Immunogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 spike antigens derived from Beta & Delta variants of concern

Abstract

Using our strongly immunogenic SmT1 SARS-CoV-2 spike antigen platform, we developed antigens based on the Beta & Delta variants of concern (VOC). These antigens elicited higher neutralizing antibody activity to the corresponding variant than comparable vaccine formulations based on the original reference strain, while a multivalent vaccine generated cross-neutralizing activity in all three variants. This suggests that while current vaccines may be effective at reducing severe disease to existing VOC, variant-specific antigens, whether in a mono- or multivalent vaccine, may be required to induce optimal immune responses and reduce infection against arising variants.