SARS-CoV-2 has been marked as a highly pathogenic coronavirus of COVID-19 disease into the human population,causing over 5.5 million confirmed cases worldwide.As COVID-19 has posed a global threat with significant hum...SARS-CoV-2 has been marked as a highly pathogenic coronavirus of COVID-19 disease into the human population,causing over 5.5 million confirmed cases worldwide.As COVID-19 has posed a global threat with significant human casualties and severe economic losses,there is a pressing demand to further understand the current situation and develop rational strategies to contain the drastic spread of the virus.Although there are no specific antiviral therapies that have proven effective in randomized clinical trials,currently,the rapid detection technology along with several promising therapeutics for COVID-19 have mitigated its drastic transmission.Besides,global institutions and corporations have commenced to parse out effective vaccines for the prevention of COVID-19.Herein,the present review will give exhaustive details of extensive researches concerning the drug discovery and therapeutic options for COVID-19 as well as some insightful discussions of the status of COVID-19.展开更多
The pandemic caused by the worldwide spread of the coronavirus,which first appeared in 2019,has been named coronavirus disease 19(COVID-19).More than 4.5 million deaths have been recorded due to the pandemic caused by...The pandemic caused by the worldwide spread of the coronavirus,which first appeared in 2019,has been named coronavirus disease 19(COVID-19).More than 4.5 million deaths have been recorded due to the pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2),according to the World Health Organization.COVID-19 Dashboard in September 2021.Apart from the wildtype,other variations have been successfully transmitted early in the outbreak although they were not discovered until March 2020.Modifications in the SARS-CoV-2 genetic material,such as mutation and recombination,have the ability to modify the viral life span,along with transitivity,cellular tropism,and symptom severity.Several processes are involved in introducing novel vaccines to the population,including vaccine manufacturing,preclinical studies,Food and Drug Administration permission or certification,processing,and marketing.COVID-19 vaccine candidates have been developed by a number of public and private groups employing a variety of strategies,such as RNA,DNA,protein,and viral vectored vaccines.This comprehensive review,which included the most subsequent evidence on unique features of SARS-CoV-2 and the associated morbidity and mortality,was carried out using a systematic search of recent online databases in order to generate useful knowledge about the COVID-19 updated versions and their consequences on the disease symptoms and vaccine development.展开更多
The technology behind vaccine development varies significantly from one vaccine to another depending on the time when the vaccine was first developed. Over the years, the vaccine innovation time has significantly shor...The technology behind vaccine development varies significantly from one vaccine to another depending on the time when the vaccine was first developed. Over the years, the vaccine innovation time has significantly shortened with the advancement of knowledge in the fields of molecular and cell biology, and discoveries in the field of biotechnology. The first vaccines created were tested in a kind of trial-and-error approach which sometimes had deadly side effects. These vaccines used either living, weakened, or completely dead pathogens. The use of whole pathogen vaccines was seen to be time consuming and unpredictable because even though it would cause an immune response, it could vary from person to person, and always had the risk of pathogens returning to virulence causing sometimes fatal outcomes. The next major technology used to create vaccines was subunit vaccines which utilize purified antigens inactivated through various methods. This technology is quite prevalent among the vaccines that are currently in circulation, making them quite effective, and free from fatal side effects. The viral vector vaccine technology has been around for a few decades and utilizes knowledge of molecular genetics to the greatest extent. It uses intermediate vectors to deliver genetic instructions to trigger an immune response within the subject body. The introduction of nucleic acid vaccines is the newest technology and has come to a great deal of attention during the SARS-CoV-2 immunization efforts. The technology primarily utilizes the delivery of genetic information using messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) to create characteristic pathogen-specific proteins that in turn generate an immune response in the recipients.展开更多
SARS-CoV-2 is a highly pathogenic novel ongoing-pandemic virus.It causes COVID-19.Little is known about SARS-CoV-2 biology,countermeasure,and its origin.SARS-CoV-2 is characterized by high infectiousness and sever pat...SARS-CoV-2 is a highly pathogenic novel ongoing-pandemic virus.It causes COVID-19.Little is known about SARS-CoV-2 biology,countermeasure,and its origin.SARS-CoV-2 is characterized by high infectiousness and sever pathogenesis.COVID-19 crosses the bounders of all continents in a high spreading manner.Here,several aspects regarding the origin and the molecular structure of this novel virus as well as the production of effective vaccines have been addressed.This article illustrated that SARS-CoV-2 was not being recombined inside laboratory and it has a complicated genome that led to sophisticated pathogenesis.Additionally,an important structural protein known as spike S was demonstrated by researchers as an important protein used by the virus for host cell entry as well as for vaccine development.However,the efforts for viral diagnosis and genomic demonstration as well as vaccine production are promising to tackle COVID-19.These perspectives will help in COVID-19 control.However,further investigations are urgently needed to figure out which controlling tactic is more efficient not only in the case of SARS-CoV-2 but also for future pandemics.展开更多
