Experimental Methods in Rational Vaccine Design

A special issue of Vaccines (ISSN 2076-393X). This special issue belongs to the section "Vaccination Optimization".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2024) | Viewed by 6502

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Emergency, Anesthesiological and Reanimation Sciences Department, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS of Rome, Rome, Italy
Interests: immunology; vaccination; microbiota; emergency medicine
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Vaccination is one of the most effective public health measures available. It has been used to treat a number of different communicable diseases, as seen with the eradication of smallpox. Vaccines have also been used to tackle other diseases, in particular in treating cancer, with promising results. During the COVID-19 outbreak, new technologies were used to develop effective vaccines, with the resulting improvements having been used in other fields too. The aim of this Special Issue is to discuss the improvements and new discoveries that have been made in the field of vaccine design, particularly focusing on new experimental designs. Modern and innovative design is crucial, particularly in light of the emerging risk of new pandemics. We are hoping to receive papers that address innovative vaccination strategies, both in their design and applications.

Dr. Laura Franza
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • vaccination
  • immune response
  • cancer
  • virology
  • emergent diseases

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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9 pages, 551 KiB  
Article
Establishment of a Reference Material in Quality Control for Use in Infectivity and Identity Assays of Recombinant COVID-19 Vaccine, in Accordance with International Standards Organization Guidance
by Ana Carolina Ferreira Ballestê Ajorio, Michel Gomes Chagas, Vinicius Pessanha Rhodes, Anderson Peclat Rodrigues, Natália Pedra Gonçalves, Rodrigo Maciel da Costa Godinho, Stephen James Forsythe, Luciana Veloso da Costa and Marcelo Luiz Lima Brandão
Vaccines 2024, 12(9), 967; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12090967 - 27 Aug 2024
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Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), began in 2019. One of the strategies for pandemic control was mass vaccination. In Brazil, the recombinant COVID-19 vaccine (RCV) was produced on a large scale and offered at no [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), began in 2019. One of the strategies for pandemic control was mass vaccination. In Brazil, the recombinant COVID-19 vaccine (RCV) was produced on a large scale and offered at no charge to the population. The specifications for quality control analyses of RCV included identity and infectivity determination. To validate the results, a reference material (RM) must be analyzed in parallel with the sample vaccine. This research aimed to establish the RM for use in the identity and infectivity assay for RCV. The candidate RM was analyzed using homogeneity and stability studies. The RM was considered homogeneous for identity (cycle threshold (Ct) ≤ 25.19) and infectivity (average x- was 9.25 log10 infectious units/mL). The RM was considered adequately stable for identity during the total period in all studies, being stable at −70, 5, and 22.5 °C for 380, 313, and 14 days, respectively (Ct ≤ 21.81). For infectivity, the RM was stable at −70, 5, and 22.5 °C for 380, 97, and three days, respectively. Since the property identity and infectivity values of the RM were established, the new RM could be used in quality control analysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Experimental Methods in Rational Vaccine Design)
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Review

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32 pages, 1819 KiB  
Review
Vaccine Strategies Against RNA Viruses: Current Advances and Future Directions
by Kuei-Ching Hsiung, Huan-Jung Chiang, Sebastian Reinig and Shin-Ru Shih
Vaccines 2024, 12(12), 1345; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12121345 - 28 Nov 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2791
Abstract
The development of vaccines against RNA viruses has undergone a rapid evolution in recent years, particularly driven by the COVID-19 pandemic. This review examines the key roles that RNA viruses, with their high mutation rates and zoonotic potential, play in fostering vaccine innovation. [...] Read more.
The development of vaccines against RNA viruses has undergone a rapid evolution in recent years, particularly driven by the COVID-19 pandemic. This review examines the key roles that RNA viruses, with their high mutation rates and zoonotic potential, play in fostering vaccine innovation. We also discuss both traditional and modern vaccine platforms and the impact of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, on optimizing immunization strategies. This review evaluates various vaccine platforms, ranging from traditional approaches (inactivated and live-attenuated vaccines) to modern technologies (subunit vaccines, viral and bacterial vectors, nucleic acid vaccines such as mRNA and DNA, and phage-like particle vaccines). To illustrate these platforms’ practical applications, we present case studies of vaccines developed for RNA viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, influenza, Zika, and dengue. Additionally, we assess the role of artificial intelligence in predicting viral mutations and enhancing vaccine design. The case studies underscore the successful application of RNA-based vaccines, particularly in the fight against COVID-19, which has saved millions of lives. Current clinical trials for influenza, Zika, and dengue vaccines continue to show promise, highlighting the growing efficacy and adaptability of these platforms. Furthermore, artificial intelligence is driving improvements in vaccine candidate optimization and providing predictive models for viral evolution, enhancing our ability to respond to future outbreaks. Advances in vaccine technology, such as the success of mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2, highlight the potential of nucleic acid platforms in combating RNA viruses. Ongoing trials for influenza, Zika, and dengue demonstrate platform adaptability, while artificial intelligence enhances vaccine design by predicting viral mutations. Integrating these innovations with the One Health approach, which unites human, animal, and environmental health, is essential for strengthening global preparedness against future RNA virus threats. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Experimental Methods in Rational Vaccine Design)
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46 pages, 3754 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances in the Development of Mincle-Targeting Vaccine Adjuvants
by Anya F. Weth, Emma M. Dangerfield, Mattie S. M. Timmer and Bridget L. Stocker
Vaccines 2024, 12(12), 1320; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12121320 - 26 Nov 2024
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Abstract
The Macrophage-inducible C-type lectin (Mincle) is a pattern-recognition receptor (PRR), which has shown much promise as a molecular target for the development of TH1/TH17-skewing vaccine adjuvants. In 2009, the first non-proteinaceous Mincle ligands, trehalose dimycolate (TDM) and trehalose dibehenate [...] Read more.
The Macrophage-inducible C-type lectin (Mincle) is a pattern-recognition receptor (PRR), which has shown much promise as a molecular target for the development of TH1/TH17-skewing vaccine adjuvants. In 2009, the first non-proteinaceous Mincle ligands, trehalose dimycolate (TDM) and trehalose dibehenate (TDB), were identified. This prompted a search for other Mincle agonists and the exploration of Mincle agonists as vaccine adjuvants for both preventative and therapeutic (anti-cancer) vaccines. In this review, we discuss those classes of Mincle agonists that have been explored for their adjuvant potential. These Mincle agonists have been used as stand-alone adjuvants or in combination with other pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) or immunomodulatory agents. We will also highlight recently identified Mincle ligands with hitherto unknown adjuvanticity. Conjugate vaccines that contain covalently linked adjuvants and/or adjuvant–antigen combinations are also presented, as well as the different formulations (e.g., oil-in-water emulsions, liposomes, and particulate delivery systems) that have been used for the codelivery of antigens and adjuvants. Insofar the reader is presented with a thorough review of the potential of Mincle-mediated vaccine adjuvants, including historical context, present-day research and clinical trials, and outstanding research questions, such as the role of ligand presentation and Mincle clustering, which, if better understood, will aid in the development of the much-needed TH1/TH17-skewing vaccine adjuvants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Experimental Methods in Rational Vaccine Design)
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