Open AccessInactivated rabies virus vectored SARS-CoV-2 vaccine prevents disease in a Syrian hamster model
Author(s) -
Drishya Kurup,
Delphine C. Malherbe,
Christoph Wirblich,
Rachael Lambert,
Adam J. Ronk,
Leila Zabihi Diba,
Alexander Bukreyev,
Matthias J. Schnell
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
plos pathogens
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.719
H-Index - 206
eISSN - 1553-7374
pISSN - 1553-7366
DOI - 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009383
Subject(s) - virology , medicine , asymptomatic , mesocricetus , pneumonia , hamster , immunology , coronavirus , rabies , rabies virus , virus , immune system , disease , covid-19 , infectious disease (medical specialty)
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an emergent coronavirus that has caused a worldwide pandemic. Although human disease is often asymptomatic, some develop severe illnesses such as pneumonia, respiratory failure, and death. There is an urgent need for a vaccine to prevent its rapid spread as asymptomatic infections accounting for up to 40% of transmission events. Here we further evaluated an inactivated rabies vectored SARS-CoV-2 S1 vaccine CORAVAX in a Syrian hamster model. CORAVAX adjuvanted with MPLA-AddaVax, a TRL4 agonist, induced high levels of neutralizing antibodies and generated a strong Th1-biased immune response. Vaccinated hamsters were protected from weight loss and viral replication in the lungs and nasal turbinates three days after challenge with SARS-CoV-2. CORAVAX also prevented lung disease, as indicated by the significant reduction in lung pathology. This study highlights CORAVAX as a safe, immunogenic, and efficacious vaccine that warrants further assessment in human trials.