S-Layer Based Vaccine Development Against COVID-19 (and other viruses)

Since the COVID-19 outbreak caused by the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) there is an imminent need to control its spread particularly by developing an efficient vaccination. Different to most vaccines-developments under study we propose the production of S-layercoronavirus spike protein-fusion proteins for the use as immunogenic composition for intranasal and oral vaccination. The scientific basis for such protein materials has been developed decades agi in our department and had been explored intensively - however not with the COVID - related protein functionalization. Our goal in this strategic partnership with AVALON GloboCare is to develop an immunization strategy which not necessarily leads to a complete protection against COVID-19 infection, where the immunological know-how and competence is in the competence field of AVALON and at BOKU, the manufacturing of the respective immunogen will be performed. In this collaboration, we want to induce sufficient immunization (immune stimulation) preventing the development of a severe disease pattern which frequently is accompanied by organ damaging processes. The final treatment vaccine will be explored to the laboratory level at BOKU , the industrial and commercial part is in the hand of AVALON GloboCare.