Researchers have been able to re-engineer red blood cells and use them as a promising new vehicle for vaccine delivery.

Developing new strategies and vaccine technologies is critical for controlling the pandemic and preparing for future outbreaks as the coronavirus continues to evolve and mutate, say the researchers.

The new method, described in the journal PLOS ONE, is an entirely unique approach to vaccination. Red blood-cell membranes are embedded with SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins, which then form virus-like particles.

«We take red blood cells and remove everything from the inside. We then attach spike proteins to their outside to mimic a corona virus,» explains graduate student Isabella Passos-Gastaldo, a lead author on the paper.

The particles, shown to activate the immune system and produce antibodies in mice, are completely harmless.

«Current vaccine delivery methods often cause drastic immune system reactions and have short-lived responses,» says Maikel Rheinstadter, a senior supervisor on the paper and a professor in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at McMaster.

Story Source:
Materials provided by McMaster University. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.