Advancing peptide-based vaccines against viral pathogens: a narrative review

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Vaccinology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Peptide-based vaccines present advantages in safety, targeting, and manufacturing over conventional platforms.
• However, low immunogenicity and enzymatic degradation limit their clinical application.
• Challenges include structural instability and short in vivo half-lives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review innovative strategies for enhancing peptide vaccine efficacy.
• To explore advances in rational vaccine design and epitope selection.
• To analyze novel drug delivery systems and next-generation adjuvants.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review synthesizing findings from PubMed and Google Scholar.
• Analysis of preclinical and clinical studies on peptide vaccine development.
• Examination of bioinformatics, computational tools, nanoparticle carriers, and adjuvants.

Main Results:

• Bioinformatics and computational tools enable precise epitope selection and multi-epitope construct design.
• Nanoparticle drug delivery systems enhance antigen presentation and protect peptide payloads.
• Novel adjuvants promote robust and durable cellular and humoral immunity.

Conclusions:

• Advanced strategies are overcoming key limitations of peptide vaccines, improving immunogenicity and stability.
• Precision vaccines show significant potential in combating viral pathogens.
• Continued research in design, delivery, and adjuvants is crucial for future vaccine development.