Dear Editor,Nipah virus(NiV)poses a significant threat to global health security due to its high fatality rate and the possibility of human-to-human transmission.1 This zoonotic virus can cause serious effect in both ...Dear Editor,Nipah virus(NiV)poses a significant threat to global health security due to its high fatality rate and the possibility of human-to-human transmission.1 This zoonotic virus can cause serious effect in both animals and humans.2 Although there are currently no approved vaccines or therapeutics for NiV,there have been promising advances in vaccine development in recent years,bringing us one step closer to curbing the impact of this deadly disease.展开更多
To the Editor,Dengue fever is an arboviral illness primarily transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and is caused by the dengue virus(DENV),a member of the Flaviviridae family.This infection has become widespread in ...To the Editor,Dengue fever is an arboviral illness primarily transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and is caused by the dengue virus(DENV),a member of the Flaviviridae family.This infection has become widespread in approximately 100 countries,placing nearly three billion individuals at risk of transmission[1,2].The disease manifests in various forms.展开更多
Influenza A(H5N1),particularly the clade 2.3.4.4b,caused a panzootic outbreak starting in 2022,resulting in 40 human infections from January 2022 to September 2024.Among these cases,15 have been confirmed to be of the...Influenza A(H5N1),particularly the clade 2.3.4.4b,caused a panzootic outbreak starting in 2022,resulting in 40 human infections from January 2022 to September 2024.Among these cases,15 have been confirmed to be of the clade 2.3.4.4b.Despite the availability of three FDA-approved A(H5N1)vaccines,these vaccines,based on earlier strains of other clades,have shown reduced hemagglutination inhibition(HAI)titers against clade 2.3.4.4b due to antigenic drift.1 In 2023,the EMAapproved a vaccine containing an A(H5N8)strain of clade 2.3.4.4b.However,a recent study reported a decrease in HAI titers of serum induced by this strain against recent 2.3.4.4b strains.1 These findings highlight the urgent need for developing an effective vaccine.展开更多
The key role and impact of nanotechnology in vaccine development became particularly prominent following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic in 2019.Especially in the process of designing an...The key role and impact of nanotechnology in vaccine development became particularly prominent following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic in 2019.Especially in the process of designing and optimising COVID-19 vaccines,the application of nanomaterials significantly accelerated vaccine development and efficient delivery.In this review,we categorised and evaluated conventional vaccines,including attenuated live vaccines,inactivated vaccines,and subunit vaccines,highlighting their advantages and limitations.We summarised the development history,mechanisms,and latest technologies of vaccine adjuvants,emphasising their critical role in immune responses.Furthermore,we focused on the application of nanotechnology in the vaccine field,detailing the characteristics of nanoparticle vaccines,including virus-like particles,lipid-based carriers,inorganic nanoparticles,and polymer-based carriers.We emphasised their potential advantages in enhancing vaccine stability and immunogenicity,as well as their ability to deliver vaccines and present antigens through various routes.Despite facing challenges such as low drug loading efficiency,issues with long-term storage,high costs,and difficulties in large-scale production,nano-vaccines hold promise for the future.This review underscores the pivotal role and prospects of nanotechnology in vaccine development,offering new pathways and strategies to address current and future disease challenges.展开更多
Biotherapy has recently become a hotspot research topic with encouraging prospects in various fields due to a wide range of treatments applications,as demonstrated in preclinical and clinical studies.However,the broad...Biotherapy has recently become a hotspot research topic with encouraging prospects in various fields due to a wide range of treatments applications,as demonstrated in preclinical and clinical studies.However,the broad applications of biotherapy have been limited by critical challenges,including the lack of safe and efficient de-livery systems and serious side effects.Due to the unique potentials of biomaterials,such as good biocompati-bility and bioactive properties,biomaterial-assisted biotherapy has been demonstrated to be an attractive strategy.The biomaterial-based delivery systems possess sufficient packaging capacity and versatile functions,enabling a sustained and localized release of drugs at the target sites.Furthermore,the biomaterials can provide a niche with specific extracellular conditions for the proliferation,differentiation,attachment,and migration of stem cells,leading to tissue regeneration.In this review,the state-of-the-art studies on the applications of bio-materials in biotherapy,including drug delivery,vaccine development,gene therapy,and stem cell therapy,have been summarized.The challenges and an outlook of biomaterial-assisted biotherapies have also been discussed.展开更多
