Development of subunit vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 based on the receptor binding domain (RBD)

Abstract

Coronavirus 2019 Disease (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 reached a pandemic character in early 2020. According to the World Health Organization, SARS-CoV2 infection presents mild to moderate symptoms in 81% of cases, however, it can progress to severe cases leading to severe acute respiratory syndrome and death. Virus entry into host cells is mediated by Spike, a densely glycosylated protein present in the envelope of SARS-CoV-2, which interacts with the angiotensin-2 converting enzyme (ACE-2) receptor, thus promoting membrane fusion. Studies have shown that the Receptor Binding Domain (RBD), present in the Spike, is responsible for binding to the ACE-2 receptor. Antibodies specific to the RBD region have neutralizing activity and are therefore considered promising vaccine candidates. The main goal of this project is the preclinical study of recombinant proteins representing the RBD in the presence of different adjuvants. (AU)