(173, 174).

Hence, knowledge and understanding of S protein-based vaccine development in SARS-CoV will help to identify
potential S protein vaccine candidates in SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, vaccine strategies based on the whole S protein, S protein
subunits, or specific potential epitopes of S protein appear to be the most promising vaccine candidates against
coronaviruses. The RBD of the S1 subunit of S protein has a superior capacity to induce neutralizing antibodies. This
property of the RBD can be utilized for designing potential SARS-CoV vaccines either by using RBD-containing recombinant
proteins or recombinant vectors that encode RBD (175). Hence, the superior genetic similarity existing between SARS-CoV-
2 and SARS- CoV can be utilized to repurpose vaccines that have proven in vitro efficacy against SARS-CoV to be utilized for
SARS-CoV-2. The possibility of cross-protection in COVID-19 was evaluated by comparing the S protein sequences of SARS-
CoV-2 with that of SARS-CoV. The comparative analysis confirmed that the variable residues were found concentrated on
the S1 subunit of S protein, an important vaccine target of the virus (150). Hence, the possibility of SARS-CoV-specific
neutralizing antibodies providing cross-protection to COVID-19 might be lower. Further genetic analysis is required