To the Editor： Bird flu or avian flu, caused by H5N1 virus, is a new emerging infectious disease. It is noted that this H5N1 virus jumped the species barrier and caused severe disease with high mortality in humans in...To the Editor： Bird flu or avian flu, caused by H5N1 virus, is a new emerging infectious disease. It is noted that this H5N1 virus jumped the species barrier and caused severe disease with high mortality in humans in many countries. The continued westward dissemination of H5N1 influenza A viruses in avian populations and the nearly 50% mortality of humans infected with H5N1 are a source of great international concern.1 Providing sufficient antiviral drugs and development and approval of new vaccines are the keys for control of the possible emerging pandemic of this atypical influenza.1＇2 Based on the advance in bioinformatics, the immunomics becomes a new alternative in vaccine development.3 Advanced technologies for vaccine development, such as genome sequence analysis, microarray, proteomics approach, high-throughput cloning, bioinformatics database tools and computational vaccinology can be applied for vaccine development of several diseases including new emerging diseases.展开更多
Confronted with the Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic,China has become an asset in tackling the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)transmission and mutation,with several innovative pla...Confronted with the Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic,China has become an asset in tackling the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)transmission and mutation,with several innovative platforms,which provides various technical means in this persisting combat.Derived from collaborated researches,vaccines based on the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 or inactivated whole virus are a cornerstone of the public health response to COVID-19.Herein,we outline representative vaccines in multiple routes,while the merits and plights of the existing vaccine strategies are also summarized.Likewise,new technologies may provide more potent or broader immunity and will contribute to fight against hypermutated SARS-CoV-2 variants.All in all,with the ultimate aim of delivering robust and durable protection that is resilient to emerging infectious disease,alongside the traditional routes,the discovery of innovative approach to developing effective vaccines based on virus properties remains our top priority.展开更多
Tuberculosis(TB)remains a critical global health challenge,with 10.8 million new cases and over 1.25 million deaths reported annually,disproportionately affecting low-income regions.Despite its use,the Bacillus Calmet...Tuberculosis(TB)remains a critical global health challenge,with 10.8 million new cases and over 1.25 million deaths reported annually,disproportionately affecting low-income regions.Despite its use,the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin(BCG)vaccine provides limited protection against adult pulmonary TB,necessitating novel solutions.The messenger RNA(mRNA)vaccine technology,proven effective in combating coronavirus disease 2019,offers significant promise for TB prevention.These vaccines elicit robust immune responses by encoding antigens that stimulate humoral and cell-mediated immunity,essential for combating mycobacterium TB.Unlike traditional methods,mRNA vaccines are highly adaptable,scalable,and capable of targeting emerging strains.Preclinical studies highlight the enhanced efficacy of mRNA TB vaccines over BCG,demonstrating their ability to reduce bacterial burdens and generate memory T-cell responses critical for long-term protection.However,challenges persist,including mRNA instability,cold-chain storage needs,and mycobacterium’s complex immune evasion strategies.Innovative solutions,such as lipid nanoparticle delivery systems and selfamplifying mRNA platforms,are being developed to address these barriers.The initiation of clinical trials,notably BioNTech’s BNT164,marks a pivotal advancement in TB vaccine development.These trials focus on safety,immuno genicity,and efficacy,particularly in regions with high TB prevalence.While logistical and financial hurdles remain,mRNA vaccines hold transformative potential to bridge critical gaps in TB prevention.Their adaptability extends to tackling co-infections like human immunodeficiency virus,further amplifying their impact on global health.By integrating mRNA vaccines into existing TB control strategies,these advancements could revolutionize prevention efforts,especially in regions where current solutions fall short.Continued innovation and investment are crucial to harnessing the full potential of mRNA vaccines,positioning them as a cornerstone in the fight against TB and its global eradication.展开更多
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is a devastating blow to the entire world community and changes the order of human life. Purpose: All efforts and strategies are being carried out to contain and reduce the spread of ...Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is a devastating blow to the entire world community and changes the order of human life. Purpose: All efforts and strategies are being carried out to contain and reduce the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus by tightening the health protocol and using vaccines for the public. Currently, several vaccines are available and have passed phase 3 clinical trials, such as vector vaccines (Gamaleya Sputnik V Russia, University of Oxford/AstraZeneca, CanSino, and Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies), mRNA-based vaccines (Moderna/BioNTech/Fosun Pharma/Pfizer), inactivated vaccines (Sinovac and Sinopharm from China, Covaxin from Bharat Biotech India) and adjuvanted recombinant protein nanoparticles (Novavax from the USA), which are expected to be able to suppress the spread of the virus and produce a minimum of 70% herd immunity in a population. This study uses a narrative review from reputable publications and is closely related to the topic. Result: Each vaccine’s efficacy varies from the lowest, namely, the Sinovac vaccine (CoronaVac) 50%, to the highest the Novavax vaccine (NVX-Cov2373) 96% effectivity value. However, further rigorous research is still being carried out to develop an effective and efficient vaccine. Health workers are the last bastion to handle COVID-19 patients. Conclusion: The primary purpose of the present immunization is to prevent and minimize the spread of COVID-19. At this time, the availability of a variety of vaccines is expected to provide strategic answers to the pandemic scenario that has afflicted countries all over the world.展开更多
