Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026
07:44
Fabrication of Pulsatile Polymeric Microparticles Encapsulating Rabies Antigen
Published on: May 12, 2023
Future of polio vaccines
Ellie Ehrenfeld1, John Modlin, Konstantin Chumakov
1National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. eehrenfeld@niaid.nih.gov
Expert Review of Vaccines
|June 24, 2009
Summary
Maintaining high population immunity is crucial for global polio eradication. New, improved inactivated poliovirus vaccines (IPV) are needed for widespread use, ideally in combination with other childhood immunizations.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
- Public Health
Background:
- Global vaccination efforts have nearly eradicated poliomyelitis.
- Sustained high population immunity is essential for maintaining a polio-free world.
- Existing oral poliovirus vaccines (OPV) pose challenges for future eradication strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the need for novel poliovirus vaccines.
- To identify optimal characteristics for future poliovirus vaccines.
- To recommend strategies for global polio prevention.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on poliovirus vaccines and eradication efforts.
- Analysis of risk-benefit-cost factors for different vaccine types.
- Assessment of practical considerations for vaccine development and implementation.
Main Results:
- Genetically stable attenuated strains for oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) present significant development and trial challenges.
- Novel inactivated poliovirus vaccines (IPV) offer a more practical path forward.
- Future vaccines should be efficacious, cost-effective, safe to manufacture, and easy to administer.
Conclusions:
- Development of novel inactivated poliovirus vaccines (IPV) is recommended for global use.
- Combination vaccines including IPV should be integrated into routine childhood immunization schedules.
- Continued high population immunity is vital for securing a polio-free future.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Poliomyelitis
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...
01:51Vaccinations
Overview
01:21Vaccines
Vaccines are among the most effective tools in preventive medicine, designed to prepare the immune system to recognize and combat infectious agents. By introducing antigens—substances that the immune system identifies as foreign—vaccines stimulate an adaptive immune response that leads to immunological memory. This immunological memory enables the body to mount a faster and more effective response upon future exposures to the actual pathogen.Vaccines can be categorized based on the type of...
01:23Vaccine 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...
01:29Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics
Microorganisms play a fundamental role in vaccine development, gene therapy, and therapeutic production. Their biological properties are harnessed to advance medicine and public health. Beyond immunization, microorganisms contribute to gut health, antibiotic synthesis, and genetic disease treatment.Live Attenuated and Inactivated VaccinesLive attenuated vaccines, such as the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, utilize weakened forms of pathogens to closely resemble natural infections.
01:24Smallpox
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.