Abstract
Coronavirus 19 Disease (COVID-19) originating in the province of Wuhan, China in 2019, is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2), whose infection in humans causes mild or severe clinical manifestations that mainly affect the respiratory system. So far, the COVID-19 has caused more than 2 million deaths worldwide. SARS-CoV-2 contains the Spike (S) glycoprotein on its surface, which is the main target for current vaccine development because antibodies directed against this protein can neutralize the infection. Companies and academic institutions have developed vaccines based on the S glycoprotein, as well as its antigenic domains and epitopes, which have been proven effective in generating neutralizing antibodies. However, the emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants could affect the effectiveness of vaccines. Here, we review the different types of vaccines designed and developed against SARS-CoV-2, placing emphasis on whether they are based on the complete S glycoprotein, its antigenic domains such as the receptor-binding domain (RBD) or short epitopes within the S glycoprotein. We also review and discuss the possible effectiveness of these vaccines against emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Highlights
COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 19) was the name of a new outbreak of several cases of pneumonia occurred in Wuhan (Hubei province, China) in December 2019 [1]
We review the amino acids in receptor-binding domain (RBD) that interact directly with neutralizing antibodies (nAbs), highlighting the mutations found in the RBD of variants B.1.1.7., B.1.351, P.1. and B.1.617 (Figures 5C, D)
The success of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccines will depend to a large extent on the production capacity to meet the volumes required by a global pandemic, an adequate distribution of doses, correct administration regimens, as well as appropriate use according to the type of vaccine, which could contribute to combat SARSCoV-2 emerging variants
Summary
COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 19) was the name of a new outbreak of several cases of pneumonia occurred in Wuhan (Hubei province, China) in December 2019 [1]. The virus was isolated and associated with a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), and for this reason named as SARS-CoV-2. Like SARS-CoV-1 and MERS-CoV (Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus), this virus is mainly transmitted through aerosols in poorly ventilated areas [2]. More than 2 million deaths have occurred, highlighting the need for the rapid development of vaccines. The coronavirus receive their name because of the “Corona” spikes produced by the S glycoprotein protruding the viral capsid. This protein is responsible for anchoring to the host receptor, the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)
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