Enhanced Humoral and Cellular Immune Responses Elicited by Adenoviral Delivery of SARS-CoV-2 Receptor-Binding Motif Fused to Human Fc

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The receptor binding motif (RBM) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein is critical for viral entry into host cells. Development of a vaccine targeting this region is a promising strategy for COVID-19 prevention. To enhance the immunogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, we developed an adenoviral vector expressing the RBM from the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein that fused to the human Fc (hFc) domain. Methods: The recombinant RBM_hFc fusion protein was successfully cloned into the pacAd5CMV-N-pA (pAd5) vector and expressed in HEK293 cells as a ~40 kDa protein. A recombinant adenovirus encoding RBM_hFc was subsequently generated and confirmed by cytopathic effect assay. Results: Western blot analysis verified the expression of RBM_hFc in the adenovirus (AdV). ELISA assays, validated for IgG detection, demonstrated a twofold increase in IgG antibody levels (M–1.090 at 450 nm; SD—±0.326; and 95% CI—0.250 [0.839 to 1.340]) in sera from BALB/c mice immunized with Ad/RBM_hFc, compared to the negative control group. Result suggests a robust humoral immune response induced by the Ad/RBM_hFc vaccine. Moreover, ELISpot assays demonstrated a tenfold increase in IFN-γ -producing cells (M—440 spot-forming cells; SD—±124.976; and 95% CI—75.522 [364.478 to 515.522]) in mice immunized with AdV/RBM_hFc compared to the negative control group. Result proved that AdV/RBM_hFc-stimulated a robust cellular immune response in animal model. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that the RBM_hFc fusion protein enhances both humoral and cellular immune responses. These results suggest the potential of adenoviral vectors carrying RBM_hFc as vaccine candidates. However, comprehensive evaluation of the protective efficacy of these adenoviral vectors will necessitate rigorous experimental studies.