RESEARCHERS have developed a new nasal vaccination strategy that induces potent lung immunity and protection against the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.
Centenary Institute and the University of Sydney researchers say the new vaccine approach has been tested successfully in mice and has the potential to be a powerful tool for enhancing protection against COVID-19 infection and minimising ongoing viral spread.
The new vaccine was delivered via simply breathing in through the nose.
It prompted substantial levels of neutralising antibodies and increased T-cell responses in the lungs and airways of the mice that were tested.
Lead author of the study, Dr Anneliese Ashhurst said that while current COVID-19 vaccines are critical, there were some limitations, including the waning of immunity post-vaccination and infection, combined with the impact of new viral variants evolving.
“Current vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 substantially reduce mortality and severe disease, but protection against infection is less effective,” Dr Ashurst (pictured) said. “Vaccinated individuals are still catching COVID-19 and can spread the infection, so breakthrough infections are still occurring.
“To stop viral spread and to prevent this virus from mutating we need a new vaccine approach that blocks COVID-19 transmission.”