Biotechnological approach to a new foot-and-mouth disease virus vaccine

Major contributions towards the development of an absolutely safe FMDV vaccine are evident. With the identification of VP1 as the immunogenic protein, it is possible to manufacture a subunit vaccine via biotechnology. DNA sequences encoding the VP1 protein can be introduced into a bacterium with ease; under the appropriate conditions, large amounts of VP1 can be produced in a short time. The accumulation of amino acid sequences generated by recombinant DNA techniques allows identification of antigenic domains, which are the basis of variability among serotype and subtype viruses. As a result, vaccine production by chemical synthesis of short peptides corresponding to the antigenic determinants is greatly facilitated. At present, results from experimental vaccines employing genetically engineered or chemically synthesized VP1 antigens against homologous virus infection are encouraging. The current approach of preparing vaccine is to utilize the antigenic specificity of the virus. Since FMDV undergoes antigenic drift, variants not neutralized by type-specific serum will arise. An alternative approach is to prepare vaccines based on antigenic sites shared among all serotype and subtype viruses.