Nucleocapsid Protein Boosts Humoral and Cellular Immune Responses Specific to Spike and RBD in Protein-Based SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination - Summary - DentalSpire

Nucleocapsid Protein Boosts Humoral and Cellular Immune Responses Specific to Spike and RBD in Protein-Based SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination

  • By

  • Stina Gröhn

  • Heini Lehto

  • Saana Soppela

  • Rauno A. Naves

  • Mikael A. Ritvos

  • Alina Iakubovskaia

  • Vili Lampinen

  • Iiris Mustonen

  • Sanniina Pakkala

  • Elizaveta Husu

  • Laura Kakkola

  • Ilkka Julkunen

  • Pekka Kolehmainen

  • Arja Pasternack

  • Olli Ritvos

  • Minna M. Hankaniemi

  • January 29, 2026

  • 0 min

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Objective:

To investigate the role of nucleocapsid protein in enhancing immune responses to spike and receptor-binding domain (RBD) in protein-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, focusing on the underlying mechanisms.

Key Findings:
  • Nucleocapsid protein significantly enhances both humoral and cellular immune responses, with a notable increase in neutralizing antibody titers.
  • Vaccination with nucleocapsid protein leads to increased production of neutralizing antibodies against spike and RBD, as evidenced by specific assay results.
  • The presence of nucleocapsid protein improves the activation of T cells specific to SARS-CoV-2, indicating a robust cellular immune response.
Interpretation:

Incorporating nucleocapsid protein into SARS-CoV-2 vaccines may improve their efficacy by enhancing immune responses, potentially leading to better protection against infection and transmission, which is crucial for public health.

Limitations:
  • The study primarily focuses on preclinical models, such as mice or non-human primates, which may not fully translate to human responses.
  • Long-term efficacy and safety of nucleocapsid protein inclusion in vaccines require further investigation, particularly in diverse human populations.
Conclusion:

Nucleocapsid protein shows promise as an adjuvant in protein-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, potentially leading to improved immune protection.

Original Source(s)

Nucleocapsid Protein Boosts Humoral and Cellular Immune Responses Specific to Spike and RBD in Protein-Based SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination

  • by Stina Gröhn, Heini Lehto, Saana Soppela, Rauno A. Naves, Mikael A. Ritvos, Alina Iakubovskaia, Vili Lampinen, Iiris Mustonen, Sanniina Pakkala, Elizaveta Husu, Laura Kakkola, Ilkka Julkunen, Pekka Kolehmainen, Arja Pasternack, Olli Ritvos, Minna M. Hankaniemi

  • January 29, 2026

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