Responses of primary human nasal epithelial cells to COVID-19 vaccine candidate
Issued Date
2026-03-01
Resource Type
ISSN
0125877X
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105036098350
Pubmed ID
38183648
Journal Title
Asian Pacific Journal of Allergy and Immunology
Volume
44
Issue
1
Start Page
242
End Page
251
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Asian Pacific Journal of Allergy and Immunology Vol.44 No.1 (2026) , 242-251
Suggested Citation
Jakaew P., Jearanaiwitayakul T., Midoeng P., Masrinoul P., Sunintaboon P., Ubol S. Responses of primary human nasal epithelial cells to COVID-19 vaccine candidate. Asian Pacific Journal of Allergy and Immunology Vol.44 No.1 (2026) , 242-251. 251. doi:10.12932/AP-230523-1623 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/116431
Title
Responses of primary human nasal epithelial cells to COVID-19 vaccine candidate
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Upper respiratory tract is the primary target of SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, nasal immune responses act as the first line of defense against SARS-CoV-2 infection. OBJECTIVE: We aim to investigate the immune responses of human nasal epithelial cells (HNEpCs) upon stimulation with a COVID-19 vaccine candidate. This candidate named RBD-NPs is composed of SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) encapsulated within the N,N,N-trimethyl chitosan nanoparticles (TMC-NPs). METHODS: HNEpCs were stimulated with RBD-NPs, empty NPs, or soluble RBD at various concentrations. After 24 and 48 h of treatment, cells viability and delivery of the immunogens were assessed using XTT assay and flow cytometry. Levels of cytokines and chemokines in the supernatant were quantified with Bio-plex Human Cytokine Assay. Communication between RBD-NPs-stimulated HNEpCs and monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MoDCs) was assessed through differentiation of MoDCs into mature phenotype. RESULTS: RBD-NPs as high as 100 μg exerted no toxicity to HNEpCs and could effectively be delivered to HNEpCs. Treatment of HNEpCs with RBD-NPs strongly activated production of several pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, Th1-related cytokines and the monocytes/macrophages growth factors. Interestingly, soluble mediators secreted from RBD-NPs treated HNEpCs significantly upregulated the expression of maturation markers (CD80, CD83, CD86 and HLA-DR) on the MoDCs. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that our COVID-19 vaccine candidate drove HNEpCs into immunologically competent cells that not only exerted anti-viral innate immune responses but also potently induced MoDCs maturation.