Since its discovery in the 1980s,the insect cell-baculovirus expression vector system(IC-BEVS)has been widely used in biomedical applications,such as recombinant protein expression,drug screening,vaccine development,g...Since its discovery in the 1980s,the insect cell-baculovirus expression vector system(IC-BEVS)has been widely used in biomedical applications,such as recombinant protein expression,drug screening,vaccine development,gene therapy and so on[1].As a eukaryotic system,IC-BEVS has great development prospects due to its advantages such as high safety,simple operation,simultaneous expression of multi-subunit proteins,and suitability for large-scale cultivation[2].展开更多
Yeast-based models have become a powerful platform in pharmaceutical research,offering significant potential for producing complex drugs,vaccines,and therapeutic agents.While many current drugs were discovered before ...Yeast-based models have become a powerful platform in pharmaceutical research,offering significant potential for producing complex drugs,vaccines,and therapeutic agents.While many current drugs were discovered before fully understanding their molecular mechanisms,yeast systems now provide valuable insights for drug discovery and personalized medicine.Recent advancements in genetic engineering,metabolic engineering,and synthetic biology have improved the efficiency and scalability of yeast-based production systems,enabling more sustainable and cost-effective manufacturing processes.This paper reviews the latest developments in yeast-based technologies,focusing on their use as model organisms to study disease mechanisms,identify drug targets,and develop novel therapies.We highlight key platforms such as the yeast two-hybrid system,surface display technologies,and optimized expression systems.Additionally,we explore the future integration of yeast engineering with artificial intelligence(AI),machine learning(ML),and advanced genome editing technologies like CRISPR/Cas9,which are expected to accelerate drug discovery and enable personalized therapies.Furthermore,yeast-based systems are increasingly employed in largescale drug production,vaccine development,and therapeutic protein expression,offering promising applications in clinical and industrial settings.This paper discusses the practical implications of these systems and their potential to revolutionize drug development,paving the way for safer,more effective therapies.展开更多
Chikungunya virus(CHIKV)infection in humans causing severe musculoskeletal pain,fever and rashes,is transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes,primarily Aedes(Ae.)aegypti and Ae.albopictus.CHIKV has resulted in 18...Chikungunya virus(CHIKV)infection in humans causing severe musculoskeletal pain,fever and rashes,is transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes,primarily Aedes(Ae.)aegypti and Ae.albopictus.CHIKV has resulted in 18.7 million cases worldwide till 2020 and after 2004 has spread to Europe,Middle East(Saudi Arabia,Pakistan,Yemen,Egypt,Oman,Iraq,Kuwait,and Iran)and Pacific regions.This rapid spread of CHIKV emphasizes the pivotal need of enforcing control measures and examining new diagnostic methods.As the mosquito vectors(Aedes)of CHIKV are evolving,vector control methods are losing its efficacy.Further,existing serological and molecular assays to detect CHIKV show variabilities in sensitivity and specificity,leading to mis-reporting or under-reporting of CHIKV cases in affected regions.In this review article,we start by discussing CHIKV infection,followed by an introduction to currently available control and detection methods.We further highlight the challenges these methods pose and how they can be conquered by employing various easy and sustainable strategies.This review may provide valuable information for the development of novel diagnostic strategies in resource limited settings for mitigating CHIKV disease.展开更多
Lassa fever(LF)is a serious acute viral hemorrhagic illness that is endemic to West Africa where it affects an estimated two million people and results in up to 10000 deaths each year.The disease is caused by the Lass...Lassa fever(LF)is a serious acute viral hemorrhagic illness that is endemic to West Africa where it affects an estimated two million people and results in up to 10000 deaths each year.The disease is caused by the Lassa virus(LASV),part of the Arenaviridae family,and is primarily transmitted through contact with urine or feces of infected Mastomys natalensis rodents.Human-to-human transmission,particularly in healthcare and community settings,further amplifies the risk of spread.Since its discovery in 1969,LF continues to be a neglected tropical disease with significant health impacts,especially in vulnerable populations such as pregnant females and those with weakened immune systems.The clinical spectrum of LF varies from mild,flu-like symptoms to severe complications including bleeding,brain inflammation,and multiple organ dysfunction with neonates