Viral vectors as vaccine platforms: Deployment in sight

Journal article

A little more than a decade after the explosion of research into recombinant live-attenuated or replication-deficient viruses as vaccine platforms, many viral vector-based vaccines have been licensed for animals. Progress has been slower for humans but 2011 will see the licensure of the first viral-vectored vaccine for humans, against Japanese Encephalitis. In addition a vaccine with a viral-vectored component showed efficacy against HIV infection in humans. Viral-based vaccines have an excellent safety profile but must deal with the potential problem of pre-existing anti-vector immunity. Recent successes reflect diverse improvements such as development of new adenovirus serotypes and better prime-boost approaches, suggesting that many viral vectors are approaching their final years as vaccine 'candidates' rather than vaccines. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd.

Authors: Rollier, C; Reyes-Sandoval, A; Cottingham, MG; Ewer, K; Hill, A

• Journal: Current Opinion in Immunology
• Volume: 23
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 377-382
• Publication date: 2011-06-01
• DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2011.03.006
• EISSN: 1879-0372
• ISSN: 0952-7915
• Language: English