Development of an ideal inactivated vaccine for COVID-19 (mouse lung RNA-seq data)

Whole particle virus vaccine (WPV) for COVID-19 has been developed because of its potency, safety, and handling easiness, however, it has been recognized that it is difficult to maintain the particle structure. Here, we established the preparation method for intact COVID-19 WPV that retains the virus particle structure, including spike proteins on the surface, by improving the culture condition and purification process.

The effectiveness of the prepared vaccines, intact and non-intact WPV without surface spike proteins, was examined in a mouse model. A single dose of intact WPV effectively induced humoral immunity compared to non-intact WPV, as indicated by higher titers of neutralization antibodies. Both vaccines significantly induced immune responses to suppress virus replication in the lungs.