and pregnant female showing the highest fatality rates.Accurate diagnosis is hindered by symptom overlap with common regional illnesses such as malaria and typhoid,underlining the urgent need for strengthened diagnostic infrastructure and rapid testing methods.While ribavirin remains the main antiviral treatment,its effectiveness depends heavily on early administration.Currently,no approved vaccine exists;however,promising candidates like vesicular stomatitis virus(VSV)ΔG-LASVGPC,INO-4500,and measles virusbased(MV)-LASV are undergoing preclinical and early-phase clinical evaluation,exhibiting encouraging immune responses in animal and human studies.A comprehensive strategy combining public health education,rodent control measures,robust infection prevention in clinical settings,and international cooperation in vaccine and drug research is essential to curb the impact of LF.展开更多
Hepatitis B virus(HBV) infection is a major global health challenge leading to serious disorders such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Currently, there exist various diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for...Hepatitis B virus(HBV) infection is a major global health challenge leading to serious disorders such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Currently, there exist various diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for HBV infection. However, prevalence and hazardous effects of chronic viral infection heighten the need to develop novel methodologies for the detection and treatment of this infection. Bacteriophages, viruses that specifically infect bacterial cells, with a long-established tradition in molecular biology and biotechnology have recently been introduced as novel tools for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of HBV infection. Bacteriophages, due to tremendous genetic flexibility, represent potential to undergo a huge variety of surface modifications. This property has been the rationale behind introduction of phage display concept. This powerful approach, together with combinatorial chemistry, has shaped the concept of phage display libraries with diverse applications for the detection and therapy of HBV infection. This review aims to offer an insightful overview of the potential of bacteriophages in the development of helpful prophylactic(vaccine design), diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for HBV infection thereby providing new perspec-tives to the growing field of bacteriophage researches directing towards HBV infection.展开更多
Chikungunya virus(CHIKV) is an arbovirus transmitted by Aedes mosquitos in tropical and subtropical regions across the world. After decades of sporadic outbreaks, it re-emerged in Africa,Asia, India Ocean and America ...Chikungunya virus(CHIKV) is an arbovirus transmitted by Aedes mosquitos in tropical and subtropical regions across the world. After decades of sporadic outbreaks, it re-emerged in Africa,Asia, India Ocean and America suddenly, causing major regional epidemics recently and becoming a notable global health problem. Infection by CHIKV results in a spectrum of clinical diseases including an acute self-limiting febrile illness in most individuals, a chronic phase of recurrent join pain in a proportion of patients, and long-term arthralgia for months to years for the unfortunate few. No specific anti-viral drugs or licensed vaccines for CHIKV are available so far. A better understanding of virus-host interactions is essential for the development of therapeutics and vaccines. To this end, we reviewed the existing knowledge on CHIKV's epidemiology, clinical presentation, molecular virology, diagnostic approaches, host immune response, vaccine development, and available animal models. Such a comprehensive overview, we believe, will shed lights on the promises and challenges in CHIKV vaccine development.展开更多
For developing efficient vaccines, it is essential to identify which amino acid changes are most important to the survival of the virus. We investigate the amino acid substitution features in the Avian Infectious Bron...For developing efficient vaccines, it is essential to identify which amino acid changes are most important to the survival of the virus. We investigate the amino acid substitution features in the Avian Infectious Bronchitis Virus （AIBV） antigenic domain of a vaccine serotype （DE072） and a virulent viral strain （GA98） to better understand adaptive evolution of AIBV. In addition, the SARS Coronavirus （SARS-CoV） was also analyzed in the same way. It is interesting to find that extreme comparability exists between AIBV and SARS in amino acid substitution pattern. It suggests that amino acid changes that result in overall shift of residue charge and polarity should be paid special attention to during the development of vaccines.展开更多
文摘SARS-CoV-2 has been marked as a highly pathogenic coronavirus of COVID-19 disease into the human population,causing over 5.5 million confirmed cases worldwide.As COVID-19 has posed a global threat with significant human casualties and severe economic losses,there is a pressing demand to further understand the current situation and develop rational strategies to contain the drastic spread of the virus.Although there are no specific antiviral therapies that have proven effective in randomized clinical trials,currently,the rapid detection technology along with several promising therapeutics for COVID-19 have mitigated its drastic transmission.Besides,global institutions and corporations have commenced to parse out effective vaccines for the prevention of COVID-19.Herein,the present review will give exhaustive details of extensive researches concerning the drug discovery and therapeutic options for COVID-19 as well as some insightful discussions of the status of COVID-19.
