CCMB’s Inactivated Virus Vaccine against COVID-19

The Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology is developing an inactivated virus vaccine in cell lines of African green monkey for tackling COVID-19.

Inactivated Virus Vaccine

An inactivated virus vaccine is the most effective way to tackle COVID-19. It is safe and easy to produce. It is prepared from viruses that are either killed or made incapable of reproduction, using chemical or thermal methods. However, the viral structure remains intact and acts as the antigen. The inactive virus stimulates the body into producing anti-bodies without causing the disease.

ACE2 Receptor

For testing the vaccine, cell lines that have the ACE2 receptors that bind with the SARS CoV 2 are required. ACE2 or angiotensin converting enzyme 2 is a membrane associated enzyme of the aminopeptidase category of compounds. It is found on the membranes of cells in vascular endothelium that lines the cardiovascular system, renal (kidney) tissues, tissues in small intestine, etc.

African Green Monkey

The inactivate virus vaccine from CCMB is being tested on epithelial cells lines of African green monkey which has the ACE2 receptor on its surface. These cells are being artificially cultured in petri dishes to test the vaccine. African green monkey or the grivet is a primate species found in Savannah woodlands of Africa. Though the species is hunted for its meat and is threatened by habitat loss, it is considered as a species of least concern by IUCN.