The authors propose prioritizing vaccines based on the RBD domain, a key region for neutralization and the target of most mutations, as a strategy to improve efficacy against emerging variants such as JN.1. They emphasize the value of the messenger RNA and recombinant protein platforms adapted to the RBD, due to their rapid update capability and more efficient manufacturing. The authors advocate for the use of preclinical and immunological data (immunobridging) to make swift decisions in future booster campaigns, prioritizing vaccines capable of inducing broad neutralizing responses, minimizing imprinting, and adapting to circulating variant profiles.
Rethinking optimal immunogens to face SARS-CoV-2. Evolution through vaccination
COVID-19
Appeared in
Influenza and other Respiratory Viruses.
Opinion article on booster vaccination strategies against SARS-CoV-2 highlights the need to optimize current approaches in light of ongoing viral evolution and the phenomenon of “immune imprinting” caused by repeated exposures to the full Spike antigen.