文摘The pandemic caused by the worldwide spread of the coronavirus,which first appeared in 2019,has been named coronavirus disease 19(COVID-19).More than 4.5 million deaths have been recorded due to the pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2),according to the World Health Organization.COVID-19 Dashboard in September 2021.Apart from the wildtype,other variations have been successfully transmitted early in the outbreak although they were not discovered until March 2020.Modifications in the SARS-CoV-2 genetic material,such as mutation and recombination,have the ability to modify the viral life span,along with transitivity,cellular tropism,and symptom severity.Several processes are involved in introducing novel vaccines to the population,including vaccine manufacturing,preclinical studies,Food and Drug Administration permission or certification,processing,and marketing.COVID-19 vaccine candidates have been developed by a number of public and private groups employing a variety of strategies,such as RNA,DNA,protein,and viral vectored vaccines.This comprehensive review,which included the most subsequent evidence on unique features of SARS-CoV-2 and the associated morbidity and mortality,was carried out using a systematic search of recent online databases in order to generate useful knowledge about the COVID-19 updated versions and their consequences on the disease symptoms and vaccine development.
文摘The technology behind vaccine development varies significantly from one vaccine to another depending on the time when the vaccine was first developed. Over the years, the vaccine innovation time has significantly shortened with the advancement of knowledge in the fields of molecular and cell biology, and discoveries in the field of biotechnology. The first vaccines created were tested in a kind of trial-and-error approach which sometimes had deadly side effects. These vaccines used either living, weakened, or completely dead pathogens. The use of whole pathogen vaccines was seen to be time consuming and unpredictable because even though it would cause an immune response, it could vary from person to person, and always had the risk of pathogens returning to virulence causing sometimes fatal outcomes. The next major technology used to create vaccines was subunit vaccines which utilize purified antigens inactivated through various methods. This technology is quite prevalent among the vaccines that are currently in circulation, making them quite effective, and free from fatal side effects. The viral vector vaccine technology has been around for a few decades and utilizes knowledge of molecular genetics to the greatest extent. It uses intermediate vectors to deliver genetic instructions to trigger an immune response within the subject body. The introduction of nucleic acid vaccines is the newest technology and has come to a great deal of attention during the SARS-CoV-2 immunization efforts. The technology primarily utilizes the delivery of genetic information using messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) to create characteristic pathogen-specific proteins that in turn generate an immune response in the recipients.
文摘SARS-CoV-2 is a highly pathogenic novel ongoing-pandemic virus.It causes COVID-19.Little is known about SARS-CoV-2 biology,countermeasure,and its origin.SARS-CoV-2 is characterized by high infectiousness and sever pathogenesis.COVID-19 crosses the bounders of all continents in a high spreading manner.Here,several aspects regarding the origin and the molecular structure of this novel virus as well as the production of effective vaccines have been addressed.This article illustrated that SARS-CoV-2 was not being recombined inside laboratory and it has a complicated genome that led to sophisticated pathogenesis.Additionally,an important structural protein known as spike S was demonstrated by researchers as an important protein used by the virus for host cell entry as well as for vaccine development.However,the efforts for viral diagnosis and genomic demonstration as well as vaccine production are promising to tackle COVID-19.These perspectives will help in COVID-19 control.However,further investigations are urgently needed to figure out which controlling tactic is more efficient not only in the case of SARS-CoV-2 but also for future pandemics.
