of Vaccines and Serums of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia (SPbSRIVS), Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Nikita S Saveliev
- Saint Petersburg Scientific Research Institute of Vaccines and Serums of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia (SPbSRIVS), Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Anna A Lukovenko
- Saint Petersburg Scientific Research Institute of Vaccines and Serums of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia (SPbSRIVS), Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Liliya N Fakhretdinova
- Saint Petersburg Scientific Research Institute of Vaccines and Serums of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia (SPbSRIVS), Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Ariana S Safi
- Saint Petersburg Scientific Research Institute of Vaccines and Serums of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia (SPbSRIVS), Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Ekaterina N Zhirenkina
- Saint Petersburg Scientific Research Institute of Vaccines and Serums of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia (SPbSRIVS), Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Irina N Polyakova
- Saint Petersburg Scientific Research Institute of Vaccines and Serums of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia (SPbSRIVS), Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Natalia S Belozerova
- Saint Petersburg Scientific Research Institute of Vaccines and Serums of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia (SPbSRIVS), Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Vladislav V Klykov
- Saint Petersburg Scientific Research Institute of Vaccines and Serums of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia (SPbSRIVS), Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Arina P Savelieva
- Saint Petersburg Scientific Research Institute of Vaccines and Serums of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia (SPbSRIVS), Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Aleksey A Ekimov
- Saint Petersburg Scientific Research Institute of Vaccines and Serums of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia (SPbSRIVS), Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Konstantin V Pokachalov
- Saint Petersburg Scientific Research Institute of Vaccines and Serums of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia (SPbSRIVS), Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Vadim A Merkulov
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia; Centre for Evaluation and Control of Finished Pharmaceutical Products, Federal State Budgetary Institution "Scientific Centre for Expert Evaluation of Medicinal Products" of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergei M Yudin
- Centre for Strategic Planning of FMBA of Russia Federal State Budgetary Institution "Centre for Strategic Planning and Management of Biomedical Health Risks" of the Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Igor A Berzin
- Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rabdano S, Ruzanova E, Makarov D, Vertyachikh A, Teplykh V, Rudakov G, Pletyukhina I, Saveliev N, Zakharov K, Alpenidze D, Vasilyuk V, Arakelov S, Skvortsova V. Safety and Immunogenicity of the Convacell ® Recombinant N Protein COVID-19 Vaccine. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:100. [PMID: 38276672 PMCID: PMC10821050 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12010100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
We have developed Convacell®-a COVID-19 vaccine based on the recombinant nucleocapsid (N) protein of SARS-CoV-2. This paper details Convacell's® combined phase I/II and IIb randomized, double-blind, interventional clinical trials. The primary endpoints were the frequency of adverse effects (AEs) and the titers of specific anti-N IgGs induced by the vaccination; secondary endpoints included the nature of the immune response. Convacell® demonstrated high safety in phase I with no severe AEs detected, 100% seroconversion by day 42 and high and sustained for 350 days anti-N IgG levels in phase II. Convacell® also demonstrated a fused cellular and humoral immune response. Phase IIb results showed significant post-vaccination increases in circulating anti-N IgG and N protein-specific IFNγ+-producing PBMC quantities among 438 volunteers. Convacell® showed same level of immunological efficacy for single and double dose vaccination regimens, including for elderly patients. The clinical studies indicate that Convacell® is safe and highly immunogenic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sevastyan Rabdano
- Saint Petersburg Scientific Research Institute of Vaccines and Serums of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia (SPbSRIVS), St. Petersburg 198320, Russia (I.P.)
| | - Ellina Ruzanova
- Saint Petersburg Scientific Research Institute of Vaccines and Serums of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia (SPbSRIVS), St. Petersburg 198320, Russia (I.P.)
| | - Denis Makarov
- Saint Petersburg Scientific Research Institute of Vaccines and Serums of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia (SPbSRIVS), St. Petersburg 198320, Russia (I.P.)
| | - Anastasiya Vertyachikh
- Saint Petersburg Scientific Research Institute of Vaccines and Serums of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia (SPbSRIVS), St. Petersburg 198320, Russia (I.P.)
