Immunogenicity of Vaccine Encoding Spike Protein against Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus in Mammalian Model

Abo Sherif, Mohamed E.; Abo Shama, Noura M.; Mahmoud, Sara H.; El-Desouky, Mohamed A.; Hanna, Demiana H.; Ali, Mohamed A.

doi:10.21608/ejchem.2024.276701.9459

Immunogenicity of Vaccine Encoding Spike Protein against Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus in Mammalian Model

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Department of chemistry, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt

² Center of Scientific Excellence for Influenza Viruses, Environmental Researches and Climate Changes Institute, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt.

10.21608/ejchem.2024.276701.9459

Abstract

Abstract

The Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) represents a major threat to human health worldwide. No licensed MERS-CoV vaccines or therapeutics were developed. So, the aim of the current study is the generation and immunological evaluation of DNA vaccine candidate against MERS-CoV. The spike gene was selected to generate the DNA vaccine, which encodes the spike protein of coronaviruses that plays a pivotal role in viral entry into host cells and serves as a primary target for host immune responses. Moreover, the antibody responses post-immunization with spike-DNA fragment and inactivated coronaviruses vaccines was explored, using a microneutralization assay with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2), and the log2 antibody titers at different time points (0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks) post-vaccination was measured. The inactivated MERS-CoV and pCDNA3.1-S-MERS-CoV vaccines maintained steady log2 antibody titers, showing no specific response to SARS-CoV-2 in the control group (PBS). Microneutralization against MERS-CoV showed no significant antibody titers for Inactivated SARS-CoV-2, suggesting no cross-reactivity. Sustained antibody titers for Inactivated MERS-CoV indicate vaccine-induced stability. This study sheds light on antibody responses induced by these vaccines against MERS-CoV. These insights are crucial for optimizing vaccine strategies, particularly in the context of the evolving MERS-CoV pandemic.

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