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Pneumococcal Vaccines
D E Briles1, J C Paton2, R Mukerji1
1Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.
Microbiology Spectrum
|December 21, 2019
Summary
Pneumococcal vaccines protect against Streptococcus pneumoniae infections. Alternative strategies, like protein-based vaccines, are needed due to serotype replacement limiting current vaccine effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) is a major global cause of bacterial pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis, particularly in children.
- Current polysaccharide conjugate vaccines effectively reduce invasive pneumococcal disease but face challenges from serotype replacement.
- The existence of over 98 pneumococcal serotypes makes expanding current vaccines costly and complex.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review past and present pneumococcal vaccines.
- To discuss current protein antigen vaccine candidates.
- To explore alternative strategies for combating pneumococcal disease.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of pneumococcal vaccines.
- Discussion of protein antigens as vaccine candidates.
- Exploration of alternative vaccine approaches.
Main Results:
- Polysaccharide conjugate vaccines have reduced disease but serotype replacement is an emerging issue.
- Protein antigens offer a potential serotype-independent vaccination strategy.
- Whole cell vaccines are also being considered as an alternative.
Conclusions:
- Serotype replacement necessitates the development of novel, broadly protective pneumococcal vaccines.
- Protein-based and whole cell vaccines represent promising avenues for future pneumococcal disease prevention.
- Continued research into serotype-independent strategies is crucial for global pneumococcal disease control.
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