Abstract
The nucleocapsid protein (NP) of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) contains immunogenic epitopes that can induce cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) against viral infection. This makes the nucleocapsid protein a suitable candidate for developing a vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 infection. This article reports the intradermal delivery of NP antigen using dissolvable microneedle skin patches that could induce both significant B cell and T cell responses.
Highlights
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2) has triggered a global pandemic with extremely rapid infection [1,2,3]
Both nucleocapsid protein (NP) and control patches were thumb pressed into the shaved skin of BALB/c mice at days 0, 3, and 7 (n = 5 per group) (Figures 1(b) and 1(c)). 10 seconds postinsertion, the MN tips detached from the base (Figures 1(d) and 1(e))
This study reports the successful intradermal delivery of NP using dissolvable hyaluronic acid (HA) MNs that could induce specific B cell antibodies and IFN-γ T cell responses in mice
Summary
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2) has triggered a global pandemic with extremely rapid infection [1,2,3]. Candidate vaccines are being tested for their ability to prevent infection/reinfection of SARS-CoV-2. Our group aims to investigate nonspike vaccine candidates that may induce additional, long-lasting or more complete protective responses in patients. Apart from the conventional SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein (S protein), the nucleocapsid protein (NP) has been identified as an alternative candidate for vaccine development due to its ability to induce antiviral cytotoxic T cell responses [4]. Chukwudozie et al developed a subcomponent vaccine targeting the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid phosphoprotein RNA binding domain. This vaccine contains both antigenic B cell and T cell epitopes that provide a sufficient antigenic index and nonallergenic
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