Development of subunit vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 based on the receptor binding domain (RBD)

• Grant number: 21/13004-0
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: May 01, 2022
• End date: April 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Immunology - Applied Immunology
• Principal Investigator: Daniela Santoro Rosa
• Grantee: Daniela Santoro Rosa
• Host Institution: Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus São Paulo. São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Edgar Ruz Fernandes ; Juliana de Souza Apostolico Andrade ; Juliana Terzi Maricato ; Silvia Beatriz Boscardin

Abstract

Coronavirus 2019 Disease (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 reached a pandemic character in early 2020. According to the World Health Organization, SARS-CoV2 infection presents mild to moderate symptoms in 81% of cases, however, it can progress to severe cases leading to severe acute respiratory syndrome and death. Virus entry into host cells is mediated by Spike, a densely glycosylated protein present in the envelope of SARS-CoV-2, which interacts with the angiotensin-2 converting enzyme (ACE-2) receptor, thus promoting membrane fusion. Studies have shown that the Receptor Binding Domain (RBD), present in the Spike, is responsible for binding to the ACE-2 receptor. Antibodies specific to the RBD region have neutralizing activity and are therefore considered promising vaccine candidates. The main goal of this project is the preclinical study of recombinant proteins representing the RBD in the presence of different adjuvants. (AU)

Scientific publications

(4)

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

SOUZA, MAINGREDY RODRIGUES; ROSA, DANIELA SANTORO; ALVARENGA, TATHIANA A.; MORELHAO, PRISCILA K.; TUFIK, SERGIO; ANDERSEN, MONICA L.. Do nocturnal asthma attacks influence sleep parameters and inflammatory markers? A cross-sectional population-based study. Sleep and Breathing, v. 28, n. 2, p. 9-pg., 2023-10-14. (20/13467-8, 21/13004-0)

SANTOS LUNARDELLI, VICTORIA ALVES; APOSTOLICO, JULIANA DE SOUZA; SANTOS SOUZA, HIGO FERNANDO; COIRADA, FERNANDA CAROLINE; MARTINHO, JESSICA AMARAL; ASTRAY, RENATO MANCINI; BOSCARDIN, SILVIA BEATRIZ; ROSA, DANIELA SANTORO. ZIKV-envelope proteins induce specific humoral and cellular immunity in distinct mice strains. SCIENTIFIC REPORTS, v. 12, n. 1, p. 13-pg., 2022-09-21. (18/05320-7, 17/17471-7, 21/13004-0)

LUNARDELLI, VICTORIA ALVES SANTOS; ALMEIDA, BIANCA DA SILVA; APOSTOLICO, JULIANA DE SOUZA; REZENDE, THAIS; YAMAMOTO, MARCIO MASSAO; PEREIRA, SAMUEL SANTOS; BUENO, MARIA FERNANDA CAMPAGNARI; PEREIRA, LENNON RAMOS; CARVALHO, KARINA INACIO; SLHESSARENKO, RENATA DEZENGRINI; et al. Diagnostic and vaccine potential of Zika virus envelope protein (E) derivates produced in bacterial and insect cells. FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY, v. 14, p. 14-pg., 2023-03-16. (21/13004-0, 17/17471-7)

SOUZA, RAQUEL DE OLIVEIRA; DUARTE JUNIOR, JOSE WANDILSON BARBOZA; DELLA CASA, VICTORIA SIMOES; ROSA, DANIELA SANTORO; RENIA, LAURENT; CLASER, CARLA. Unraveling the complex interplay: immunopathology and immune evasion strategies of alphaviruses with emphasis on neurological implications. FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY, v. 14, p. 18-pg., 2024-08-15. (21/13004-0, 22/06970-0, 18/24470-0, 22/13236-1, 22/15124-6)