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Updated: May 24, 2025
Expression and Purification of Virus-like Particles for Vaccination
Published on: June 2, 2016
From protein to immunology: comprehensive insights into Marburg virus vaccines, mechanism, and application
Mohamed J Saadh1, Faris Anad Muhammad2, Rafid Jihad Albadr3
1Faculty of Pharmacy, Middle East University, Amman, 11831, Jordan.
Abstract:
The Marburg virus (MARV), a member of the Filoviridae family, is a highly lethal pathogen that causes Marburg virus disease (MVD), a severe hemorrhagic fever with high fatality rates.Despite recurrent outbreaks, no licensed vaccine is currently available. This review explores MARV's genomic architecture, structural proteins, and recent advancements in vaccine development. It highlights the crucial role of MARV's seven monocistronic genes in viral replication and pathogenesis, with a focus on structural proteins such as nucleoprotein (NP), glycoprotein (GP), and viral proteins VP35, VP40, and VP24. These proteins are essential for viral entry, immune evasion, and replication. The review further examines various vaccine platforms, including multi-epitope vaccines, DNA-based vaccines, viral vector vaccines, virus-like particles (VLPs), and mRNA vaccines. Cutting-edge immunoinformatics approaches are discussed for identifying conserved epitopes critical for broad-spectrum protection. The immunological responses induced by these vaccine candidates, particularly their efficacy in preclinical trials, are analyzed, showcasing promising results in generating both humoral and cellular immunity. Moreover, the review addresses challenges and future directions in MARV vaccine development, emphasizing the need for enhanced immunogenicity, safety, and global accessibility. The integration of omics technologies (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics) with immunoinformatics is presented as a transformative approach for next-generation vaccine design. Innovative platforms such as mRNA and VLP-based vaccines offer rapid and effective development opportunities. In this study, underscores the urgent need for a licensed MARV vaccine to prevent future outbreaks and strengthen global preparedness. By synthesizing the latest research and technological advancements, it provides a strategic roadmap for developing safe, effective, and broadly protective vaccines. The fight against MARV is a global priority, requiring coordinated efforts from researchers, policymakers, and public health organizations.
Insights
No licensed vaccine exists for Marburg virus disease (MVD), a lethal hemorrhagic fever. This review details Marburg virus (MARV) structure, vaccine platforms, and immunoinformatics for developing effective MVD vaccines.
Area of Science:
- Virology and Immunology
- Vaccine Development
- Bioinformatics
Background:
- Marburg virus (MARV) causes Marburg virus disease (MVD), a severe hemorrhagic fever with high fatality rates.
- Despite recurrent outbreaks, no licensed vaccine is currently available for MVD.
- MARV's genomic structure and key proteins (NP, GP, VP35, VP40, VP24) are critical for viral replication and pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review MARV's genomic architecture, structural proteins, and recent advancements in vaccine development.
- To explore various vaccine platforms and immunoinformatics approaches for MVD vaccine design.
- To identify challenges and future directions for developing safe, effective, and globally accessible MARV vaccines.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of MARV's genomic and protein structures.
- Review of diverse vaccine platforms: multi-epitope, DNA-based, viral vector, virus-like particles (VLPs), and mRNA vaccines.
- Application of immunoinformatics for identifying conserved epitopes and assessment of preclinical trial data on immunological responses.
Main Results:
- MARV structural proteins are crucial for viral entry, immune evasion, and replication.
- Promising preclinical results from vaccine candidates, including mRNA and VLP platforms, demonstrate induction of humoral and cellular immunity.
- Immunoinformatics and omics technologies offer a strategic roadmap for next-generation MARV vaccine design.
Conclusions:
- There is an urgent need for a licensed MARV vaccine to prevent future outbreaks and enhance global preparedness.
- Advanced platforms like mRNA and VLPs show potential for rapid and effective vaccine development.
- Coordinated global efforts are essential for developing and deploying safe, effective, and broadly protective MARV vaccines.
