Cellular and Humoral Immunogenicity of a Candidate DNA Vaccine Expressing SARS-CoV-2 Spike Subunit 1

The urgent need for effective, safe and equitably accessible vaccines to tackle the ongoing spread of COVID-19 led researchers generate vaccine candidates targeting varieties immunogens SARS-CoV-2. Because its crucial role in mediating binding entry host cell proven safety profile, subunit 1 (S1) spike protein represents an attractive immunogen development. Here, we developed assessed immunogenicity a DNA encoding SARS-CoV-2 S1. Following vitro confirmation characterization, humoral cellular immune responses our candidate (pVAX-S1) was evaluated BALB/c mice using two different doses, 25 µg 50 µg. Our data showed high levels specific IgG neutralizing antibodies immunized with three doses pVAX-S1. Analysis induced subclasses Th1-polarized response, as demonstrated by significant elevation spike-specific IgG2a IgG2b, compared IgG1. Furthermore, found that immunization pVAX-S1 could elicit memory CD4+ CD8+ T responses. Taken together, indicate is immunogenic worthy further preclinical clinical evaluation.