DelNS1-2019-nCoV-RBD-OPT

DelNS1-2019-nCoV-RBD-OPT is a recombinant vaccine candidate that is being developed for the prevention of COVID-19, a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This vaccine candidate is based on the DelNS1 platform, which is a type of influenza virus vector that has been genetically modified to express the Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Development

The DelNS1-2019-nCoV-RBD-OPT vaccine is being developed by researchers at the University of Hong Kong. The vaccine uses a genetically modified influenza virus, which has had the NS1 gene deleted (hence the name DelNS1), to carry the RBD of the SARS-CoV-2 virus into the body. The RBD is the part of the virus that binds to the ACE2 receptor on human cells, allowing the virus to enter the cell and cause infection. By presenting the RBD to the immune system, the vaccine aims to stimulate an immune response that will protect against COVID-19.

Clinical Trials

As of 2021, the DelNS1-2019-nCoV-RBD-OPT vaccine is in the preclinical stage of development. This means that it is being tested in the laboratory and in animal models to assess its safety and efficacy before it can be tested in humans. The results of these preclinical studies will determine whether the vaccine can proceed to clinical trials.

Mechanism of Action

The DelNS1-2019-nCoV-RBD-OPT vaccine works by using the DelNS1 influenza virus as a vector to deliver the RBD of the SARS-CoV-2 virus to the body's immune system. The immune system then recognizes the RBD as foreign and mounts an immune response against it. This response includes the production of antibodies that can bind to the RBD and prevent it from binding to the ACE2 receptor, thereby preventing the virus from entering human cells and causing infection.

Potential Advantages

One potential advantage of the DelNS1-2019-nCoV-RBD-OPT vaccine is that it uses a proven vaccine platform. The DelNS1 platform has been used to develop vaccines for other diseases, including influenza, and has a good safety profile. Additionally, because the vaccine presents the RBD to the immune system, it may be able to stimulate a more targeted immune response than vaccines that present the whole virus.

See Also

• COVID-19 vaccine
• SARS-CoV-2
• Receptor Binding Domain
• ACE2 receptor