A synthetic virus-like assembly unlocks dual-antigen presentation for broad-spectrum anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunity
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: In the present study, building on the previous development of a DC-SIGN-targeting virus-like structure (VLS) vaccine platform and a comprehensive characterization of SARS-CoV-2 structural biology, particularly insights into the role of the nucleocapsid (N) protein in eliciting cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses during infection, we designed a SARS-CoV-2 virion-mimetic structural vaccine that encapsulates mRNA encoding the spike S1 antigen complexed with N protein complexes, with S1 proteins loaded on its surface. This characterized virion-mimetic structural vaccine not only induces high-efficiency antibodies against both spike and N proteins but also elicits robust S1-specific and N-specific CTL responses in animal models. Furthermore, the generated antibodies exhibit cross-reactive neutralizing activity against multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants and provide protective immunity against mutant viral challenge in immunized hosts. This SARS-CoV-2 virion-mimetic structure effectively recapitulates natural infection pathways, comprehensively activating the innate immune system and thereby creating an optimal microenvironment for eliciting potent and broad-spectrum adaptive immune responses.
Source: Scientific Reports
Authors: Jingjing Zhang, Fengyuan Zeng, Yanmei Li, Yixuan Wang, Zhenxiao Zhang, Changyong Mu, Change Liu, Yanrui Su, Xiaowu Peng, Lin Feng, Dongxiu Gao, Lichun Wang, An Wang, Miaomiao Xing, Lihong Sun, Zixiong Guo, Huijuan Li, Hui Zhang, Xiaoxia Yu, Bing Xie, Lu Liu, Liping He, Zhixiao Zhang, Dongbao Wang, Fang Zhang, Lichun Zheng, Fuyun He, Hongkun Yi, Kaili Ma, Qihan Li
Language: English
Subfield: Infectious Diseases
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,690
OpenAlex ID: W7170051686