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Implications of viral transmitted/founder (T/F) dynamics on vaccine development
1Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics
|December 30, 2020
Summary
Transmitted/founder (T/F) viruses initiate infections and may have unique traits enhancing transmission. Targeting these T/F signatures is crucial for developing effective vaccines against viruses like HIV and coronaviruses.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Viral infections originate from a small number of transmitted/founder (T/F) virions.
- T/F variants may possess distinct phenotypes that enhance transmissibility.
- Antigenically variable viruses like HIV and coronaviruses pose significant public health challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and explore the transmitted/founder (T/F) virus phenomenon.
- To discuss T/F viruses in both classical (HIV) and non-canonical (coronaviruses) contexts.
- To relate T/F virus characteristics to rational and preemptive vaccine design strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review and commentary on existing scientific literature regarding viral transmission.
- Analysis of factors influencing transmissibility, including intrinsic virological features and extrinsic population structures.
- Case studies examining T/F phenomena in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and coronaviruses.
Main Results:
- Transmissibility is influenced by both viral intrinsic properties and extrinsic factors like population structure.
- Resolving specific T/F signatures for targeted vaccine or antiviral development is complex.
- The failure to develop vaccines for viruses like HIV and the risk of zoonotic spillover highlight the need for T/F-targeting vaccines.
Conclusions:
- Understanding T/F virus characteristics is essential for combating viral infections.
- Developing vaccines that target T/F viruses is a critical strategy for preventing infections and pandemics.
- Further research into T/F phenomena can inform the design of more effective vaccines and antivirals.
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