aAVC-CoV-2

aAVC-CoV-2 is an artificial Adjuvant Vector Cell (aAVC) vaccine developed for the prevention of COVID-19, specifically targeting patients with impaired antibody production, such as those with mature B-cell tumors. The aAVC platform, originally developed by RIKEN, utilizes allogeneic cells (typically HEK293-derived) that are loaded with the glycolipid alpha-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer) and transfected with mRNA encoding the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. The mechanism of action involves the presentation of α-GalCer by CD1d molecules on the aAVC surface to Natural Killer T (NKT) cells. Activation of NKT cells triggers the maturation of endogenous dendritic cells in vivo, which then present the SARS-CoV-2 antigens to prime both CD8+ cytotoxic T cells and CD4+ helper T cells. This approach aims to provide protective immunity through cellular responses in patients who cannot mount an effective B-cell/antibody response following standard vaccination.

Other names

artificial Adjuvant Vector Cells SARS-CoV-2 vaccine