A vaccine against the coronavirus developed at the Medical University (MedUni) Vienna has also been shown to be effective against all previously known variants of the SARS-CoV-2 pathogen, including omicron, even in people who have not yet been able to build up vaccination protection. At least that’s what preclinical testing has shown, according to researchers led by Rudolf Valenta of the Department of Immunopathology at the Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research.
The newly developed vaccine is a combination of a corona and hepatitis B vaccine. It targets the so-called receptor binding domains (RBD; they are responsible for binding the virus to the infected cells, note) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and stimulates a robust and reliable response in both animal and human models. tests uniform IgG antibody response, the scientists report. This prevents the virus from docking and penetrating into the cells of the body, so that there is no infection with Covid-19.
“Our data give reason to hope that this protein-based vaccine antigen, which is easy to produce, will be effective against all SARS-CoV-2 variants known to date, including omicron,” explains study leader Valenta. He also expects that the vaccine will also work in those people who have not yet responded to vaccinations and have not developed an immune response.
Suitable for all age and risk groups
“The vaccine is designed to allow for repeated injections to build durable sterilizing immunity, could be used in all age and risk groups and appears to be superior to the vaccines currently available in terms of inducing neutralizing antibodies” , Valenta said in a quoted press release. by MedUni Vienna.
A previous study by researchers led by Valenta had found that about 20 percent of those who had recovered from illness with Covid-19 were unable to form RBD-specific antibodies and were therefore at risk of re-infecting. Only people who have been immunized with a third corona vaccination form antibodies that can also partially block Omikron.
A study showed that the decisive immune protection, which prevents attachment and penetration into the body cells, only arises if antibodies can be produced specifically against the folded receptor binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein (picture above). Accordingly, this coupling point does not change significantly even in the case of mutations in the coronavirus.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
