Workflow for generating HLA I and HLA II immunopeptide dome data from SARS-CoV-2. Credit: Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51959-6
Researchers in Melbourne have discovered more than 200 new potential vaccine targets from SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) virus. These could lead to the development of vaccines with broader immunity that lasts longer than existing vaccines.
In a paper published in the journal Nature Communications, research led by Professor Anthony W. Purcell and first authored by Dr Asolina Brown of the Monash Institute for Biomedical Discovery, suggests that this could be a target for new vaccines. We are investigating seven proteins of the new coronavirus. .
The first vaccines designed to fight COVID-19 targeted the spike protein of the original Wuhan strain. But while this approach has led to the production of some highly effective and safe vaccines within a surprisingly short period of time, it also comes with some limitations, according to Dr. Brown. “The SARS-CoV-2 virus has mutated its spike protein, reducing the effectiveness of current vaccines,” she said.
“Also, the original vaccines focused on B-cell-mediated antibody responses to develop immunity. Now, recruiting the other arm of the immune system, T cells, helps develop immunity. We know it helps you last longer.”
In this study, researchers described more than 200 SARS-CoV-2-derived peptides that could be targets for new and improved vaccines against COVID-19, and many of these peptides demonstrated that it can induce T-cell responses in convalescent individuals.
Reflecting on this achievement, principal investigator Professor Tony Purcell said: “As part of our long-term collaboration with Evaxion Biotech, we have pivoted and focused our attention on SARS-CoV-2 during the pandemic. Rather than continuing the mainstream attention that was primarily focused on SARS-CoV-2, in addition to the spike glycoprotein, we looked at other more conserved viruses as potential next-generation vaccine targets. We focused on protein.
“The combination of Monashzyme’s epitope discovery through immunopeptidomics and protein chemistry, the Peter Doherty Institute’s T-cell immunology, and Evaxion’s AI-guided bioinformatics expertise has identified several conserved viral proteins as vaccine candidates. It was important for the development of this paper to highlight the potential of
According to Dr. Brown, COVID-19 continues to place a significant burden on health systems around the world, and “this continued burden is primarily driven by the spread of several new variants. “There remains an unmet need for the development of new vaccines.” “This is to target several strains of the virus and provide broad protection to the world’s population,” she said.
“The next generation of vaccines will benefit from inducing both B- and T-cell-mediated immunity against multiple coronavirus proteins. Our research will help develop just such vaccines. We have found a promising candidate.”
Further information: Asolina Braun et al, Mapping the immune peptide dome of seven SARS-CoV-2 antigens across common HLA haplotypes, Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51959-6
Provided by Monash University
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