Novel mRNA-lipid nanoparticle vaccine encoding four mpox virus surface proteins generates robust immune responses against orthopoxviruses

In a recent study posted to the bioRxiv* preprint server, researchers described a messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA)-lipid nanoparticle mpox vaccine encoding four conserved mpox virus surface proteins which induced mpox virus-specific immunity and elicited heterologous protection when challenged with lethal vaccinia virus. Study: A monkeypox mRNA-lipid nanoparticle vaccine targeting virus binding, entry, and transmission drives … Read more

Researchers generate a remodeled live-attenuated measles vaccine capable of driving nAb responses against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein

In a recent study posted to bioRxiv*, researchers developed a measles virus (MeV)-vectored vaccine capable of inducing high neutralizing antibody (nAb) responses against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Study: Surface-modified measles vaccines encoding oligomeric, fusion-stabilized SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoproteins bypass measles seropositivity, boosting neutralizing antibody responses to omicron and historical variants. Image Credit: Kateryna … Read more

Study demonstrates robust antibody response elicited by trivalent protein subunit vaccine against SARS-CoV-2

In a recent study posted to the bioRxiv* preprint server, researchers demonstrated that a trivalent vaccine against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) improved the breadth of humoral immune responses in mice. Study: Trivalent SARS-CoV-2 S1 Subunit Protein Vaccination Induces Broad Humoral Responses in BALB/c Mice. Image Credit: Corona Borealis Studio/Shutterstock Background SARS-CoV-2 vaccines … Read more

Exploring a variant-adapted SARS-CoV-2 recombinant protein vaccine

In a recent study posted to the medRxiv* preprint server, researchers assessed the immunogenicity of a variant-adapted severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) recombinant protein vaccine boosted with an AS03 adjuvant. Study: Safety and immunogenicity of a variant-adapted SARS-CoV-2 recombinant protein vaccine with AS03 adjuvant as a booster in adults primed with authorized vaccines. … Read more

Novel prefusion S antigen designed by the mutation of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein’s trimeric structure

In a recent study posted to the bioRxiv* server, researchers mutated the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike (S) protein’s trimeric structure to design a novel prefusion S antigen, S2D14. Study: Structural and Computational Design of a SARS-2 Spike Antigen with Increased Receptor Binding Domain Exposure and Improved Immunogenicity. Image Credit: creativeneko/Shutterstock Background … Read more

The frequency, magnitude, and longevity of natural antibody responses against nine P. vivax vaccine candidate proteins

Malaria is a significant public health threat, causing about 241 million cases worldwide in 2020. Although Plasmodium falciparum is reported to be the most common malaria parasite in Africa, P. vivax is the predominant parasite in most countries in America and Asia Pacific. Critical illnessescaused by P. vivax are no more considered rare events. Study: … Read more

AI helps design synthetic DNA that controls cells’ protein production

With the help of an AI, researchers at Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, have succeeded in designing synthetic DNA that controls the cells’ protein production. The technology can contribute to the development and production of vaccines, drugs for severe diseases, as well as alternative food proteins much faster and at significantly lower costs than today. … Read more

Novel mRNA vaccines encoding monkeypox virus proteins show promise in preclinical studies

In a recent study posted to the bioRxiv* preprint server, researchers in China demonstrated the efficacy of three messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) technology-based Monkeypox virus (MPXV) vaccines in combating a lethal Vaccinia virus (VACV) challenge in mice models. Study: Novel mRNA vaccines encoding monkeypox virus M1R and A35R protect mice from a lethal virus challenge. … Read more

Structure-directed mutagenesis produces thermostable SARS-CoV-2 spike protein trimers with potential vaccine booster applications

In a recent study posted to the bioRxiv* preprint server, a team of researchers investigated the change in the stability, antigenicity, and protein expression of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein trimer using structure-directed mutagenesis to alter a cavity in the core of the spike protein. Study: Enhanced stability of the … Read more

Mosaic nanoparticles displaying spike protein trimers from different coronaviruses elicits cross-reactive protection

In a recent study under review at the Nature Portfolio journal and currently posted to Research Square* preprint server, researchers developed and assessed the immunogenicity of nanoparticles expressing spike trimers from coronaviruses (CoVs). CoVs, particularly beta-CoVs, thrive in animal reservoirs and constantly threaten human health. Seven CoVs infect humans, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus … Read more