Multipolymer microsphere delivery of SARS-CoV-2 antigens
Farah Shahjin, Milankumar Patel, Jatin Machhi, Jacob D. Cohen, Mohammad Ullah Nayan, Pravin Yeapuri, Chen Zhang, Emiko Waight, Mahmudul Hasan, Mai Mohamed Abdelmoaty, Prasanta K. Dash, You Zhou, Irene Andreu, Howard E. Gendelman, Bhavesh D. Kevadiya
Abstract
Effective antigen delivery facilitates antiviral vaccine success defined by effective immune protective responses against viral exposures. To improve severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) antigen delivery, a controlled biodegradable, stable, biocompatible, and nontoxic polymeric microsphere system was developed for chemically inactivated viral proteins. SARS-CoV-2 proteins encapsulated in polymeric microspheres induced robust antiviral immunity. The viral antigen-loaded microsphere system can preclude the need for repeat administrations, highlighting its potential as an effective vaccine. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Successful SARS-CoV-2 vaccines were developed and quickly approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, each of the vaccines requires boosting as new variants arise. We posit that injectable biodegradable polymers represent a means for the sustained release of emerging viral antigens. The approach offers a means to reduce immunization frequency by predicting viral genomic variability. This strategy could lead to longer-lasting antiviral protective immunity. The current proof-of-concept multipolymer study for SARS-CoV-2 achieve these metrics.