Longer COVID Protection: Protein Discovery | La Trobe University

Scientists Discover Potential ‘Achilles’ Heel’ in COVID-19, Paving Way for Universal Vaccine

A new study reveals the body’s immune system exhibits a strong response to an internal protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, offering a promising avenue for developing vaccines effective against multiple COVID-19 variants.

Researchers from La Trobe University in Australia and kumamoto University in Japan have identified a less-mutable protein within the virus that could serve as a target for next-generation immunizations. Published in Nature Communications, the research details how this internal protein, broken down into peptides, appears on the surface of infected cells via a molecule called HLA-C, signaling to killer T cells to eliminate the infection.

“Currently, vaccines focus on the spike proteins that adorn the virus’s exterior – but these proteins change frequently due to immune pressure, potentially necessitating new vaccines wiht each emerging variant,” explained a lead researcher from La Trobe University. “We’ve discovered that killer T cells can be activated by a protein residing inside the virus, forming part of the shell protecting its genetic material – much like the yolk of an egg.”

Did you know? – Killer T cells are crucial for eliminating virus-infected cells, offering a different defence mechanism than antibodies, which neutralize the virus before it enters cells.

This internal protein’s relative stability is key. Because it’s shielded from the constant barrage of antibodies targeting the spike protein, it mutates much less frequently. This characteristic makes it an ideal candidate for vaccine development, potentially yielding broader and longer-lasting protection.

The implications extend beyond simply reducing the need for frequent booster shots. Researchers believe targeting this internal protein could also help mitigate the development of long COVID, a debilitating condition affecting approximately 10% of those infected. “The more people get vaccinated, the more we’re protecting the population, reducing both the death toll and the overall impact of the infection,” a senior official stated. “Though, the rising prevalence of Long COVID underscores the need for more robust and enduring immunity.”

Pro tip: – Vaccines targeting internal viral proteins could offer broader protection because these proteins are less prone to mutation, unlike the frequently changing spike protein.

The research team, led by Distinguished Professor Stephanie Gras, Dr. Demetra Chatzileontiadou, Dr. Janesha Maddumage, and PhD candidate you min Ahn, received funding through the National Health and Medical Research Center (NHMRC) and the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).The collaborative effort also involved associate Professor Chihiro Motozono and Yoshihiko Goto from Kumamoto University, with data collection facilitated by the Australian Synchrotron.

Professor gras will also spearhead a new research centre at La Trobe University – the Post-Acute Viral Infection diseases Group (PAVING) Centre of Research Excellence – dedicated to unraveling the causes of Long COVID and other post-viral illnesses like Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Multiple Sclerosis (MS).The center has secured $3 million in federal funding from the NHMRC.

Reader question: – Could a vaccine targeting this internal protein be developed quickly,given the existing infrastructure for mRNA vaccine production?

This finding offers a potential pathway toward a “universal” COVID-19 vaccine,less susceptible to the constant evolution of the virus. The research,funded by Australian and Japanese health organizations,is ongoing,with the next steps focusing on translating these findings into a viable vaccine candidate.