Vaccination and Treatments against Viral Hepatitis: Achievements, Challenges and Perspectives

A special issue of Vaccines (ISSN 2076-393X). This special issue belongs to the section "Vaccines against Tropical and other Infectious Diseases".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 March 2025 | Viewed by 4528

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
Interests: viral hepatitis; viral therapies; vaccination; phylogeny; molecular epidemiology; phylogeography
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
Viral Hepatitis Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Interests: viral hepatitis; viral therapies; vaccination; phylogeny; molecular epidemiology; phylogeography

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The vaccination era is a major global public health milestone that has led to the eradication of and reduction in infectious diseases. Vaccination has been important in reducing Hepatitis A and B cases in younger age groups in the context of viral hepatitis. In addition, vaccination against HBV, associated with immunoglobulin and prophylactic antiviral use, has led to a 90% reduction in cases of mother-to-child transmission and has also helped preventing Hepatitis D infection. As for the hepatitis C virus, despite the unavailability of a vaccine, the use of antiviral treatments has been promising and several studies for the development of an effective vaccine have been conducted.  Vaccination against hepatitis E is only licensed in China, and more safety studies in children, the elderly, and other special populations are needed for future global deployment. This Special Issue aims to receive original research papers and reviews that provide updates in vaccination and treatment for viral hepatitis, with research in the following areas: vaccination coverage in the general population and vulnerable populations; new vaccines and treatments, vaccine development, and evaluation; studies in immune scape and immune response; and other studies that fit the Issue's theme.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Bárbara Vieira Do Lago
Dr. Vinicius M. Mello
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • vaccination
  • treatments
  • viral hepatitis
  • hepatitis A
  • hepatitis B
  • hepatitis C
  • hepatitis D
  • hepatitis E

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 1683 KiB  
Article
Evaluation and Immunogenicity of Combined Liposome-Based Vaccine Candidates against Hepatitis E and B Viruses in Rhesus Monkeys
by Tejaswini Deshmukh, Rachita Shah, Pradip Devhare, Kavita Lole and Vidya Arankalle
Vaccines 2024, 12(1), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12010053 - 5 Jan 2024
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Abstract
The administration of vaccines using a combination approach ensures better coverage and reduces the number of injections and cost. The present study assessed liposome-complexed DNA-corresponding proteins of hepatitis E and B viruses (HEV and HBV) as combined vaccine candidates in rhesus monkeys. The [...] Read more.
The administration of vaccines using a combination approach ensures better coverage and reduces the number of injections and cost. The present study assessed liposome-complexed DNA-corresponding proteins of hepatitis E and B viruses (HEV and HBV) as combined vaccine candidates in rhesus monkeys. The HEV and HBV components consisted of 450 bps, neutralizing the epitope/s (NE) region, and 685 bps small (S) envelope gene-corresponding proteins, respectively. Three groups (n = 2 monkeys/group) were intramuscularly immunized with a total of three doses of NE Protein (Lipo-NE-P), NE DNA + Protein (Lipo-NE-DP), and each of NE and S DNA + Protein (Lipo-NES-DP), respectively, given one month apart. All immunized monkeys were challenged with 10,000 fifty percent monkey infectious dose of homologous HEV strain. Post-immunization anti-HEV antibody levels in monkeys were 59.4 and 148.4 IU/mL (Lipo-NE-P), 177.0 and 240.8 IU/mL (Lipo-NE-DP), and 240.7 and 164.9 IU/mL (Lipo-NES-DP). Anti-HBV antibody levels in Lipo-NES-DP immunized monkeys were 58,786 and 6213 mIU/mL. None of the challenged monkeys showed viremia and elevation in serum alanine amino transferase levels. Monkeys immunized with Lipo-NE-DP and Lipo-NES-DP exhibited a sterilizing immunity, indicating complete protection, whereas monkeys immunized with Lipo-NE-P showed limited viral replication. In conclusion, the liposome-complexed DNA-corresponding proteins of HEV and HBV induced protective humoral immune responses to both components in monkeys and are worth exploring further. Full article
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Review

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10 pages, 250 KiB  
Review
Hepatitis E Vaccines Updates
by Christopher Hartley, Paul Wasuwanich, Trung Van and Wikrom Karnsakul
Vaccines 2024, 12(7), 722; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12070722 - 28 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1657
Abstract
The development of a hepatitis E vaccine is imperative given its prevalence and the heightened risk it poses to specific populations. Hepatitis E virus infection, though often self-limiting, poses a significant threat to pregnant individuals and immunocompromised populations. This review delves into the [...] Read more.
The development of a hepatitis E vaccine is imperative given its prevalence and the heightened risk it poses to specific populations. Hepatitis E virus infection, though often self-limiting, poses a significant threat to pregnant individuals and immunocompromised populations. This review delves into the historical trajectory of hepatitis E vaccine development and explores its potential impact on at-risk populations. Historically, efforts to formulate an effective vaccine against hepatitis E have been underway to mitigate the severity of the disease, particularly in regions where the infection is commonplace. As a self-limiting disease, the necessity of a vaccine becomes more pronounced when considering vulnerable demographics. Pregnant individuals face heightened complications, with potential adverse outcomes for both mother and child. Similarly, immunocompromised individuals experience prolonged and severe manifestations of the infection, necessitating targeted preventive measures. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the milestones in hepatitis E vaccine development. By examining the historical progression, we aim to underscore the critical need for a vaccine to safeguard not only the general population but also those at elevated risk. The elucidation of the vaccine’s journey will contribute valuable insights into its potential benefits, aiding in the formulation of informed public health strategies to combat hepatitis E effectively. Full article
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