AAV-vector containing SARS-CoV-2 S receptor binding domain (AAV-SRBD) as a potential vaccine candidate
(B02)
Subject Area
Pneumology, Thoracic Surgery
Term
from 2010 to 2023
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 114933180
An effective and safe COVID-19 vaccine is urgently needed for the control of the disastrous pandemic outbreak and return to everyday life, but the criteria for protective immune responses are poorly defined. Here we suggest to adopt a vaccine approach based upon the Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector platform that we recently showed to protect against immunologically distinct influenza A viruses (IAV) to target SARS-CoV-2. Utilizing AAV vectors expressing the immunogenic S surface glycoprotein of SARSCoV- 2, we will evaluate their protective efficacy towards a viral challenge in murine models and the Roborovski dwarf hamster model of COVID-19. Moreover, we will characterize key virological and immunological parameters in immunized and challenged animals to explore correlates of infection in COVID-19, the knowledge of which is much needed to define a protective immune status.
DFG Programme
CRC/Transregios