Research Progress Towards Poliovirus Virus-like Particle Vaccines: A Review

Poliovirus (PV), a historically significant enterovirus responsible for severe paralytic diseases, has seen its incidence dramatically reduced through widespread vaccination efforts, propelling global eradication initiatives. Despite the success of traditional oral poliovirus vaccines (OPVs) and inactivated poliovirus vaccines (IPVs), challenges such as vaccine-derived virus reversion and biosafety concerns during vaccine production persist. Virus-like particle (VLP) vaccines, which mimic native viral structures without containing viral genomes, offer enhanced safety profiles and robust immunogenicity, positioning them as promising candidates for next-generation poliovirus vaccines, especially in the post-certification era. This review systematically summarizes current progress in poliovirus VLP vaccine research, including the diverse expression systems employed for VLP production, strategies for peptide assembly and stabilization, and evaluations of antigenicity and immunogenicity. Additionally, it highlights structural analyses utilizing cutting-edge cryo-electron microscopy. By integrating recent developments in genetic engineering, structural biology, and immunology, this article discusses the advantages and challenges associated with poliovirus VLP vaccines and explores future directions aimed at supporting the global goal of a poliovirus-free world. This comprehensive overview aims to provide a theoretical foundation and technical guidance to facilitate the development and deployment of safer and more effective poliovirus vaccines.