A ferritin-based COVID-19 nanoparticle vaccine that elicits robust, durable, broad-spectrum neutralizing antisera in non-human primates

While the rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines has been a scientific triumph, the need remains for a globally available vaccine that provides longerlasting immunity against present and future SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs). Here, we describe DCFHP, a ferritin-based, protein-nanoparticle vaccine candidate that, when formulated with aluminum hydroxide as the sole adjuvant (DCFHP-alum), elicits potent and durable neutralizing antisera in non-human primates against known VOCs, including Omicron BQ.1, as well as against SARS-CoV-1. Following a booster one year after the initial immunization, DCFHP-alum elicits a robust anamnestic response. To enable global accessibility, we generated a cell line that can enable production of thousands of vaccine doses per liter of cell culture and show that DCFHP-alum maintains potency for at least 14 days at temperatures exceeding standard room temperature. DCFHP-alum has potential as a once-yearly (or less frequent) booster vaccine, and as a primary vaccine for pediatric use including in infants.

Automated summary

While the development of COVID-19 vaccines has been successful, there is a need for a globally available vaccine that provides longer-lasting immunity against current and future variants of concern. One potential vaccine candidate is DCFHP, a protein-nanoparticle vaccine formulated with aluminum hydroxide as the adjuvant. It has shown promising results in eliciting potent and durable neutralizing antibodies in non-human primates against known variants and can be produced in large quantities. DCFHP has the potential to be used as a booster vaccine or as a primary vaccine for pediatric use.