Potential Coronavirus Vaccine?

In light of all that is going on in the world, I am amazed at the speed of which coronavirus vaccine testing has occurred. Recently multiple potential options have arisen as ways to combat the virus. In an study by the University of Pittsburgh, scientists have shared recent discoveries regarding a vaccine. The vaccine has been tested in mice already, and these results have seemed to show success thus far. These scientists have also claimed that having dealt with SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV within the past twenty years has helped tremendously in the process of creating a vaccine.

Specifically, these past two viruses have taught scientists about a spike protein that plays an important role in the danger of this virus. The vaccine itself involves protein pieces that are “engineered to express the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.” By doing so, this can help the body produce antibodies against this virus, protecting individuals in the future. Though there has not been much time to test the effects this vaccine has had on mice, thus far it seems to be working. Many antibodies have been produced in the mice that can prevent any problems from the virus for at least a year. Furthermore, this vaccine is able to be stored at room temperature, making it much easier to transport, which is very important during this current time.

Another study has also been underway, and it is now currently in the phase of clinical trials. In an article by the National Institutes of Health, a vaccine known as mRNA-1273 is now being tested in healthy adults in the state of Washington. In this study, the mRNA vaccine expresses the same spike talked about above. This spike is what causes danger because this is what binds to cells, giving the virus a place to enter and replicate.  By showing the body this virus protein now, the body will be prepared and able to produce a strong immune response.

Both of these studies are very exciting but still require much more work. I hope that we can soon develop a functioning vaccine in order to save the lives of many who are currently very susceptible to the dangers of this virus.