Reference Database

YearReference
2022
Poxvirus MVA Expressing SARS-CoV-2 S Protein Induces Robust Immunity and Protects Rhesus Macaques From SARS-CoV-2.
Mooij, Petra
García-Arriaza, Juan
Pérez, Patricia
Lázaro-Frías, Adrian
Verstrepen, Babs E
Böszörményi, Kinga P
Mortier, Daniella
Fagrouch, Zahra
Kiemenyi-Kayere, Gwendoline
Niphuis, Henk
Acar, Roja Fidel
Meijer, Lisette
Stammes, Marieke A
Kondova, Ivanela
Verschoor, Ernst J
GeurtsvanKessel, Corine H
de Bruin, Erwin
Sikkema, Reina S
Luczkowiak, Joanna
Delgado, Rafael
Montenegro, Dolores
Puentes, Eugenia
Rodríguez, Esteban
Bogers, Willy M J M
Koopman, Gerrit
Esteban, Mariano
Front Immunol 2022;13: 845887
Abstract

Novel safe, immunogenic, and effective vaccines are needed to control the COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2. Here, we describe the safety, robust immunogenicity, and potent efficacy elicited in rhesus macaques by a modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) vector expressing a full-length SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein (MVA-S). MVA-S vaccination was well tolerated and induced S and receptor-binding domain (RBD)-binding IgG antibodies and neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 and several variants of concern. S-specific IFNγ, but not IL-4, -producing cells were also elicited. After SARS-CoV-2 challenge, vaccinated animals showed a significant strong reduction of virus loads in bronchoalveolar lavages (BAL) and decreased levels in throat and nasal mucosa. Remarkably, MVA-S also protected macaques from fever and infection-induced cytokine storm. Computed tomography and histological examination of the lungs showed reduced lung pathology in MVA-S-vaccinated animals. These findings favor the use of MVA-S as a potential vaccine for SARS-CoV-2 in clinical trials.

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