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A Comprehensive Review of the Protein Subunit Vaccines Against COVID-19
Mohsen Heidary1, Vahab Hassan Kaviar2, Maryam Shirani3
1Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran.
Abstract:
Two years after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), in December 2019, the first infections were identified in Wuhan city of China. SARS-CoV-2 infection caused a global pandemic and accordingly, 5.41 million deaths worldwide. Hence, developing a safe and efficient vaccine for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) seems to be an urgent need. Attempts to produce efficient vaccines inexhaustibly are ongoing. At present time, according to the COVID-19 vaccine tracker and landscape provided by World Health Organization (WHO), there are 161 vaccine candidates in different clinical phases all over the world. In between, protein subunit vaccines are types of vaccines that contain a viral protein like spike protein or its segment as the antigen assumed to elicit humoral and cellular immunity and good protective effects. Previously, this technology of vaccine manufacturing was used in a recombinant influenza vaccine (RIV4). In the present work, we review protein subunit vaccines passing their phase 3 and 4 clinical trials, population participated in these trials, vaccines manufactures, vaccines efficiency and their side effects, and other features of these vaccines.
Insights
Protein subunit vaccines, utilizing viral proteins like spike protein, are crucial for combating the COVID-19 pandemic. This review examines their efficacy, safety, and trial data for effective vaccine development.
Area of Science:
- Immunology and Virology
- Vaccinology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, originating in December 2019, has caused over 5.41 million global deaths.
- The urgent need for safe and effective vaccines against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) drives ongoing research and development.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) reports 161 vaccine candidates in various clinical trial phases globally.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review protein subunit vaccines that have advanced to Phase 3 and 4 clinical trials.
- To analyze the populations involved, manufacturers, efficacy, and side effects of these vaccines.
- To provide a comprehensive overview of protein subunit vaccine characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical trial data for protein subunit vaccines.
- Analysis of vaccine manufacturers and their product pipelines.
- Evaluation of vaccine efficacy, safety profiles, and population participation.
Main Results:
- Protein subunit vaccines contain viral proteins (e.g., spike protein) to stimulate immune responses.
- This technology has a precedent in vaccines like the recombinant influenza vaccine (RIV4).
- Data on efficacy, safety, and trial demographics for advanced protein subunit vaccines are compiled.
Conclusions:
- Protein subunit vaccines represent a promising strategy for COVID-19 prevention.
- Further analysis of clinical trial outcomes is essential for vaccine selection and deployment.
- Understanding vaccine performance across diverse populations is critical for global health equity.
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