| | - Valeriya Teplykh
- Saint Petersburg Scientific Research Institute of Vaccines and Serums of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia (SPbSRIVS), St. Petersburg 198320, Russia (I.P.)
| | - German Rudakov
- Saint Petersburg Scientific Research Institute of Vaccines and Serums of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia (SPbSRIVS), St. Petersburg 198320, Russia (I.P.)
| | - Iuliia Pletyukhina
- Saint Petersburg Scientific Research Institute of Vaccines and Serums of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia (SPbSRIVS), St. Petersburg 198320, Russia (I.P.)
| | - Nikita Saveliev
- Saint Petersburg Scientific Research Institute of Vaccines and Serums of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia (SPbSRIVS), St. Petersburg 198320, Russia (I.P.)
| | | | - Diana Alpenidze
- State Budgetary Health Institution “City Polyclinic No. 117”, St. Petersburg 194358, Russia
| | - Vasiliy Vasilyuk
- Department of Toxicology, Extreme and Diving Medicine, North-Western State Medical University named after I.I. Mechnikov, St. Petersburg 191015, Russia
| | - Sergei Arakelov
- Saint Petersburg Scientific Research Institute of Vaccines and Serums of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia (SPbSRIVS), St. Petersburg 198320, Russia (I.P.)
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhdanov DD, Ivin YY, Shishparenok AN, Kraevskiy SV, Kanashenko SL, Agafonova LE, Shumyantseva VV, Gnedenko OV, Pinyaeva AN, Kovpak AA, Ishmukhametov AA, Archakov AI. Perspectives for the creation of a new type of vaccine preparations based on pseudovirus particles using polio vaccine as an example. BIOMEDITSINSKAIA KHIMIIA 2023; 69:253-280. [PMID: 37937429 DOI: 10.18097/pbmc20236905253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Traditional antiviral vaccines are currently created by inactivating the virus chemically, most often using formaldehyde or β-propiolactone. These approaches are not optimal since they negatively affect the safety of the antigenic determinants of the inactivated particles and require additional purification stages. The most promising platforms for creating vaccines are based on pseudoviruses, i.e., viruses that have completely preserved the outer shell (capsid), while losing the ability to reproduce owing to the destruction of the genome. The irradiation of viruses with electron beam is the optimal way to create pseudoviral particles. In this review, with the example of the poliovirus, the main algorithms that can be applied to characterize pseudoviral particles functionally and structurally in the process of creating a vaccine preparation are presented. These algorithms are, namely, the analysis of the degree of genome destruction and coimmunogenicity. The structure of the poliovirus and methods of its inactivation are considered. Methods for assessing residual infectivity and immunogenicity are proposed for the functional characterization of pseudoviruses. Genome integrity analysis approaches, atomic force and electron microscopy, surface plasmon resonance, and bioelectrochemical methods are crucial to structural characterization of the pseudovirus particles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D D Zhdanov
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Moscow, Russia
| | - Yu Yu Ivin
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Moscow, Russia; Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | | | | | | | | | - V V Shumyantseva
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Moscow, Russia; Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - O V Gnedenko
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Moscow, Russia
| | - A N Pinyaeva
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Moscow, Russia; Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - A A Kovpak
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Moscow, Russia
| | - A A Ishmukhametov
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - A I Archakov
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Moscow, Russia; Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gomes MPDB, Linhares JHR, Dos Santos TP, Pereira RC, Santos RT, da Silva SA, Souza MCDO, da Silva JFA, Trindade GF, Gomes VS, Barreto-Vieira DF, Carvalho MMVF, Ano Bom APD, Gardinali NR, Müller R, Alves NDS, Moura LDC, Neves PCDC, Esteves GS, Schwarcz WD, Missailidis S, Mendes YDS, de Lima SMB. Inactivated and Immunogenic SARS-CoV-2 for Safe Use in Immunoassays and as an Immunization Control for Non-Clinical Trials. Viruses 2023; 15:1486. [PMID: 37515173 PMCID: PMC10386713 DOI: 10.3390/v15071486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Successful SARS-CoV-2 inactivation allows its safe use in Biosafety Level 2 facilities, and the use of the whole viral particle helps in the development of analytical methods and a more reliable immune response, contributing to the development and improvement of in vitro and in vivo assays. In order to obtain a functional product, we evaluated several inactivation protocols and observed that 0.03% beta-propiolactone for 