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Expert Review of Vaccines Dec 2021Lentiviral vectors have emerged as powerful vectors for vaccination, due to their high efficiency to transduce dendritic cells and to induce long-lasting humoral... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Lentiviral vectors have emerged as powerful vectors for vaccination, due to their high efficiency to transduce dendritic cells and to induce long-lasting humoral immunity, CD8 T cells, and effective protection in numerous preclinical animal models of infection and oncology.
AREAS COVERED
Here, we reviewed the literature, highlighting the relevance of lentiviral vectors in vaccinology. We recapitulated both their virological and immunological aspects of lentiviral vectors. We compared lentiviral vectors to the gold standard viral vaccine vectors, i.e. adenoviral vectors, and updated the latest results in lentiviral vector-based vaccination in preclinical models.
EXPERT OPINION
Lentiviral vectors are non-replicative, negligibly inflammatory, and not targets of preexisting immunity in human populations. These are major characteristics to consider in vaccine development. The potential of lentiviral vectors to transduce non-dividing cells, including dendritic cells, is determinant in their strong immunogenicity. Notably, lentiviral vectors can be engineered to target antigen expression to specific host cells. The very weak inflammatory properties of these vectors allow their use in mucosal vaccination, with particular interest in infectious diseases that affect the lungs or brain, including COVID-19. Recent results in various preclinical models have reinforced the interest of these vectors in prophylaxis against infectious diseases and in onco-immunotherapy.
Topics: Animals; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes; COVID-19; Communicable Diseases; Genetic Vectors; Humans; Lentivirus; Vaccination; Vaccine Development; Viral Vaccines
PubMed: 34620025
DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2021.1988854 -
Microbial Pathogenesis Jul 2023The monkeypox virus (MPOX) is an uncommon zoonotic illness brought on by an orthopoxvirus (OPXV). MPOX can occur with symptoms similar to smallpox. Since April 25, 2023,... (Review)
Review
The monkeypox virus (MPOX) is an uncommon zoonotic illness brought on by an orthopoxvirus (OPXV). MPOX can occur with symptoms similar to smallpox. Since April 25, 2023, 110 nations have reported 87,113 confirmed cases and 111 fatalities. Moreover, the outspread prevalence of MPOX in Africa and a current outbreak of MPOX in the U.S. have made it clear that naturally occurring zoonotic OPXV infections remain a public health concern. Existing vaccines, though they provide cross-protection to MPOX, are not specific for the causative virus, and their effectiveness in the light of the current multi-country outbreak is still to be verified. Furthermore, as a sequel of the eradication and cessation of smallpox vaccination for four decades, MPOX found a possibility to re-emerge, but with distinct characteristics. The World Health Organization (WHO) suggested that nations use affordable MPOX vaccines within a framework of coordinated clinical effectiveness and safety evaluations. Vaccines administered in the smallpox control program and conferred immunity against MPOX. Currently, vaccines approved by WHO for use against MPOX are replicating (ACAM2000), low replicating (LC16m8), and non-replicating (MVA-BN). Although vaccines are accessible, investigations have demonstrated that smallpox vaccination is approximately 85% efficient in inhibiting MPOX. In addition, developing new vaccine methods against MPOX can help prevent this infection. To recognize the most efficient vaccine, it is essential to assess effects, including reactogenicity, safety, cytotoxicity effect, and vaccine-associated side effects, especially for high-risk and vulnerable people. Recently, several orthopoxvirus vaccines have been produced and are being evaluated. Hence, this review aims to provide an overview of the efforts dedicated to several types of vaccine candidates with different strategies for MPOX, including inactivated, live-attenuated, virus-like particles (VLPs), recombinant protein, nucleic acid, and nanoparticle-based vaccines, which are being developed and launched.
Topics: Humans; Mpox (monkeypox); Smallpox; Vaccinia virus; Vaccination; Vaccine Development
PubMed: 37201635
DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106156 -
Tropical Medicine & International... Apr 2023The advent and use of antimicrobials have played a key role in treating potentially life-threatening infectious diseases, improving health, and saving the lives of... (Review)
Review
The advent and use of antimicrobials have played a key role in treating potentially life-threatening infectious diseases, improving health, and saving the lives of millions of people worldwide. However, the emergence of multidrug resistant (MDR) pathogens has been a significant health challenge that has compromised the ability to prevent and treat a wide range of infectious diseases that were once treatable. Vaccines offer potential as a promising alternative to fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR) infectious diseases. Vaccine technologies include reverse vaccinology, structural biology methods, nucleic acid (DNA and mRNA) vaccines, generalised modules for membrane antigens, bioconjugates/glycoconjugates, nanomaterials and several other emerging technological advances that are offering a potential breakthrough in the development of efficient vaccines against pathogens. This review covers the opportunities and advancements in vaccine discovery and development targeting bacterial pathogens. We reflect on the impact of the already-developed vaccines targeting bacterial pathogens and the potential of those currently under different stages of preclinical and clinical trials. More importantly, we critically and comprehensively analyse the challenges while highlighting the key indices for future vaccine prospects. Finally, the issues and concerns of AMR for low-income countries (sub-Saharan Africa) and the challenges with vaccine integration, discovery and development in this region are critically evaluated.
