Microbial Antigen Identification and Vaccine Delivery Systems

Dear Colleagues,

Vaccine efficacy and immunogenicity depend on the host, pathogen, and pathogenesis of the disease. The optimization of vaccine efficacy is therefore a requirement of many vaccines, including approved ones.

Key aspects of vaccine design and development involve the identification of the foremost immunogenic determinants of a pathogen and the choice of the best delivery system. Different vaccine delivery systems, using the same antigen, can induce variable outcomes. Therefore, the selection and evaluation of the ideal delivery system is paramount for the success of a vaccine. Recent advances in the identification of the foremost immunogenic determinants have been achieved, with impressive developments, as is the case of immunopeptidomics.

A wide range of delivery systems have been developed so far, from variolation in ancient China dating back to the 15th century to the most advanced viral vectors and RNA vaccines currently used for the development of COVID-19 vaccines in the 21st century.

In this Special Issue, we invite articles focused on innovative methods for immunogenic determinants identification from microbial pathogens and the optimization of microbial delivery systems to improve vaccine efficacy and immunogenicity. We welcome all types of manuscripts accepted in the journal, with a special focus in immunogenic determinant identification, irrespective of their biochemical nature and antigen presentation. Given that the efficacy of a vaccine antigen depends greatly on the delivery method, this Special Issue will also focus on improving microbial-based delivery systems.

Prof. Jorge H. Leitão
Dr. Paulo Bettencourt
Guest Editors

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