Published: 20 Jul 2020
A team of scientists at Oxford University’s Jenner Institute and Oxford
Vaccine Group has taken the next step towards the discovery of a safe,
effective and accessible vaccine against coronavirus.
The results of the Phase I/II trial published today in the scientific
journal, The Lancet, indicate no early safety concerns and
induces strong immune responses in both parts of the immune system.
The vaccine provoked a T cell response within 14 days of vaccination (white
blood cells that can attack cells infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus), and an
antibody response within 28 days (antibodies are able to neutralise the virus
so that it cannot infect cells when initially contracted).
During the study participants who received the vaccine
had detectable neutralising antibodies, which have been suggested by
researchers as important for protection, and these responses were strongest
after a booster dose, with 100% of participants' blood having neutralising
activity against the coronavirus. The next step in studying the vaccine is to
confirm that it can effectively protect against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Source:
www.ox.ac.uk/news