Topics: Humans; Vaccines; Bacteria; Antigens; Vaccine Development
PubMed: 36861882
DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13865 -
Annals of the New York Academy of... Jun 2023The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us many things, among the most important of which is that vaccines are one of the cornerstones of public health that help make modern...
The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us many things, among the most important of which is that vaccines are one of the cornerstones of public health that help make modern longevity possible. While several different vaccines have been successful at stemming the morbidity and mortality associated with various infectious diseases, many pathogens/diseases remain recalcitrant to the development of effective vaccination. Recent advances in vaccine technology, immunology, structural biology, and other fields may yet yield insight that will address these diseases; they may also help improve societies' preparedness for future pandemics. On June 1-4, 2022, experts in vaccinology from academia, industry, and government convened for the Keystone symposium "Progress in Vaccine Development for Infectious Diseases" to discuss state-of-the-art technologies, recent advancements in understanding vaccine-mediated immunity, and new aspects of antigen design to aid vaccine effectiveness.
Topics: Humans; Pandemics; COVID-19; Vaccines; Communicable Diseases; Vaccination; Vaccine Development
PubMed: 37020354
DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14975 -
Journal of Biomedical Science Feb 2020Vaccination is the most effective measure at preventing influenza virus infections. However, current seasonal influenza vaccines are only protective against closely... (Review)
Review
Vaccination is the most effective measure at preventing influenza virus infections. However, current seasonal influenza vaccines are only protective against closely matched circulating strains. Even with extensive monitoring and annual reformulation our efforts remain one step behind the rapidly evolving virus, often resulting in mismatches and low vaccine effectiveness. Fortunately, many next-generation influenza vaccines are currently in development, utilizing an array of innovative techniques to shorten production time and increase the breadth of protection. This review summarizes the production methods of current vaccines, recent advances that have been made in influenza vaccine research, and highlights potential challenges that are yet to be overcome. Special emphasis is put on the potential role of glycoengineering in influenza vaccine development, and the advantages of removing the glycan shield on influenza surface antigens to increase vaccine immunogenicity. The potential for future development of these novel influenza vaccine candidates is discussed from an industry perspective.
Topics: Glycoproteins; Glycosylation; Humans; Immunogenicity, Vaccine; Influenza Vaccines; Protein Engineering; Viral Proteins
PubMed: 32059697
DOI: 10.1186/s12929-020-0626-6 -
Drug Discovery Today. Technologies Dec 2020Since their discovery, therapeutic or prophylactic vaccines represent a promising option to prevent or cure infections and other pathologies, such as cancer or... (Review)
Review
Since their discovery, therapeutic or prophylactic vaccines represent a promising option to prevent or cure infections and other pathologies, such as cancer or autoimmune disorders. More recently, among a number of nanomaterials, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have emerged as novel tools for vaccine developments, thanks to their inherent ability to tune and upregulate immune response. Moreover, owing to their features, AuNPs can exert optimal actions both as delivery systems and as adjuvants. Notwithstanding the potential huge impact in vaccinology, some challenges remain before AuNPs in vaccine formulations can be translated into the clinic. The current review provides an updated overview of the most recent and effective application of gold nanoparticles as efficient means to develop a new generation of vaccine.
Topics: Adjuvants, Immunologic; Gold; Metal Nanoparticles; Vaccine Development; Vaccines
PubMed: 34895641
DOI: 10.1016/j.ddtec.2021.02.001 -
Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics Nov 2021Norovirus (NoV) has been recognized as a leading cause of gastroenteritis worldwide. This review estimates the prevalence and genotype distribution of NoV in China to... (Review)
Review
Norovirus (NoV) has been recognized as a leading cause of gastroenteritis worldwide. This review estimates the prevalence and genotype distribution of NoV in China to provide a sound reference for vaccine development. Studies were searched up to October 2020 from CNKI database and inclusion criteria were study duration of at least one calendar year and population size of >100. The mean overall NoV prevalence in individuals with sporadic diarrhea/gastroenteritis was 16.68% (20796/124649, 95% CI 16.63-16.72), and the detection rate of NoV was the highest among children. Non-GII.4 strains have replaced GII.4 as the predominant caused multiple outbreaks since 2014. Especially the recombinant GII.P16-GII.2 increased sharply, and virologic data show that the polymerase GII.P16 rather than VP1 triggers pandemic. Due to genetic diversity and rapid evolution, predominant genotypes might change unexpectedly, which has become major obstacle for the development of effective NoV vaccines.
