There are many aspects of the immune response pathway that can be targeted for development of a vaccine for SARS-CoV-2. 

Possible Vaccine Interventions based off the Innate Immune Response Pathway to SARS-CoV-2

The SARS-CoV-2 virus infects type 2 alveolar cells with the ACE2 receptor in the lung. The virus may suppress anti-viral IFN, leading to viral replication, causing increased neutrophils and macrophages and over-production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Also, Th1/Th17 might be activated, increasing the inflammatory response. The B cells and plasma cells produce SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies. 


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Information gained from studies done on both the immune response and vaccine development to related betacoronaviruses can help us gain insight on the immunopathology of SARS-CoV-2 and guide the devlopment of a vaccine. 

Vaccine Development for SARS-CoV-2 Based on Knowledge Gained from SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV

Prompetchara, Eakachai, et al. “Immune Responses in COVID-19 and Potential Vaccines: Lessons Learned from SARS and MERS Epidemic.” Asian Pacific Journal of Allergy and Immunology, vol. 38, 2020, pp. 1–9., doi:10.12932/ap-200220-0772.

https://apjai-journal.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/1.pdf?fbclid=IwAR1kVlFnoc6mobqEy7FDz_93fX__AaY8ZgE4TUwtjzhh8oVqgs82rgf3QoU

Immune Responses in COVID-19 and Potential Vaccines: Lessons Learned from SARS and MERS Epidemic

Innate Immune Response to SARS-CoV-2 Summary

Due to the likeness between SARS-CoV-2 and other betacoronaviruses, it is likely that target antigen selection and vaccine platform have been based on SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. The full-length spike or S1 (which contains receptor binding domains) that is employed in DNA, viral vector, and subunit vaccines show promise because they have induced neutralizing antibodies in clinical and preclinical studies of SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, with the DNA vaccine making the most advancement in clinical trials. 

Prophylactic Vaccines

- Coronaviruses have adapted to evade immune detection and dampen the human immune responses. This is why they have a 2-11 days incubation period that is longer than influenza
- SARS-CoV-2 may do this in a way similar to MERS and SARS-CoV. From current knowledge, coronaviruses interfere with: RNA sensing, the signaling pathway of type I IFN production, and as a result Stat 1/2 activation 
- The process of adaptive immune evasion in SARS-CoV-2 may be similar to the process that occurs in MERS. When macrophages were infected with MERS, there was less antigen presentation through MHC class I and II.

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