Ph.D Candidate Mercer University College of Pharmacy Atlanta, Georgia
Cross-protective vaccines against emerging strains of SARS-CoV-2 are urgently needed to avoid repeated vaccination against COVID-19. Current vaccines arise concerns regarding efficacy against emerging strains due to high mutation rates of spike protein. Here, we investigated an adjuvanted-bivalent vaccine (spike and nucleoprotein) microparticles delivered using 3D-printed dissolving films via buccal route. We hypothesize that a bivalent vaccine administered through buccal route can induce both systemic and mucosal immunity against emerging strains. Bivalence of the vaccine towards both proteins would ensure durable and cross-strain specific immunity against spike that binds to target cells and more conserved nucleoprotein involved in viral replication. Buccal film-based vaccine delivery is advantageous due to ease-of-use and early mucosal immunity induction at infection entry sites. Our vaccination study revealed strong protein-specific antibody-mediated responses and cell-mediated responses. Thus, buccal-film administering the bivalent microparticulate vaccine is a pioneering and promising patient-compliant alternative against emerging strains of COVID-19.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion participant will be able to understand the key role of different structural proteins of SARS-CoV-2 in vaccine development against emerging strains of COVID-19
Upon completion participant will be able to learn about the formulation process and advantages of delivery of microparticulate vaccine using 3D-printed buccal dissolving films
Upon completion participant will be able to understand the importance of mucosal immunity to protect against COVID-19 and associated strains
