Next‐Generation Vaccines: Nanovaccines in the Fight against SARS‐CoV‐2 Virus and beyond SARS‐CoV‐2
Maluta Steven Mufamadi, Mpho Phehello Ngoepe, Ofentse Nobela, Nhlanhla Maluleke, Bafedile Phorah, Banele Methula, Thapelo Maseko, Dipuo Ingrid Masebe, Hazel Tumelo Mufhandu, Lebogang Katata‐Seru
Abstract
The virus responsible for the coronavirus viral pandemic is the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants caused by distinctive mutations within the viral spike glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 are considered the cause for the rapid spread of the disease and make it challenging to treat SARS-CoV-2. The manufacturing of appropriate efficient vaccines and therapeutics is the only option to combat this pandemic. Nanomedicine has enabled the delivery of nucleic acids and protein-based vaccines to antigen-presenting cells to produce protective immunity against the coronavirus. Nucleic acid-based vaccines, particularly mRNA nanotechnology vaccines, are the best prevention option against the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic worldwide, and they are effective against the novel coronavirus and its multiple variants. This review will report on progress made thus far with SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and beyond employing nanotechnology-based nucleic acid vaccine approaches.