Vaccine Development for Varicella-Zoster Virus
Tomohiko Sadaoka1, Yasuko Mori2
1Division of Clinical Virology, Center for Infectious Diseases, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan. tomsada@crystal.kobe-u.ac.jp.
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|June 14, 2018
Summary
The live attenuated varicella-zoster virus (VZV) vaccine, vOka, is safe and effective but has not achieved global herd immunity. New research into VZV biology and attenuation mechanisms may lead to improved eradication strategies.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is a human herpesvirus with a licensed live attenuated vaccine, vOka.
- While vOka is safe and effective, global herd immunity and VZV eradication remain unachieved.
- Concerns regarding vOka's ill-defined attenuation mechanism hinder widespread acceptance and herd immunity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular mechanisms of VZV attenuation.
- To explore VZV biology using advanced scientific technologies.
- To propose improved VZV eradication strategies.
Main Methods:
- Application of advanced scientific technologies in VZV research.
- Molecular-level investigation of VZV biology.
- Virological and immunological research for vaccine design.
Main Results:
- Advances in technology have elucidated the mechanism of vOka attenuation.
- Deeper understanding of VZV biology at the molecular level has been achieved.
- A rationally designed subunit vaccine targeting a VZV glycoprotein shows potential.
Conclusions:
- Understanding vOka's attenuation mechanism is crucial for addressing concerns and improving vaccine acceptance.
- New insights into VZV biology support the development of novel VZV vaccines.
- A subunit vaccine, in combination with vOka, could enhance VZV eradication strategies.
Related Concept Videos
01:51Vaccinations
51.8K
Overview
51.8K
00:50What are Viruses?
128.3K
Overview
128.3K
01:30Cancer Vaccines
1.1K
Cancer treatment vaccines are a rapidly evolving field that offers a promising approach to immunotherapy. Unlike traditional vaccines that prevent diseases, cancer treatment vaccines are designed to treat existing cancers by stimulating the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...
1.1K
01:43Sustainable Development
15.2K
As the human population continues to grow and use resources, we must be mindful of our planet’s natural limits. Sustainable development provides a pathway to maintain and improve human life now while also ensuring that future generations will have the resources that they need. The long-term success of sustainability efforts rests on understanding the interplay between human actions and ecological systems.
15.2K
01:28Introduction to Virus
1.7K
Viruses are unique biological entities that blur the boundary between living and non-living systems. Although they lack cellular structure and metabolic processes, they can exhibit characteristics of life when infecting a host. Their defining feature is a nucleic acid core, composed of either DNA or RNA, encapsulated within a protein coat called a capsid. This simple structure allows them to invade host cells and use their machinery for replication efficiently.Viral Structure and...
1.7K
01:29Viruses of Archaea
520
Archaeal viruses play a crucial role in the ecosystems of extremophilic archaea, particularly those belonging to the phyla Euryarchaeota and Crenarchaeota. By shaping host evolution and facilitating gene transfer, these viruses influence microbial communities and contribute to genetic diversity in extreme environments. The archaea they infect thrive in acidic hot springs and hydrothermal vents characterized by high temperatures and low pH. Archaeal viruses exhibit remarkable structural...
520