24 h was the best condition tested, as it promoted SARS-CoV-2 inactivation above 99.99% and no cytopathic effect was visualized after five serial passages. Moreover, RT-qPCR and transmission electron microscopy revealed that RNA quantification and viral structure integrity were preserved. The antigenicity of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 was confirmed by ELISA using different Spike-neutralizing monoclonal antibodies. K18-hACE2 mice immunized with inactivated SARS-CoV-2, formulated in AddaS03TM, presented high neutralizing antibody titers, no significant weight loss, and longer survival than controls from a lethal challenge, despite RNA detection in the oropharyngeal swab, lung, and brain. This work emphasizes the importance of using different techniques to confirm viral inactivation and avoid potentially disastrous contamination. We believe that an efficiently inactivated product can be used in several applications, including the development and improvement of molecular diagnostic kits, as an antigen for antibody production as well as a control for non-clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Renata Carvalho Pereira
- Virological Technology Laboratory, Bio-Manguinhos/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
| | - Renata Tourinho Santos
- Virological Technology Laboratory, Bio-Manguinhos/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Gisela Freitas Trindade
- Virological Technology Laboratory, Bio-Manguinhos/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
| | - Viviane Silva Gomes
- Virological Technology Laboratory, Bio-Manguinhos/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
| | | | | | - Ana Paula Dinis Ano Bom
- Immunological Technology Laboratory, Bio-Manguinhos/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
| | - Noemi Rovaris Gardinali
- Virological Technology Laboratory, Bio-Manguinhos/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Müller
- Pre-Clinical Trials Laboratory, Bio-Manguinhos/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Luma da Cruz Moura
- Virological Technology Laboratory, Bio-Manguinhos/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Gabriela Santos Esteves
- Recombinant Technology Laboratory, Bio-Manguinhos/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
| | - Waleska Dias Schwarcz
- Virological Technology Laboratory, Bio-Manguinhos/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
| | - Sotiris Missailidis
- Institute of Technology in Immunobiologicals, Bio-Manguinhos/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
| | - Ygara da Silva Mendes
- Virological Technology Laboratory, Bio-Manguinhos/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Abstract
COVID-19 is characterized by dysregulated thrombosis and coagulation that can increase mortality in patients. Platelets are fast responders to pathogen presence, alerting the surrounding immune cells and contributing to thrombosis and intravascular coagulation. The SARS-CoV-2 genome has been found in platelets from patients with COVID-19, and its coverage varies according to the method of detection, suggesting direct interaction of the virus with these cells. Antibodies against Spike and Nucleocapsid have confirmed this platelet-viral interaction. This review discusses the immune, prothrombotic, and procoagulant characteristics of platelets observed in patients with COVID-19. We outline the direct and indirect interaction of platelets with SARS-CoV-2, the contribution of the virus to programmed cell death pathway activation in platelets and the consequent extracellular vesicle release. We discuss platelet activation and immunothrombosis in patients with COVID-19, the effect of Spike on platelets, and possible activation of platelets by classical platelet activation triggers as well as contribution of platelets to complement activation. As COVID-19-mediated thrombosis and coagulation are still not well understood in vivo, we discuss available murine models and mouse adaptable strains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Sciaudone
- Department of Medicine, Divisions of Cardiovascular Medicine (A.S., H.C., M.K.), University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA
| | - Heather Corkrey
- Department of Medicine, Divisions of Cardiovascular Medicine (A.S., H.C., M.K.), University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA
| | - Fiachra Humphries
- Innate Immunity (F.H.). University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA
| | - Milka Koupenova
- Department of Medicine, Divisions of Cardiovascular Medicine (A.S., H.C., M.K.), University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Yu S, Wei Y, Liang H, Ji W, Chang Z, Xie S, Wang Y, Li W, Liu Y, Wu H, Li J, Wang H, Yang X. Correction: Yu et al. Comparison of Physical and Biochemical Characterizations of SARS-CoV-2 Inactivated by Different Treatments. Viruses 2022, 14, 1938. Viruses 2023; 15:v15051035. [PMID: 37243303 DOI: 10.3390/v15051035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In the original publication [...].
