Australian researchers have announced the development of a promising COVID-19 vaccine designed to provide protection against multiple variants of the virus, including the challenging Omicron XBB.1.5 strain. The CoVEXS5 vaccine, created by scientists from the Centenary Institute and the University of Sydney, shows efficacy against five variants, as well as SARS-CoV-1, a close relative of SARS-CoV-2.
In laboratory studies involving mice, the vaccine demonstrated a remarkable reduction in viral levels in the lungs—by 99.9% compared to unvaccinated subjects. Additionally, it elicited significant production of virus-blocking antibodies and activated T-cells, which play a crucial role in the immune response against infections.
Dr Claudio Counoupas, a researcher at the Centenary Institute’s Centre for Infection and Immunity, explained that the innovative design of the CoVEXS5 vaccine integrates components from various coronaviruses, enabling the immune system to be better equipped to fend off both current and future variants of the virus.
The vaccine stands out due to its unique version of the spike protein, which merges protein elements from multiple COVID-19 variants into a single structure. This fusion is intended to enhance the immune system’s ability to recognise and combat a broader spectrum of virus types.
Co-lead study author Elizabeth Chan noted that the immune response induced in laboratory tests was not only robust but also broad, offering optimism for the potential of this vaccine to address the evolving challenges posed by the virus. The research team is now dedicated to progressing the vaccine through further testing and development stages, aiming to bring a new solution to the ongoing battle against COVID-19.