Lemmer, YolandyChapman, RosAbolnik, CeliaSmith, TanjaSchafer, GeorgiaHermanus, TandileDu Preez, IlseGoosen, KrugerSepotokele, Kamogelo MmapitsoGers, SophetteSuliman, TasnimPreiser, WolfgangShaw, Megan L.Roth, RobynTruyts, AlmaChipangura, John KudakwasheMagwaza, MartinMahanjana, OsbornMoore, Penny L.O'Kennedy, Martha2024-12-092024-12-092024-02Lemmer, Y., Chapman, R., Abolnik, C. et al. 2024, 'Protective efficacy of a plant-produced beta variant rSARS-CoV-2 VLP vaccine in golden Syrian hamsters', Vaccine, vol. 42, pp. 738-744. https://DOI.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.01.036.0264-410X (print)1873-2518 (online)10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.01.036http://hdl.handle.net/2263/99801DATA AVAILABILITY : Additional data other than what is presented in the manuscript can be requested from the corresponding author.In the quest for heightened protection against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants, we engineered a prototype vaccine utilizing the plant expression system of Nicotiana benthamiana, to produce a recombinant SARS-CoV-2 virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine presenting the S-protein from the Beta (B.1.351) variant of concern (VOC). This innovative vaccine, formulated with either a squalene oil-in-water emulsion or a synthetic CpG oligodeoxynucleotide adjuvant, demonstrated efficacy in a golden Syrian Hamster challenge model. The Beta VLP vaccine induced a robust humoral immune response, with serum exhibiting neutralization not only against SARS-CoV-2 Beta but also cross-neutralizing Delta and Omicron pseudoviruses. Protective efficacy was demonstrated, evidenced by reduced viral RNA copies and mitigated weight loss and lung damage compared to controls. This compelling data instills confidence in the creation of a versatile platform for the local manufacturing of potential pan-sarbecovirus vaccines, against evolving viral threats.en© 2024 The Authors. This is an open access article under the CC BY license.Pan-sarbecovirusEfficacyImmunogenicitySevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)Virus-like particle (VLP)Variant of concern (VOC)SDG-03: Good health and well-beingArticle