[Intranasal vaccine against COVID-19 based on a recombinant variant of the Sendai virus (Paramyxoviridae: Respirovirus) strain Moscow]

INTRODUCTION

Intranasal vaccination using live vector vaccines based on non-pathogenic or slightly pathogenic viruses is the one of the most convenient, safe and effective ways to prevent respiratory infections, including COVID-19. Sendai virus is the best suited for this purpose, since it is respiratory virus and is capable of limited replication in human bronchial epithelial cells without causing disease. The aim of the work is to design and study the vaccine properties of recombinant Sendai virus, Moscow strain, expressing secreted receptor-binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 Delta strain S protein (RBDdelta) during a single intranasal immunization.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Recombinant Sendai virus carrying insertion of RBDdelta transgene between P and M genes was constructed using reverse genetics and synthetic biology methods. Expression of RBDdelta was analyzed by Western blot. Vaccine properties were studied in two models: Syrian hamsters and BALB/c mice. Immunogenicity was evaluated by ELISA and virus-neutralization assays. Protectiveness was assessed by quantitation of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in RT-PCR and histological analysis of the lungs.

RESULTS

Based on Sendai virus Moscow strain, a recombinant Sen-RBDdelta(M) was constructed that expressed a secreted RBDdelta immunologically identical to natural SARS-CoV-2 protein. A single intranasal administration of Sen-RBDdelta(M) to hamsters and mice significantly, by 15 and 107 times, respectively, reduced replicative activity of SARS-CoV-2 in lungs of animals, preventing the development of pneumonia. An effective induction of virus-neutralizing antibodies has also been demonstrated in mice.

CONCLUSION

Sen-RBDdelta(M) is a promising vaccine construct against SARS-CoV-2 infection and has a protective properties even after a single intranasal introduction.

[Antiviral activity of basidial fungus Inonotus obliquus aqueous extract against SARS-CоV-2 virus (Coronaviridae: Betacoronavirus: Sarbecovirus) in vivo in BALB/c mice model]

INTRODUCTION

The COVID-19 pandemic combined with seasonal epidemics of respiratory viral diseases requires targeted antiviral prophylaxis with restorative and immunostimulant drugs. The compounds of natural origin are low-toxic, but active against several viruses at the same time. One of the most famous compounds is Inonotus obliquus aqueous extract. The fruit body of basidial fungus I. obliquus is called Chaga mushroom. The aim of the work ‒ was to study the antiviral activity of I. obliquus aqueous extract against the SARS-CoV-2 virus in vivo.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Antiviral activity of I. obliquus aqueous extract sample (#20-17) was analyzed against strain of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron ВА.5.2 virus. The experiments were carried out in BALB/c inbred mice. The SARS-CoV-2 viral load was measured using quantitative real-time PCR combined with reverse transcription. The severity of lung tissue damage was assessed by histological methods.

RESULTS

The peak values of the viral load in murine lung tissues were determined 72 hours after intranasal inoculation at dose of 2,85 lg TCID50. The quantitative real-time PCR testing has shown a significant decrease in the viral load compared to the control group by 4,65 lg copies/ml and 5,72 lg copies/ml in the lung tissue and nasal cavity samples, respectively. Histological methods revealed that the decrease in the number and frequency of observed pathomorphological changes in murine lung tissues depended on the introduction of the compound under study.

CONCLUSION

The results obtained indicate the possibility of using basidial fungus Inonotus obliquus aqueous extract as a preventive agent against circulating variants of SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Antiviral Activity of Nitrosonium Cations against SARS-CoV-2 on a Syrian Hamster Model

The antiviral action of binuclear dinitrosyl iron complexes with glutathione along with diethyldithiocarbamate against the SARS-CoV-2 virus has been demonstrated on a Syrian hamster model after aerosol exposure of SARS-CoV-2-infected animals to the solutions of said compounds. EPR assays in analogous experiments on intact hamsters have demonstrated that the iron complexes and diethyldithiocarbamate are predominantly localized in lung tissues. These results have been compared with similar measurements on intact mice, which have shown the equal localization of these agents in both the lungs and liver. We assume that the release of the nitrosonium cations from the binuclear dinitrosyl iron complexes with glutathione occurs during their contact with diethyldithiocarbamate in the animal body. These cations caused S-nitrosation of host and viral cell proteases, leading to suppression of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