文摘Dear Editor,Nipah virus(NiV)poses a significant threat to global health security due to its high fatality rate and the possibility of human-to-human transmission.1 This zoonotic virus can cause serious effect in both animals and humans.2 Although there are currently no approved vaccines or therapeutics for NiV,there have been promising advances in vaccine development in recent years,bringing us one step closer to curbing the impact of this deadly disease.
文摘To the Editor,Dengue fever is an arboviral illness primarily transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and is caused by the dengue virus(DENV),a member of the Flaviviridae family.This infection has become widespread in approximately 100 countries,placing nearly three billion individuals at risk of transmission[1,2].The disease manifests in various forms.
基金the support from the Major Program(92369201)of the National Natural Science Foundation of China.This research was also supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2021YFA0910700)the Health and Medical Research Fund(COVID1903010 and T-11-709/21-N)of the Food and Health Bureau,Hong Kong Special Administrative Region(HKSAR)+5 种基金the L&T Charitable Foundationthe Program for Guangdong Introducing Innovative and Entrepreneurial Teams(2019BT02Y198)the Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Cancer Metastasis and Personalized Therapy(ZDSYS20210623091811035)to J.-D.H.supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China-Excellent Young Scientists Fund(Hong Kong and Macao)(32122001)the Health and Medical Research Fund(CID-HKU1-5)of the Food and Health Bureau,the Collaborative Research Fund(C7103-22G)the Research Grants Council of the HKSAR to H.C.
文摘Influenza A(H5N1),particularly the clade 2.3.4.4b,caused a panzootic outbreak starting in 2022,resulting in 40 human infections from January 2022 to September 2024.Among these cases,15 have been confirmed to be of the clade 2.3.4.4b.Despite the availability of three FDA-approved A(H5N1)vaccines,these vaccines,based on earlier strains of other clades,have shown reduced hemagglutination inhibition(HAI)titers against clade 2.3.4.4b due to antigenic drift.1 In 2023,the EMAapproved a vaccine containing an A(H5N8)strain of clade 2.3.4.4b.However,a recent study reported a decrease in HAI titers of serum induced by this strain against recent 2.3.4.4b strains.1 These findings highlight the urgent need for developing an effective vaccine.
基金supported by grants from the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars(No.82425015)National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82171102)+4 种基金National Key Research and Development Program of China(No.2023YFA0915003)Shanghai Medical Innovation Research Program(No.22Y21900900)(the“Dawn”Program of)Shanghai Municipal Education Commission China(No.24SG11)Shanghai Science and Technology Innovation Action Plan for Cell and Gene Therapy(No.24J22800500)Shanghai Science and Technology Innovation Action Plan for Advanced Materials(No.24CL2900802).
文摘The key role and impact of nanotechnology in vaccine development became particularly prominent following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic in 2019.Especially in the process of designing and optimising COVID-19 vaccines,the application of nanomaterials significantly accelerated vaccine development and efficient delivery.In this review,we categorised and evaluated conventional vaccines,including attenuated live vaccines,inactivated vaccines,and subunit vaccines,highlighting their advantages and limitations.We summarised the development history,mechanisms,and latest technologies of vaccine adjuvants,emphasising their critical role in immune responses.Furthermore,we focused on the application of nanotechnology in the vaccine field,detailing the characteristics of nanoparticle vaccines,including virus-like particles,lipid-based carriers,inorganic nanoparticles,and polymer-based carriers.We emphasised their potential advantages in enhancing vaccine stability and immunogenicity,as well as their ability to deliver vaccines and present antigens through various routes.Despite facing challenges such as low drug loading efficiency,issues with long-term storage,high costs,and difficulties in large-scale production,nano-vaccines hold promise for the future.This review underscores the pivotal role and prospects of nanotechnology in vaccine development,offering new pathways and strategies to address current and future disease challenges.
基金This work was supported by the Natural Science Foundation of China(32122052,U19A2003,82121003)the Key Research and Development Program of Science and Technology Department of Sichuan Province(2020YFS0570,2020JDTD0028,2019YFS0514)+1 种基金the Science and Technology Project of Chengdu(2019-YF05-00784-SN)the Na-tional Key Research and Development Program of China(2020YFC2005500).
