SARS-CoV-2 vaccine development and how Brazil is contributing

Abstract

The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pandemic calls for coordinated efforts by the scientific community for the development of vaccines. The most advanced strategies have focused on modifications of technologies that were already under development for other viruses, such as SARS, MERS, and even Influenza. Classic and new technologies, such as inactivated and attenuated viruses (non-replicative and replicative), DNA and mRNA vaccines, and nanoparticles containing SARS-CoV-2 antigens, are some of the strategies currently investigated. Although there is a very high expectation for the effectiveness of the most advanced vaccine candidates, there are still no established correlates of protection. Previous experience in vaccine development for other pathogens shows that differences in vaccine formulation can result in diverse immune responses and consequently, different protective properties. Therefore the importance of continuing investigations on a broad range of strategies. Expertise in vaccine development in Brazil was refocused to the new coronavirus. Impressive collaboration between institutions will support further developments until we have available a safe, effective, and economically viable vaccine. Established competence and collaborations will allow preparedness for future challenges and can also be used to address local issues as neglected infectious diseases.

Covid-19 Outbreak in Brazil: Health, Social, Political, and Economic Implications

“…Brazilian initiatives for a vaccine were led by research groups with vast experience, such as the FioCruz Foundation and the Instituto Butantan. 92 Despite this, the country has provided little financial support and incentives to exploit the potential of its scientific and internationalized community for solutions to the pandemic, ignoring its scientists and expertise. 50 The SUS, the main system to fight the pandemic, has become the driving force for fighting the outbreak, as it includes a network of primary care, emergency services, hospitals, specialized services, and laboratories, together with a health, sanitary, and epidemiological surveillance system.…”

A Comprehensive Review of the Protein Subunit Vaccines Against COVID-19

“…The vaccine does not need to be transported and stored in an ultra-low temperature. This feature is speculated to be more competitive than other RNA vaccines produced by companies such as Pfizer/BNT ( Kanno et al, 2021 ).…”

Nanotechnology and COVID-19: quo vadis?

“…Vaccines using the SARS-CoV-2 protein subunit have also been gaining prominence for enabling the initiation of the protective immune response when administered with molecular adjuvants for increased immunogenicity (Shin et al 2020 ; Kanno et al 2021 ). The SARS-CoV-2 subunits used in vaccine production are full-length protein S formulations or S1/S2 subunits with adjuvants.…”