Nanovaccine Study Achieves High Immune Response

Scientists at the Warsaw University of Technology are working on a nanovaccine based on recombinant SARS-CoV-2 virus proteins covalently bound to biodegradable iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs). Researchers from the Faculty of Chemical and Process Engineering and the Centre for Advanced Materials and Technologies along with a team of immunologists, are aiming to produce a vaccine that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture. They also intend to propose a method of fast development and production of vaccines against mutant forms of the virus or new viruses and bacteria that may be identified in the future.

Led by Professor Tomasz Ciach, DSc, Eng and conducted under the Excellence Initiative – Research University program (the competition ‘IDUB against COVID-19’), the scientists were able to produce three variants of the recombinant SARS-CoV-2 capsid proteins (i.e. epitopes) demonstrating a high immunogenicity (immune response). They also managed to decorate the biocompatible and biodegradable nanoparticles with the produced recombinant epitopes of the virus. These recombinant proteins have been isolated, purified and covalently bound to biodegradable iron oxide nanoparticles. The nanoparticle itself as well as its capsid acted as an adjuvant, increasing the immune response.

Nanoparticle-based vaccines are a promising technology due to their lack of toxicity, high biocompatibility and stability. They enable antigen delivery to antigen-presenting cells, which ensures effective learning and stimulation of the immune system.

As highlighted by the researchers, currently there are no nanosystems on the vaccine market that use the technology of covalent bonding of one or more epitopes to the nanoparticle surface.

The study is ongoing and the team has been seeking an industrial partner for manufacture of the vaccine.

The 'Development of a nano-vaccine based on recombinant SARS-CoV-2 virus proteins covalently bound to nanoparticles' project is financed under the Excellence Initiative – Research University program as part of the competition ‘IDUB against COVID-19’.

The research team includes: Professoer Tomasz Ciach, DSc, Eng. (project manager), Anna Mazurkiewicz-Pisarek, DSc, Eng., Jakub TrzciÅ„ski, DSc., Alina Mazurkiewicz, MSc., Eng.