Researchers re-engineer red blood cells to trigger immune system against COVID-19

Physicists, chemists and immunologists have teamed up to modify red blood cells to transport viral agents which can safely trigger the immune system to protect the body against SARS-CoV-2, creating a promising new vehicle for vaccine delivery.

Developing new strategies and vaccine technologies is critical for controlling the pandemic and preparing for future outbreaks as the coronavirus continues to evolve and mutate, say the researchers.

The new method, described in the journal PLOS ONE is an entirely unique approach to vaccination. Under the method, red blood-cell membranes are embedded with SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins, which then form virus-like particles. The particles, shown to activate the immune system and produce antibodies in mice, are completely harmless.

Current vaccine delivery methods often cause drastic immune system reactions and have short-lived responses. Some of the vaccines that have been developed have shown side effects. This new delivery platform opens new possibilities for vaccines and therapeutics.

The researchers found cells can be loaded with a large dose of viral proteins, yet likely produce few side effects, making the new method more tolerable and effective than other vaccine options. The technology can be quickly adapted to develop vaccines for variants or new viruses that may emerge in future. This technique uses our own cells much like nano robots inside of our bodies and whenever they see a disease, they can fight it.

Erythro-VLPs: Anchoring SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins in erythrocyte liposomes, PLOS ONE (2022). journals.plos.org/plosone/arti … journal.pone.0263671