Fluoroamphiphiles for enhancing immune response of subunit vaccine against SARS-CoV-2

Abstract

In recent decades, protein-based therapy has garnered valid attention for treating infectious diseases, genetic disorders, cancer, and other clinical requirements. However, preserving protein-based drugs against degradation and denaturation during processing, storage, and delivery poses a formidable challenge. Herein, we designed a novel fluoroamphiphiles polymer to deliver protein. Two different formulations of nanoparticles, cross-linked (CNP) and micelle (MNP) polymer, were prepared rationally by disulfide cross-linked and thin-film hydration techniques, respectively. The size, zeta potential, and morphology of both formulations were characterized and the delivery efficacy of both in vitro and in vivo was also assessed. The in vitro findings demonstrated that both formulations effectively facilitated protein delivery into various cell lines. Moreover, in vivo experiments revealed that intramuscular administration of the two formulations loaded with a SARS-CoV-2 recombinant receptor-binding domain (RBD) vaccine induced robust antibody responses in mice without adding another adjuvant. These results highlight the potential use of our carrier system as a safe and effective platform for the in vivo delivery of subunit vaccines.