Next-Generation Vaccines for Co-Circulating PEDV and TGEV: Integrating Nucleic Acid Platforms, Mucosal Delivery, and...

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) and transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) are causative agents of acute enteric diseases in pigs and have a high contagion potential. These coronaviruses (CoVs) impose substantial economic losses on global pork production, particularly affecting lactating piglets where coinfections occur. Although traditional vaccines offer partial protection, their efficacy is increasingly challenged by the continuous emergence of mutated strains of PEDV and TGEV. This underscores the demand for novel vaccines with improved protective efficacy and cost-effectiveness. Emerging vaccine technologies, such as nucleic acid vaccines, genetically engineered subunit vaccines, and live vector vaccines, have received widespread attention because of their advantages in terms of safety, stability, targeted delivery, economy, and ease of use. This review summarizes recent advances in PEDV and TGEV vaccine development, highlighting both their potential and limitations. More importantly, we prospect novel techniques that may supplement the status gaps and lead to breakthroughs in blocking the transmission of these CoVs. Notable research priorities encompass mucosal immunity mechanisms, vertical transmission prevention strategies, and computational immunogen design leveraging artificial intelligence (AI). Overall, a deeper understanding of the pathogens coupled with technological advances is expected to accelerate the control of and effective response to pathogenic CoVs, thereby safeguarding the stability of animal husbandry.