# A nanobody-based vaccine strategy to combat CoVID-19

> **NIH NIH DP1** · BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL · 2020 · $442,500

## Abstract

Summary
The development of a vaccine that protects against SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus responsible for the current
pandemic (COVID-19), is urgently needed. We have developed camelid-derived antibody fragments –
nanobodies – that target surface proteins on mouse and human antigen presenting cells. These targets include
class II MHC products and the integrin alpha M (CD11b). By attaching to these nanobodies various antigens in
the form of proteins or peptides, we can elicit stronger B and T cell responses against the attached payloads
when compared to the corresponding ‘free’ antigens. In particular, adducts composed of the anti-CD11b
nanobody with peptides of viral origin induced a protective cytotoxic CD8 T cell response in a human
papillomavirus model and inspire confidence that a similar outcome may be accomplished for SARS-CoV-2. We
propose to apply these strategies to generate strong adaptive immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 antigens.
The anti-mouse and anti-human class II MHC-specific nanobodies recognize all allotypes and will be used to
target antigens to mouse and human class II MHC products in normal and HLA-DR4 transgenic mice. CD4 T
cell and antibody responses will be analyzed in these studies. Adducts composed of the CD11b nanobody and
COVID-19 antigenic peptides will be used to elicit CD8 T cell responses in normal and HLA-A2 transgenic mice.
For the most immunogenic SARS-CoV-2 antigens, we shall identify the minimal peptides recognized for possible
inclusion in future vaccine preparations.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10143399
- **Project number:** 3DP1AI150593-02S1
- **Recipient organization:** BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
- **Principal Investigator:** Hidde L. Ploegh
- **Activity code:** DP1 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $442,500
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2020-08-01 → 2021-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10143399

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10143399, A nanobody-based vaccine strategy to combat CoVID-19 (3DP1AI150593-02S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10143399. Licensed CC0.

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