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Coronaviruses

Cancer Researchers Adapt Immunotherapy Tools to Develop COVID-19 Vaccine

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Cancer researchers at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) have developed a strategy to identify protein sequences to target in SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus. By adapting computational tools developed for identifying unique aspects of childhood cancers, the team believes a resulting vaccine would provide protection across the human population and drive a long-term immune response. The strategy, described in Cell Reports Medicine, focuses on targeting regions of the virus that stimulate a lasting immune response and minimize adverse reactions. The researchers have identified 65 peptide sequences that offer the greatest probability of providing population-scale immunity.

Key Takeaways:

  • The research team adapted computational tools developed for identifying unique aspects of childhood cancers to identify protein sequences to target in SARS-CoV-2.
  • The strategy prioritizes regions of the virus that stimulate a lasting immune response while minimizing adverse reactions, autoimmunity, or disease exacerbation.
  • The researchers targeted regions of SARS-CoV-2 that are present across multiple related coronaviruses, as well as new mutations that increase infectivity.
  • The team has identified 65 peptide sequences that, when targeted, offer the greatest probability of providing population-scale immunity.
  • The researchers are testing various combinations of these sequences in mouse models to assess their safety and effectiveness.
  • A subset of the selected sequences are derived from viral regions that are very similar to other coronaviruses, suggesting the approach could lead to protection against not only SARS-CoV-2 but also other coronaviruses that might emerge in the future.

Statistics:

  • The researchers have identified 65 peptide sequences that offer the greatest probability of providing population-scale immunity.
  • The team is testing various combinations of a dozen or so of these sequences in mouse models to assess their safety and effectiveness.
  • The researchers propose that the resulting vaccine would provide protection across the human population and drive a lasting immune response.

Sources:

  • Cell Reports Medicine
  • https://www.perelman.sciences.upenn.edu/profiles/mark-yarmarkovich
  • ANI (June 9)

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