S-Trimer, a COVID-19 subunit vaccine candidate, induces protective immunity in nonhuman primates

• DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21634-1
• Publication Date: 2021-03-01T11:07:32Z
• Authors: Joshua G. Liang; Danmei Su; Tian-Zhang Song; Yilan Zeng; Weijin Huang; Jinhua Wu; Rong Xu; Peiwen Luo; Xiaofang Yang; Xiaodong Zhang; Shuangru Luo; Ying Liang; Xinglin Li; Jiaju Huang; Qiang Wang; Xueqin Huang; Qingsong Xu; Mei Luo; Anliang Huang; Dongxia Luo; Chenyan Zhao; Fan Yang; Jian-Bao Han; Yong-Tang Zheng; Peng Liang
• Keywords: Trimer

Abstract SARS-CoV-2 is the underlying cause for COVID-19 pandemic. Like most enveloped RNA viruses, uses a homotrimeric surface antigen to gain entry into host cells. Here we describe S-Trimer, native-like trimeric subunit vaccine candidate based on Trimer-Tag technology. Immunization of S-Trimer with either AS03 (oil-in-water emulsion) or CpG 1018 (TLR9 agonist) plus alum adjuvants induced high-level neutralizing antibodies and Th1-biased cellular immune responses in animal models. Moreover, rhesus macaques immunized adjuvanted were protected from challenge compared vehicle controls, clinical observations reduction viral loads lungs. may be an important platform technology scalable production rapid development safe effective vaccines against current future emerging viruses.