Mucosal immunity against SARS-CoV-2 – an unexplored field

The role of mucosal immunity in COVID-19 has received little attention, despite the fact that SARS-CoV-2 enters the body through the respiratory and possibly, oro-gastrointestinal mucosa.

This collaborative project between China and Sweden project aims to study and understand the mucosal immunity to SARS-CoV-2 and establish novel prophylactics and therapeutics delivered at mucosal surfaces for treatment of COVID-19.

We will study the dynamic of the mucosal immune response in humans and animal infected with SARS-CoV-2 as well as evaluate the mucosal immune response following oral and intranasal immunization with inactivated whole virus and adenovirus-vectored vaccine in animal models.

We will also develop antivirals and anti-inflammatory drugs for mucosal delivery and test their antiviral activity in enteroid and animal models.

The Chinese team has a rich collection of coronavirus strains, unique infection animal models, and nanotechnology expertise which effectively support vaccine, antibody, and drug evaluation.

The Swedish team has a unique enteroid model to test the drugs, antibody engineering expertise and an efficient screening technology system for discovery of inflammation regulators and antivirals.

Our work will lead to a better understanding of the antiviral and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of the vaccine and drugs thus contributing to counteract the current as well as possible future pandemics caused by related animal coronaviruses.