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New Coronavirus Passive Vaccine Developed by Israeli Researchers

Reporter: Irina Robu, PhD

Researchers at Bar-Ilan University have identified short amino acid sequences that could help the development of a vaccine against COVID-19 virus. Of the 25 epitopes that were discovered to be 100% identical to SARS, seven are theoretically efficient vaccine candidates. Their research indicate that they could cover as much as 87% of the world population

Their study has identified a set of immunodominant epitopes from the SARS-CoV-2 proteome, which are capable of generating antibody and cell mediated immune responses. The epitopes, known as antigenic determinants, are the part of the antigen that binds to a specific antigen receptor on the surface of B cells or T cells and are able to provoke an immune response.

It is known that immune response occurs within an organism for the purpose of defending against foreign invaders such as viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi. The immune responses that are based on specific immunodominant epitopes contain the generation of both antibody- and cell-mediated immunity against pathogens. Such immunity can facilitate fast and effective elimination of the pathogen. The end result is a passive vaccine capable of capable of activating both cellular and humoral immune responses in humans.

According to the team at Bar-Ilan University, the mapped coronavirus epitopes with those of the influenza virus. And they found that 85% of the sequence identity with experimentally detected epitopes of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-related coronavirus (SARS-CoV).

Additional analysis indicated that the epitopes are non-allergic and non-toxic to humans and have very low risk for generating autoimmune responses. The team is looking to partner with companies to build vaccine constructs and test them in-vitro and on animal trials before starting any clinical trials.

SOURCE

https://www.jpost.com/health-science/israeli-researchers-on-road-to-new-covid-19-passive-vaccine-630988?utm_source=ActiveCampaign