[Prophylactic vaccines for hepatitis type E]

Area of Science:

• Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) research
• Vaccine development
• Virology

Context:

• Hepatitis E is an emerging global health issue with significant mortality in specific populations.
• Traditional vaccine development (inactivated/attenuated) is hindered by challenges in HEV cell culture.
• Recombinant vaccine strategies are being explored as a viable alternative.

Purpose:

• To review the progress and challenges in developing vaccines against Hepatitis E virus (HEV).
• To highlight the potential of recombinant vaccines based on the HEV capsid protein (pORF2).

Summary:

• HEV infection poses a substantial global burden, particularly affecting pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with liver disease.
• The HEV capsid protein (pORF2) contains key neutralization sites, making it a target for vaccine design.
• Recombinant pORF2-based vaccines have shown efficacy in primate models, with some candidates demonstrating good tolerability and effectiveness in humans.

Impact:

• Successful development of HEV vaccines can significantly reduce disease burden and mortality.
• The approval of Hecolin® in China marks a milestone in public health, offering protection against Hepatitis E.
• Further research into recombinant HEV vaccines could lead to broader global accessibility and control of the virus.