Nucleocapsid as a next-generation COVID-19 vaccine candidate
Bryan Oronsky, Christopher Larson, Scott Caroen, Farah Hedjran, Ana B. Sanchez, Е. И. Прокопенко, Tony Reid
Abstract
Multiple new variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus have emerged globally, due to viral mutation. The majority of COVID-19 vaccines contain SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, which is susceptible to mutation. It is known that protection against COVID-19 after two doses of mRNA vaccine continuously wanes over time. If viral variants contain mutated spike protein, current vaccines may not provide robust protection. This perspective suggests the inclusion of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein in future COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, as nucleocapsid is much less vulnerable to mutation and may provide stronger immunity to novel viral variants.
Topics & Concepts
VirologyCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)MutationSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)BiologyImmunitySpike Protein2019-20 coronavirus outbreakViral structural proteinVirusViral entryGeneticsViral replicationGeneMedicineImmune systemOutbreakDiseaseInfectious disease (medical specialty)PathologySARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 ResearchAnimal Virus Infections Studiesvaccines and immunoinformatics approaches