Vaccine candidate against MERS shows long-lasting immune response
An international research team has investigated the persistence of MERS-CoV-specific antibodies and T cell responses in healthy adults two years after vaccination with MVA-MERS-S. The study is based on a phase I clinical trial in which participants in Hamburg and Rotterdam received three doses of the vaccine. The vaccine uses an attenuated smallpox virus vector that presents the MERS-CoV spike protein. In the long-term follow-up, 48 participants from Hamburg were analyzed 24 months after the third vaccination.
The results show that the immune responses last for at least two years. In 75 percent of the participants, neutralizing antibodies remained detectable in pseudovirus assays, in 50 percent in live virus assays. 60 percent of the participants were S1 IgG seropositive. Vaccine-induced T cells that secrete IFN-γ and IL-2 and indicate a Th1-dominated response were detectable for at least two years. Antibody levels remained stable and comparable to the maximum values after the second vaccination. The antibodies neutralize clinically relevant MERS-CoV variants. An additional booster significantly improves long-term immunity.
The study demonstrates for the first time lasting vaccine-induced immunity against MERS. It provides the basis for future clinical trials and the development of vaccines against MERS and other emerging viruses. This supports global preparedness for potential outbreaks, especially in high-risk groups.
The results were published in Nature Communications on 26 January 2026. The first author is Dr. Leonie Mayer, and the scientific director is Prof. Dr. Marylyn Addo from the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf. The team comes from the German Center for Infection Research.
Original Paper:
Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR
Gender Notice. The personal designations used in this text always refer equally to female, male and diverse persons. Double/triple naming and gendered designations are used for better readability. ected.
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