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Respiratory syncytial virus vaccine development

Larry J Anderson1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States. larry.anderson@emory.edu

Seminars in Immunology
|June 20, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Developing a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine remains challenging after 50 years. Advances in understanding the virus and immune responses offer hope for a safe and effective RSV vaccine for various populations.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Immunology
  • Vaccinology

Background:

  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a significant respiratory pathogen in young children, prompting early vaccine development efforts.
  • Despite over 50 years of research, no RSV vaccine has been successfully licensed, with early attempts like formalin-inactivated RSV (FI-RSV) showing adverse effects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the challenges and advances in developing a safe and effective RSV vaccine.
  • To identify key target populations for RSV vaccination and discuss specific developmental issues for each.
  • To explore various vaccine candidates and the need for human studies to advance licensure.

Main Methods:

  • Review of historical RSV vaccine development, including the FI-RSV trial.
  • Analysis of current understanding of RSV, host immune responses, and disease pathogenesis.
  • Evaluation of diverse vaccine platforms (live attenuated, virus-like particles) and target populations (infants, pregnant women, elderly).

Main Results:

  • Significant challenges persist in RSV vaccine development, highlighted by the failure of early candidates.
  • Progress in understanding RSV biology and immunology provides a foundation for new vaccine strategies.
  • Multiple vaccine candidates targeting distinct populations are under investigation, but human trials are crucial.

Conclusions:

  • A safe and effective RSV vaccine is achievable with focused effort and a better understanding of the virus and immune responses.
  • Developing vaccines for diverse populations (infants, pregnant women, elderly) requires tailored approaches.
  • Collaboration among research institutions, government agencies, and industry is essential for efficient RSV vaccine development and licensure.

Keywords:
Respiratory syncytial virusVaccines

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