Enhancement of cellular immunity following needle-free vaccination of mice with SARS-CoV-2 spike protein

J Gen Virol. 2024 Jan;105(1). doi: 10.1099/jgv.0.001947.

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for vaccines capable of providing rapid and robust protection. One way to improve vaccine efficacy is delivery via microarray patches, such as the Vaxxas high-density microarray patch (HD-MAP). We have previously demonstrated that delivery of a SARS-CoV-2 protein vaccine candidate, HexaPro, via the HD-MAP induces potent humoral immune responses. Here, we investigate the cellular responses induced by HexaPro HD-MAP vaccination. We found that delivery via the HD-MAP induces a type one biassed cellular response of much greater magnitude as compared to standard intramuscular immunization.

Keywords: SARS-CoV-2; T cells; cellular immunity; microarray patch; microneedles; mucosal immunity; vaccine.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Neutralizing
  • Antibodies, Viral
  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • COVID-19* / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Cellular
  • Immunity, Humoral
  • Mice
  • Pandemics
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus* / genetics
  • Vaccination

Substances

  • spike protein, SARS-CoV-2
  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus
  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Antibodies, Neutralizing