Vaccine Universal Coronavirus

About Vaccine Universal Coronavirus

Universal coronavirus vaccine research aims to develop vaccines that protect against all coronaviruses, including future emerging strains. The approach targets conserved viral proteins that do not mutate. The spike protein S2 subunit, conserved across betacoronaviruses including SARS, MERS, and COVID, is a target. The N nucleocapsid protein is also conserved. Walter Reed Army Institute developed a Spike Ferritin Nanoparticle SpFN vaccine targeting multiple coronavirus strains. Experimental results showed broad protection. CEPI and the NIH have funded universal coronavirus vaccine research. The rapid emergence of Omicron variants with significant immune escape has increased interest. A universal coronavirus vaccine could prevent future pandemics by providing baseline immunity. The challenge is that conserved proteins are less accessible to antibodies than the variable spike protein. mRNA platforms enable rapid testing of multi antigen universal coronavirus vaccine candidates.