We propose to develop a subunit vaccine for MERS-CoV, using a structure-based approach targeting conserved and functionally essential domains in the stalk region of the viral spike protein. MERS-CoV itself is a currently emerging virus in humans with strong links to camels, but an as-yet unproven animal reservoir. The most closely related viruses to MERS-CoV are found in bats. We expect our vaccine platform to be applicable and effective across a wide range of existing and emerging coronaviruses. As our system is based on expression in E. coli is it expected to be cost?effective, and our stalk-based approach is specifically designed to cover a range of distinct coronaviruses. However, it is important to note that our vaccine platform is highly flexible, with the antigen able to be re-engineered rapidly in the face of a novel coronavirus that may emerge, and for which the vaccine developed in this application is not effective.

Public Health Relevance

We propose to develop a novel, cost-effective, and highly flexible vaccine platform to immunize against MERS- CoV. We will use an innovative subunit vaccine design approach, based on conserved epitopes in the coronavirus spike S2 fusion domain, express the vaccine platform in E. coli, and test both the serological and protective response in a mouse model. Due to the conserved nature of the structural region targeted, we anticipate that our stalk-based approach will be applicable to and effective across a wide range of existing and emerging coronaviruses.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Exploratory/Developmental Grants (R21)
Project #
5R21AI135373-02
Application #
9716557
Study Section
Vaccines Against Microbial Diseases Study Section (VMD)
Program Officer
Stemmy, Erik J
Project Start
2018-06-06
Project End
2020-05-31
Budget Start
2019-06-01
Budget End
2020-05-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2019
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Cornell University
Department
Microbiology/Immun/Virology
Type
Schools of Veterinary Medicine
DUNS #
872612445
City
Ithaca
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
14850