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shouzhi Yu
- Beijing Institute of Biological Products Company Limited, Beijing 100176, China
| | - Yangyang Wei
- Beijing Institute of Biological Products Company Limited, Beijing 100176, China
| | - Hongyang Liang
- Beijing Institute of Biological Products Company Limited, Beijing 100176, China
| | - Wenheng Ji
- Beijing Institute of Biological Products Company Limited, Beijing 100176, China
| | - Zhen Chang
- Beijing Institute of Biological Products Company Limited, Beijing 100176, China
| | - Siman Xie
- Beijing Institute of Biological Products Company Limited, Beijing 100176, China
| | - Yichuan Wang
- Beijing Institute of Biological Products Company Limited, Beijing 100176, China
| | - Wanli Li
- Beijing Institute of Biological Products Company Limited, Beijing 100176, China
| | - Yingwei Liu
- Beijing Institute of Biological Products Company Limited, Beijing 100176, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Beijing Institute of Biological Products Company Limited, Beijing 100176, China
| | - Jie Li
- Beijing Institute of Biological Products Company Limited, Beijing 100176, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Beijing Institute of Biological Products Company Limited, Beijing 100176, China
| | - Xiaoming Yang
- China National Biotec Group Company Limited, Beijing 100024, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Rabdano SO, Ruzanova EA, Pletyukhina IV, Saveliev NS, Kryshen KL, Katelnikova AE, Beltyukov PP, Fakhretdinova LN, Safi AS, Rudakov GO, Arakelov SA, Andreev IV, Kofiadi IA, Khaitov MR, Valenta R, Kryuchko DS, Berzin IA, Belozerova NS, Evtushenko AE, Truhin VP, Skvortsova VI. Immunogenicity and In Vivo Protective Effects of Recombinant Nucleocapsid-Based SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Convacell ®. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11040874. [PMID: 37112786 PMCID: PMC10141225 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11040874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The vast majority of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines which are licensed or under development focus on the spike (S) protein and its receptor binding domain (RBD). However, the S protein shows considerable sequence variations among variants of concern. The aim of this study was to develop and characterize a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine targeting the highly conserved nucleocapsid (N) protein. Recombinant N protein was expressed in Escherichia coli, purified to homogeneity by chromatography and characterized by SDS-PAGE, immunoblotting, mass spectrometry, dynamic light scattering and differential scanning calorimetry. The vaccine, formulated as a squalane-based emulsion, was used to immunize Balb/c mice and NOD SCID gamma (NSG) mice engrafted with human PBMCs, rabbits and marmoset monkeys. Safety and immunogenicity of the vaccine was assessed via ELISA, cytokine titer assays and CFSE dilution assays. The protective effect of the vaccine was studied in SARS-CoV-2-infected Syrian hamsters. Immunization induced sustainable N-specific IgG responses and an N-specific mixed Th1/Th2 cytokine response. In marmoset monkeys, an N-specific CD4+/CD8+ T cell response was observed. Vaccinated Syrian hamsters showed reduced lung histopathology, lower virus proliferation, lower lung weight relative to the body, and faster body weight recovery. Convacell® thus is shown to be effective and may augment the existing armamentarium of vaccines against COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sevastyan O Rabdano
- Saint Petersburg Scientific Research Institute of Vaccines and Serums of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia (SPbSRIVS), St. Petersburg 198320, Russia
| | - Ellina A Ruzanova
- Saint Petersburg Scientific Research Institute of Vaccines and Serums of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia (SPbSRIVS), St. Petersburg 198320, Russia
| | - Iuliia V Pletyukhina
- Saint Petersburg Scientific Research Institute of Vaccines and Serums of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia (SPbSRIVS), St. Petersburg 198320, Russia
| | - Nikita S Saveliev
- Saint Petersburg Scientific Research Institute of Vaccines and Serums of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia (SPbSRIVS), St. Petersburg 198320, Russia
| | | | | | - Petr P Beltyukov
- Scientific Research Institute of Hygiene, Occupational Pathology and Human Ecology of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia (SRIHOPHE), Kuzmolovsky 188663, Russia
| | - Liliya N Fakhretdinova
- Saint Petersburg Scientific Research Institute of Vaccines and Serums of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia (SPbSRIVS), St. Petersburg 198320, Russia
| | - Ariana S Safi
- Saint Petersburg Scientific Research Institute of Vaccines and Serums of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia (SPbSRIVS), St. Petersburg 198320, Russia
| | - German O Rudakov
