Tick-borne Encephalitis Vaccines

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Epidemiology
• Vaccinology

Background:

• Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) incidence and range are increasing globally.
• TBE is caused by three distinct TBE virus (TBEV) subtypes: Far-eastern, Siberian, and European.
• The severity of TBEV infection varies by subtype.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current status of licensed TBE vaccines.
• To summarize emerging vaccine technologies for TBEV.

Main Methods:

• Review of published studies on TBE vaccines.
• Analysis of vaccine efficacy and cross-protection data.
• Summary of ongoing vaccine development.

Main Results:

• Four licensed TBE vaccines exist (two European, two Russian), all formalin-inactivated.
• European TBE vaccines show cross-protective effects in animal models and humans.
• Rapid vaccination schedules are possible, with significant protection after one dose and long-lasting immunity after two.

Conclusions:

• Licensed TBE vaccines provide effective protection against the disease.
• European vaccines offer cross-protection and can be administered rapidly during outbreaks.
• New vaccine technologies are under development to combat TBEV.