Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 5, 2026

Development of an IFN-γ ELISpot Assay to Assess Varicella-Zoster Virus-specific Cell-mediated Immunity Following Umbilical Cord Blood Transplantation
08:04

Development of an IFN-γ ELISpot Assay to Assess Varicella-Zoster Virus-specific Cell-mediated Immunity Following Umbilical Cord Blood Transplantation

Published on: July 9, 2014

Development of varicella vaccine

Michiaki Takahashi1, Yoshizo Asano, Hitoshi Kamiya

  • 1Department of Virology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan. mtakahashi@mail.biken.or.jp

The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|May 3, 2008
PubMed

Insights

The Oka strain of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) was developed into a safe and effective vaccine. This VZV vaccine significantly reduced herpes zoster (HZ) incidence in vaccinated children, including those with leukemia.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Immunology
  • Vaccinology

Background:

  • Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) causes chickenpox and shingles.
  • Developing an effective VZV vaccine is crucial for public health.
  • Previous VZV vaccine candidates faced challenges in replication and efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a passaged Oka strain VZV as a vaccine.
  • To assess the vaccine's impact on herpes zoster (HZ) incidence in vaccinated children.

Main Methods:

  • The Oka strain of VZV was passaged in human embryonic lung fibroblasts and guinea pig embryo fibroblasts (GPEFs).
  • The passaged virus exhibited temperature sensitivity and host dependency, replicating better in GPEFs.
  • The passaged VZV was administered as a vaccine to healthy and immunocompromised children.

Main Results:

  • The VZV vaccine proved safe and effective in both healthy and immunocompromised children.
  • Vaccinated children with acute lymphocytic leukemia showed a significantly lower incidence of HZ.
  • Children without a post-vaccination rash had a markedly reduced risk of developing HZ.

Conclusions:

  • The passaged Oka strain VZV vaccine is a safe and effective prophylactic measure against VZV infection.
  • Vaccination with this VZV strain is predicted to lower the incidence of VZV latency and subsequent HZ.
  • The VZV vaccine offers a promising strategy for reducing the burden of chickenpox and shingles.

More Related Videos

Expression and Purification of Virus-like Particles for Vaccination06:17

Expression and Purification of Virus-like Particles for Vaccination

Published on: June 2, 2016

Utilizing the Antigen Capsid-Incorporation Strategy for the Development of Adenovirus Serotype 5-Vectored Vaccine Approaches13:36

Utilizing the Antigen Capsid-Incorporation Strategy for the Development of Adenovirus Serotype 5-Vectored Vaccine Approaches

Published on: May 6, 2015

Related Concept Videos

Chickenpox01:20

Chickenpox

Chickenpox is an acute, highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), a double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the Herpesviridae family. Its transmission occurs primarily through the inhalation of respiratory droplets or direct contact with vesicular fluid from skin lesions. The incubation period typically ranges from 10 to 21 days, during which the virus replicates and disseminates through sequential phases within the host. Although generally self-limiting in children,...
Vaccine Production01:23

Vaccine Production

Vaccine production involves a sequence of upstream and downstream processes to generate a safe and effective immunological product. It begins with cultivating microorganisms, such as viruses or bacteria, to obtain antigenic material. For viral vaccines, mammalian host cells are grown in bioreactors and subsequently infected with the target virus. The virus replicates within the host cells, which are lysed to release viral particles. This lysate is then clarified through filtration or...
Smallpox01:24

Smallpox

Smallpox is a severe contagious disease caused by the Variola major virus, a double-stranded DNA member of the Poxviridae family.Variola major transmission occurs primarily via inhalation of virus-laden droplets or direct contact with infectious scabs. The incubation period averages approximately seven days, although it may range from 7 to 17 days depending on the inoculum and host factors.Clinically, the prodromal phase is marked by an abrupt onset of high fever, malaise, headache, and myalgia.
Development of Immunocompetence01:22

Development of Immunocompetence

The initiation of cell-mediated immunity can be observed as early as the third month of fetal growth, with active antibody-mediated immunity following approximately one month later.
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
Vaccinations01:51

Vaccinations

Overview
Poliomyelitis01:17

Poliomyelitis

Poliomyelitis is caused by poliovirus, a small, non-enveloped, positive-sense RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family and Enterovirus genus. Transmission occurs primarily via the fecal-oral route, often through ingestion of contaminated water or food. The virus initially replicates in the oropharynx and intestinal mucosa, particularly in lymphoid tissues such as the tonsils, Peyer’s patches, and regional lymph nodes. Primary viremia follows, allowing dissemination throughout the body.In most...