Invention Title:

INTERFERON-PRODUCING UNIVERSAL SARBECOVIRUS VACCINES, AND USES THEREOF

Publication number:

US20240139307

Publication date:
Section:

Human necessities

Class:

A61K39/215

Inventor:

Applicant:

Drawings (4 of 28)

Smart overview of the Invention

Universal sarbecovirus vaccines have been developed to specifically express interferon, aiming to provide robust mucosal and heterotypic immunity against various sarbecoviruses, including SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 along with its emerging variants. These vaccines are designed to enhance the immune response by encoding interferon directly into the viral genome, which helps to counteract the effects of delayed type-I interferon typically induced by viral infections.

Background on COVID-19 and Vaccine Challenges

Since the emergence of COVID-19 in late 2019, SARS-CoV-2 has led to a significant global health crisis, with millions of infections and deaths. Current vaccines have been primarily based on the original strain of SARS-CoV-2. However, as the virus has mutated, particularly with variants such as omicron, these vaccines have shown reduced effectiveness due to their inability to neutralize new mutations, highlighting the urgent need for next-generation vaccine strategies.

Innovative Vaccine Constructs

The proposed vaccine includes a modified genome of a sarbecovirus that integrates an interferon-coding nucleic acid alongside modifications to the envelope gene. This design not only inactivates the virus for safe vaccination but also enhances immune responses through improved T and B cell activation. The vaccine may feature various spike genes to target multiple variants effectively.

Administration and Efficacy

The vaccines can be formulated for different routes of administration, including nasal sprays or injections. Studies have shown that these vaccines can significantly reduce infection rates and severity across various sarbecovirus strains. Specifically, integrating interferon-beta into the vaccine construct has been found to preferentially enhance mucosal immunity, which is crucial for effective defense against respiratory viruses.

Potential Applications and Future Directions

The universal sarbecovirus vaccine offers a promising approach not only for preventing infections but also for treating individuals already infected by enhancing their immune response. This innovative strategy aims to keep pace with the rapid evolution of sarbecoviruses, ensuring effective protection against current and future variants while minimizing the need for constant updates in vaccine formulations.