Topics: Caliciviridae Infections; Child; China; Genotype; Humans; Molecular Epidemiology; Norovirus; Phylogeny; Vaccine Development
PubMed: 34495811
DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2021.1961465 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2021Archaea are prokaryotic organisms that were classified as a new domain in 1990. Archaeal cellular components and metabolites have found various applications in the... (Review)
Review
Archaea are prokaryotic organisms that were classified as a new domain in 1990. Archaeal cellular components and metabolites have found various applications in the pharmaceutical industry. Some archaeal lipids can be used to produce archaeosomes, a new family of liposomes that exhibit high stability to temperatures, pH and oxidative conditions. Additionally, archaeosomes can be efficient antigen carriers and adjuvants promoting humoral and cellular immune responses. Some archaea produce gas vesicles, which are nanoparticles released by the archaea that increase the buoyancy of the cells and facilitate an upward flotation in water columns. Purified gas vesicles display a great potential for bioengineering, due to their high stability, immunostimulatory properties and uptake across cell membranes. Both archaeosomes and archaeal gas vesicles are attractive tools for the development of novel drug and vaccine carriers to control various diseases. In this review we discuss the current knowledge on production, preparation methods and potential applications of archaeosomes and gas vesicles as carriers for vaccines. We give an overview of the traditional structures of these carriers and their modifications. A comparative analysis of both vaccine delivery systems, including their advantages and limitations of their use, is provided. Gas vesicle- and archaeosome-based vaccines may be powerful next-generation tools for the prevention and treatment of a wide variety of infectious and non-infectious diseases.
Topics: Adjuvants, Immunologic; Animals; Archaea; Cytoplasmic Vesicles; Drug Carriers; Humans; Liposomes; Nanoparticles; Vaccine Development
PubMed: 34567012
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.746235 -
The International Journal of Risk &... 2022The new type of virus (SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19) from Coronaviridae family, discovered in 2019, caused a global pandemic with several massive lock-downs around the globe.... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The new type of virus (SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19) from Coronaviridae family, discovered in 2019, caused a global pandemic with several massive lock-downs around the globe. Science and politicians became the center of world attention, receiving many questions without having clear answers. The hopes of many rested on vaccine development, which was done fast, facing novel challenges such as the massive production and distribution for several billions of people.
OBJECTIVE
In this paper, the global reaction to the pandemic is reviewed along with some critical comments.
METHOD
Different groups, including nations, took part in global lockdowns, while vaccine development was running in parallel without having enough capacity for some of the biggest medical demands in history. This review will bring together views from all interested groups in this pandemic crisis.
RESULTS
The Western world waited too long (4 months), after the first case was confirmed in China, to introduce lock-down and safety measures. On the other side, vaccine development was done too fast to give clear long-term safety profiles of the medications developed. Due to the focus on development, it was overlooked that production and distribution of sterile products such as vaccines might have limitations globally. Usually when such limitations occur, power comes to the surface. Therefore, buyers who had power will get the vaccines they need first. However, we should recognize the economic impact that directly influenced healthcare funding. All of this will lead to post-crisis challenges, including depression, violence, suicide, migration, and many other social problems.
CONCLUSIONS
The COVID-19 pandemic is a test for all of us, which many governments, industries and non-state actors are failing. It is a perfect "general probe" to detect some of the weaknesses of the current structure of global health. If politics and science do not work together to make a global production plan for vaccines and learn from this pandemic, then all of the lives lost were for nothing.
Topics: COVID-19; Communicable Disease Control; Humans; Pandemics; Population Health; SARS-CoV-2; Vaccine Development
PubMed: 35311714
DOI: 10.3233/JRS-227019 -
Journal of Microbiology (Seoul, Korea) Mar 2022Dengue virus (DENV) consists of four serotypes in the family Flaviviridae and is a causative agent of dengue fever, dengue hemorrhagic fever, and dengue shock syndrome.... (Review)
Review
Dengue virus (DENV) consists of four serotypes in the family Flaviviridae and is a causative agent of dengue fever, dengue hemorrhagic fever, and dengue shock syndrome. DENV is transmitted by mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti and A. albopictus, and is mainly observed in areas where vector mosquitoes live. The number of dengue cases reported by the World Health Organization increased more than 8-fold over the last two decades from 505,430 in 2000 to over 2.4 million in 2010 to 5.2 million in 2019. Although vaccine is the most effective method against DENV, only one commercialized vaccine exists, and it cannot be administered to children under 9 years of age. Currently, many researchers are working to resolve the various problems hindering the development of effective dengue vaccines; understanding of the viral antigen configuration would provide insight into the development of effective vaccines against DENV infection. In this review, the current status and perspectives on effective vaccine development for DENV are examined. In addition, a plausible direction for effective vaccine development against DENV is suggested.
Topics: Aedes; Animals; Child; Dengue; Dengue Virus; Humans; Mosquito Vectors; Vaccine Development
PubMed: 35157223
DOI: 10.1007/s12275-022-1625-y