ach will give more potent and long-lasting responses, ultimately leading to better protection.
The novel DNA vaccine will target two SARS-CoV-2 proteins in an effort to block both the virus itself and remove any infected cells. The nucleocapsid (N) protein, which makes up the bulk of the virus particle, and also the spike (S) protein, which enables the virus to gain entry into a cell.
Any surface protein, such as S, is the natural target for virus-killing antibodies, which prevent the virus from entering the cell.
As N protein is expressed inside infected cells, it is hoped that the N protein component of the vaccine will stimulate immune cells to recognise and kill virus-infected cells. The N protein is highly conserved amongst coronaviruses; therefore, this new vaccine has the potential to generate protection not only against SARS-CoV-2, but also against new coronaviruses that may arise in the future.
Vaccine-induced immunity to SARS-CoV-2 will be tested in samples from vaccinated people using tools developed at the University of Nottingham.
The project will be led by Professor Lindy Durrant, Chief Scientific Officer Scancell, and Professor of Cancer Immunotherapy at the University of Nottingham. Professor Durrant will work in collaboration with Professor Jonathan Ball, Dr James Dixon, Professor Janet Daly, Dr Chris Coleman and other colleagues in the Centre for Global Virus Infections and the new Biodiscovery Institute at the University of Nottingham, and alongside Professor Graham Pockley at the John van Geest Cancer Research Centre at Nottingham Trent University.
Professor Durrant, said: “T cells, and particularly high avidity T cells, are becoming increasingly recognised as an important factor in vaccine design for inducing long-term immunity against SARS CoV-2. Patients who had recovered from the original 2003 SARS infection have measurable T cell responses many years following recovery. We have been able to translate our ability to stimulate high avidity T cells to treat melanoma into a vaccine that can potentially provide an effective and durable immune response to COVID-19.”
’Creating an effective immunity against COVID-19 requires the strongest antibody and T cell responses. Both strong molecular design and effective vaccine delivery is vital for success. We have a simple platform that can be used to effectively package and deliver the vaccine DNA with peptide nanoparticles. We aim to demonstrate safe, efficient and scalable formulation to provide the millions-billions of dosages needed to combat this global pandemic.’’
Professor Pockley at Nottingham Trent University, said: “Nottingham Trent University and the John van Geest Cancer Research Centre are delighted to support Scancell’s endeavours to develop an effective vaccine for COVID-19. This exciting research programme highlights the capabilities and skills that are available in Nottingham and the value of collaborative working, not only between Universities, but also with commercial partners.”
Our academics can now be interviewed for broadcast via our Media Hub, which offers a Quicklink fixed camera and ISDN line facilities at Jubilee campus. For further information please contact a member of the Press Office on +44 (0)115 951 5798, email
For up to the minute media alerts,
follow us on Twitter
Notes to editors:
The University of Nottingham is a research-intensive university with a proud heritage. Studying at the University of Nottingham is a life-changing experience and we pride ourselves on unlocking the potential of our students. We have a pioneering spirit, expressed in the vision of our founder Sir Jesse Boot, which has seen us lead the way in establishing campuses in China and Malaysia - part of a globally connected network of education, research and industrial engagement. Ranked 103rd out of more than 1,000 institutions globally and 18th in the UK by the QS World University Rankings 2022, the University’s state-of-the-art facilities and inclusive and
disability sport provision is reflected in its crowning as The Times and Sunday Times Good University