Researchers at the University of São Paulo (USP), in collaboration with the Federal University of São Paulo (Unifesp) and the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), are developing a nasal spray vaccine against COVID-19. Currently in the study phase, the vaccine promises to be inexpensive, protect against variants and block the new virus already in the nose. It will be available until the end of 2022.
“A reaction in the nasal epithelium is already beginning to be induced, as well as the production of an antibody that plays a role in mucous membranes: secretory IgA [immunoglobulin A],” said study coordinator Professor Jorge Elías Kalil Filho, from USP. He is also director of the Clinical Immunology and Allergy Laboratory at Hospital das Clínicas.
In addition to its state-of-the-art inoculation approach, nasal rather than intramuscular, the vaccine also stands out for its antigen. “Instead of employing the Wuhan virus spike, we will only use the RBD [receptor-binding domain] of the 4 variants of concern. Filho. La spike protein, Fiocruz said, is related to the pathogen’s ability to enter human cells and is one of the main targets of neutralizing antibodies produced throughout the human body to prevent the virus.
The researcher then explained that the antigen will bring protein fragments that will stimulate a longer cellular reaction than that mediated by neutralizing antibodies. “We followed another 220 people with the disease, studied the entire genome of the virus and selected the fragments that theoretically induce an intelligent cellular reaction,” he explained.
The vaccine, therefore, should include fragments capable of killing the cell in case it becomes infected. “If the virus enters the cell, the only thing you’ll be able to do is use cells called cytotoxic CD8, which kill the infected cell,” Kalil Filho pointed out. The spray should therefore contain the so-called T CD8+ cytotoxic lymphocytes, which eliminate sick cells, as well as T CD4+ lymphocytes, which help produce antibodies and create a cytotoxic response.
Another innovation is the creation of a sort of nano-particle that adheres to the mucous membrane of the nose. “The mucous membrane has a large number of cilia that won’t let anything stick, but we have found a way to introduce a specif formula through which we can induce an important response from the mucous membrane,” he added.
Regarding its cost, Kalil Filho noted it should be priced at around five dollars, but further analysis is required. “We have some laboratories producing recombinant proteins, but it’s still rather incipient, so we’re talking with pharmaceutical companies to see if we can find one capable of producing with high quality.”
The nasal spray vaccine can be supplemented with existing intramuscular doses. “When the aerosol is ready, it is most likely that a significant portion of the world’s population will be vaccinated. I think it will work as a booster dose,” he said.
Known around the world for its samba school parades and street parties, this year’s Rio Carnival will feature more than 50 personal events, providing a wide diversity of activities for all types of partygoers. The celebrations will officially take place from February 9 to 14.
In view of its success with the Brazilian public, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and HBO Max have all invested heavily in Brazilian productions.
As of today, the Ministry of Education has 402,092 scholarships for the first 2024 edition of the University for All or Prouni program. Of them, 304,638 are full scholarships and 97,454 are 50% scholarships.
The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) records that former President Bolsonaro took a flight from São Paulo to Brasilia the day before the supposed vaccination.
The festival will kick off on January 19 and run through January 27, with a varied program that includes film screenings, artistic performances, and workshops.
The resumption of investment, along with the associated refining, transportation, and marketing activities, is expected to create up to 30,000 jobs by 2028.
The offer is aimed at people who live below the poverty line, who study in public schools, who are homeless or who face excessive vulnerability. People serving criminal sentences are also covered.
Minister Trindade believes that investing in science and generation and reducing inequalities between countries is key to managing pandemic situations well.
She is in Davos, Switzerland, where she is taking part in the 54th World Economic Forum with other representatives of the Lula government.
Led by Mário França, the ministry has been operational since September 2023, first created by a provisional measure issued by the federal government and then approved by Congress.