- Saint Petersburg Scientific Research Institute of Vaccines and Serums of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia (SPbSRIVS), St. Petersburg 198320, Russia
| | - Sergei A Arakelov
- Saint Petersburg Scientific Research Institute of Vaccines and Serums of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia (SPbSRIVS), St. Petersburg 198320, Russia
| | - Igor V Andreev
- National Research Center Institute of Immunology (NRCII), Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia, Moscow 115522, Russia
| | - Ilya A Kofiadi
- National Research Center Institute of Immunology (NRCII), Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia, Moscow 115522, Russia
- Department of Immunology, N.I. Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Musa R Khaitov
- National Research Center Institute of Immunology (NRCII), Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia, Moscow 115522, Russia
- Department of Immunology, N.I. Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Rudolf Valenta
- National Research Center Institute of Immunology (NRCII), Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia, Moscow 115522, Russia
- Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119435, Russia
- Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, 3500 Krems, Austria
| | - Daria S Kryuchko
- Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia, Moscow 125310, Russia
| | - Igor A Berzin
- Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia, Moscow 125310, Russia
| | - Natalia S Belozerova
- Saint Petersburg Scientific Research Institute of Vaccines and Serums of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia (SPbSRIVS), St. Petersburg 198320, Russia
| | - Anatoly E Evtushenko
- Saint Petersburg Scientific Research Institute of Vaccines and Serums of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia (SPbSRIVS), St. Petersburg 198320, Russia
| | - Viktor P Truhin
- Saint Petersburg Scientific Research Institute of Vaccines and Serums of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia (SPbSRIVS), St. Petersburg 198320, Russia
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kordyukova LV, Moiseenko AV, Serebryakova MV, Shuklina MA, Sergeeva MV, Lioznov DA, Shanko AV. Structural and Immunoreactivity Properties of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein upon the Development of an Inactivated Vaccine. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020480. [PMID: 36851694 PMCID: PMC9961907 DOI: 10.3390/v15020480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Inactivated vaccines are promising tools for tackling the COVID-19 pandemic. We applied several protocols for SARS-CoV-2 inactivation (by β-propiolactone, formaldehyde, and UV radiation) and examined the morphology of viral spikes, protein composition of the preparations, and their immunoreactivity in ELISA using two panels of sera collected from convalescents and people vaccinated by Sputnik V. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) allowed us to distinguish wider flail-like spikes (supposedly the S-protein's pre-fusion conformation) from narrower needle-like ones (the post-fusion state). While the flails were present in all preparations studied, the needles were highly abundant in the β-propiolactone-inactivated samples only. Structural proteins S, N, and M of SARS-CoV-2 were detected via mass spectrometry. Formaldehyde and UV-inactivated samples demonstrated the highest affinity/immunoreactivity against the convalescent sera, while β-propiolactone (1:2000, 36 h) and UV-inactivated ones were more active against the sera of people vaccinated with Sputnik V. A higher concentration of β-propiolactone (1:1000, 2 h) led to a loss of antigenic affinity for both serum panels. Thus, although we did not analyze native SARS-CoV-2 for biosafety reasons, our comparative approach helped to exclude some destructive inactivation conditions and select suitable variants for future animal research. We believe that TEM is a valuable tool for inactivated COVID-19 vaccine quality control during the downstream manufacturing process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Larisa V. Kordyukova
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence: (L.V.K.); (A.V.S.)
| | - Andrey V. Moiseenko
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Marina V. Serebryakova
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Marina A. Shuklina
- WHO National Influenza Center, Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza, 197376 Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Maria V. Sergeeva
- WHO National Influenza Center, Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza, 197376 Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Dmitry A. Lioznov
- WHO National Influenza Center, Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza, 197376 Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Andrei V. Shanko
- R&D Department, FORT LLC, 119435 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence: (L.V.K.); (A.V.S.)
| |
Collapse
|