Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026

Enrichment of Native and Recombinant Extracellular Vesicles of Mycobacteria
Published on: December 8, 2023
Genome-based bacterial vaccines: current state and future outlook.
Alexandra Schubert-Unkmeir1, Myron Christodoulides
1Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Wuerzburg, Josef-Schneider-Straße 2, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany, aunkmeir@hygiene.uni-wuerzburg.de.
Genome-based reverse vaccinology (RV) identifies vaccine candidates from pathogen genomes using bioinformatics. This strategy, exemplified by Bexsero, is advancing new vaccines against bacterial and eukaryotic pathogens.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Vaccinology
- Bioinformatics
Background:
- Genome-based reverse vaccinology (RV) utilizes in silico analysis of whole genome sequences to identify potential vaccine antigens.
- The first RV-developed vaccine, Bexsero®, targets Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B.
- RV is expanding to combat emerging bacterial diseases and eukaryotic pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current status of genome-based RV-engineered vaccines.
- To explore future applications of RV in vaccinology.
- To highlight emerging structure-based vaccinology approaches.
Main Methods:
- In silico analysis of whole genome sequences.
- Application of bioinformatic algorithms for antigen identification.
- Integration of structural biology data in structure-based vaccinology.
Main Results:
- Successful development of Bexsero® for Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B prevention.
- Ongoing RV application for novel vaccines against challenging bacterial infections.
- RV strategy extended to develop vaccines against helminths, protozoa, and ectoparasites.
Conclusions:
- Genome-based RV is a powerful platform for vaccine discovery and development.
- Continued advancements in sequencing and bioinformatics will enhance RV efficacy.
- Empirical validation remains crucial for selecting optimal antigen combinations for effective vaccines.
More Related Videos
08:07A "Plug-And-Display" Nanoparticle Vaccine Platform Based on Outer Membrane Vesicles Displaying SARS-CoV-2 Receptor-Binding Domain
Published on: July 25, 2022
08:27Synthesis and Characterization of mRNA-Loaded Poly(Beta Aminoesters) Nanoparticles for Vaccination Purposes
Published on: August 13, 2021
Related Concept Videos
Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics
Bacterial Transformation
Griffith made an unexpected discovery when he killed the pathogenic strain and mixed its remains with the live, non-pathogenic strain. Not only did the mixture kill host mice, but it also contained living pathogenic bacteria that...
Bacterial Transformation
Griffith made an unexpected discovery when he killed the pathogenic strain and mixed its remains with the live, non-pathogenic strain. Not only did the mixture kill host mice, but it also contained living pathogenic bacteria that...
Vaccines
Genomic DNA in Prokaryotes
Genomic Diversity in Bacteria
Although bacterial genomes are much...
The Central Dogma
RNA is the Missing Link Between DNA and Proteins
In the early 1900s, scientists discovered that DNA stores all the information needed for cellular functions and that proteins perform most of these functions. However, the mechanisms of converting genetic information into functional proteins remained unknown for many years. Initially, it was believed that a single gene is...