ANALYSIS OF POPULATION IMMUNITY AGAINST INFLUENZA PRIOR TO 2014 AND 2015 EPIDEMIC SEASONS

Aim. Control for the population herd immunity against seasonal influenza viruses as well as for emergence of antibodies against influenza with pandemic potential in human blood sera. Materials and methods. HAI reaction against vaccine and epidemic influenza viruses as well as HPAI viruses A/rook/Chany/32/2015 (H5N1) (clade 2.3.2.1c.) andA/Anhui/01/2013 (H7N9). Results. Among all the sera samples collected in the autumn of 2014 and 2015, none had reacted in HAI against A(H5N1) and A(H7N9) antigens even at 1:10 dilution. Among samples collected in autumn 2014, 41% were positive to A/Califorrna/07/09(HlNlpdm09) virus, 36% - A/Texas/50/2012 (H3N2), 40% - B/Brisbane/60/2008 (Vict.lin.) and 47% reacted in HAI against the B/Massachusetts/2/2012 (Yam.lin.) strain. 22% of all the samples had a titer of at least 40 against all the antigens and only 10% in HAI had a titer of 40 or more against all the vaccine strains. Among the samples collected in autumn 2015, the number of seropositive against A/Califorrna/07/09(HlNlpdm09) varied from 31% in the Urals FD to 46% in the Southern FD. The amount of seropositive against A/Switzerland/9715293/13 (H3N2) strain was at the level of 4 - 13% in all the FDs except Urals, where this parameter was slightly above 30%. The amount of seropositive against vaccine influenza В viruses varied from 23 to 76%. Only 2% of sera had titers in HAI of 40 or above against all the vaccine strains, 29% of all the samples were seronegative. Conclusion. Population immunity in Russia against influenza A(H3N2) is at a very low level, thus socially significant consequences of influenza epidemics in many aspects will depend on the vaccination campaign of autumn 2016.

ANALYSIS OF POPULATION IMMUNITYAGAINST INFLUENZA PRIOR TO 2014 AND 2015 EPIDEMIC SEASONS

AIM

Control for the population herd immunity against seasonal influenza viruses as well as for emergence of antibodies against influenza with pandemic potential in human blood sera.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

HAI reaction against vaccine and epidemic influenza viruses as well as HPAI viruses A/rook/Chany/32/2015 (H5N1) (clade 2.3.2. lc.) andA/Anhui/01/2013 (H7N9).

RESULTS

Among all the sera samples collected in the autumn of 2014 and 2015, none had reacted in HAI against A(H5N 1) and A(H7N9) antigens even at 1:10 dilution. Among samples collected in autumn 2014, 41% were positive to A/California/07/09(H1Nlpdm9) virus, 36% - A/Texas/50/2012 (H3N2), 40% - B/Brisbane/60/2008 (Vict.lin.) and 47% reacted in HAI against the B/Massachusetts/2/2012 (Yam.lin.) strain. 22% of all the samples had a titer of at least 40 against all the antigens and only 10% in HAI had a titer of 40 or more against all the vaccine strains. Among the samples collected in autumn 2015, the number of seropositive against A/California/07/09(HlNlpdmO9) varied from 31% in the Urals FD to 46% in the Southern FD. The amount of seropositive against A/Switzerland/9715293/13 (H3N2) strain was at the level of 4 - 13% in all the FDs except Urals, where this parameter was slightly above 30%. The amount of seropositive against vaccine influenza B viruses varied from 23 to 76%. Only 2% of sera had titers in HAI of 40 or above against all the vaccine strains, 29% of all the samples were seronegative.

CONCLUSION

Population immunity in Russia against influenza A(H3N2) is at a very low level, thus socially significant consequences of influenza epidemics in many aspects will depend on the vaccination campaign of autumn 2016.

Highly pathogenic influenza H5N1 virus of clade 2.3.2.1c in Western Siberia

In the spring of 2015, avian influenza virus surveillance in Western Siberia resulted in isolation of several influenza H5N1 virus strains. The strains were isolated from several wild bird species. Investigation of biological features of those strains demonstrated their high pathogenicity for mammals. Phylogenetic analysis of the HA gene showed that the strains belong to clade 2.3.2.1c.