文摘Biotherapy has recently become a hotspot research topic with encouraging prospects in various fields due to a wide range of treatments applications,as demonstrated in preclinical and clinical studies.However,the broad applications of biotherapy have been limited by critical challenges,including the lack of safe and efficient de-livery systems and serious side effects.Due to the unique potentials of biomaterials,such as good biocompati-bility and bioactive properties,biomaterial-assisted biotherapy has been demonstrated to be an attractive strategy.The biomaterial-based delivery systems possess sufficient packaging capacity and versatile functions,enabling a sustained and localized release of drugs at the target sites.Furthermore,the biomaterials can provide a niche with specific extracellular conditions for the proliferation,differentiation,attachment,and migration of stem cells,leading to tissue regeneration.In this review,the state-of-the-art studies on the applications of bio-materials in biotherapy,including drug delivery,vaccine development,gene therapy,and stem cell therapy,have been summarized.The challenges and an outlook of biomaterial-assisted biotherapies have also been discussed.
文摘To the Editor： Bird flu or avian flu, caused by H5N1 virus, is a new emerging infectious disease. It is noted that this H5N1 virus jumped the species barrier and caused severe disease with high mortality in humans in many countries. The continued westward dissemination of H5N1 influenza A viruses in avian populations and the nearly 50% mortality of humans infected with H5N1 are a source of great international concern.1 Providing sufficient antiviral drugs and development and approval of new vaccines are the keys for control of the possible emerging pandemic of this atypical influenza.1＇2 Based on the advance in bioinformatics, the immunomics becomes a new alternative in vaccine development.3 Advanced technologies for vaccine development, such as genome sequence analysis, microarray, proteomics approach, high-throughput cloning, bioinformatics database tools and computational vaccinology can be applied for vaccine development of several diseases including new emerging diseases.
文摘Confronted with the Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic,China has become an asset in tackling the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)transmission and mutation,with several innovative platforms,which provides various technical means in this persisting combat.Derived from collaborated researches,vaccines based on the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 or inactivated whole virus are a cornerstone of the public health response to COVID-19.Herein,we outline representative vaccines in multiple routes,while the merits and plights of the existing vaccine strategies are also summarized.Likewise,new technologies may provide more potent or broader immunity and will contribute to fight against hypermutated SARS-CoV-2 variants.All in all,with the ultimate aim of delivering robust and durable protection that is resilient to emerging infectious disease,alongside the traditional routes,the discovery of innovative approach to developing effective vaccines based on virus properties remains our top priority.
文摘Tuberculosis(TB)remains a critical global health challenge,with 10.8 million new cases and over 1.25 million deaths reported annually,disproportionately affecting low-income regions.Despite its use,the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin(BCG)vaccine provides limited protection against adult pulmonary TB,necessitating novel solutions.The messenger RNA(mRNA)vaccine technology,proven effective in combating coronavirus disease 2019,offers significant promise for TB prevention.These vaccines elicit robust immune responses by encoding antigens that stimulate humoral and cell-mediated immunity,essential for combating mycobacterium TB.Unlike traditional methods,mRNA vaccines are highly adaptable,scalable,and capable of targeting emerging strains.Preclinical studies highlight the enhanced efficacy of mRNA TB vaccines over BCG,demonstrating their ability to reduce bacterial burdens and generate memory T-cell responses critical for long-term protection.However,challenges persist,including mRNA instability,cold-chain storage needs,and mycobacterium’s complex immune evasion strategies.Innovative solutions,such as lipid nanoparticle delivery systems and selfamplifying mRNA platforms,are being developed to address these barriers.The initiation of clinical trials,notably BioNTech’s BNT164,marks a pivotal advancement in TB vaccine development.These trials focus on safety,immuno genicity,and efficacy,particularly in regions with high TB prevalence.While logistical and financial hurdles remain,mRNA vaccines hold transformative potential to bridge critical gaps in TB prevention.Their adaptability extends to tackling co-infections like human immunodeficiency virus,further amplifying their impact on global health.By integrating mRNA vaccines into existing TB control strategies,these advancements could revolutionize prevention efforts,especially in regions where current solutions fall short.Continued innovation and investment are crucial to harnessing the full potential of mRNA vaccines,positioning them as a cornerstone in the fight against TB and its global eradication.
文摘Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is a devastating blow to the entire world community and changes the order of human life. Purpose: All efforts and strategies are being carried out to contain and reduce the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus by tightening the health protocol and using vaccines for the public. Currently, several vaccines are available and have passed phase 3 clinical trials, such as vector vaccines (Gamaleya Sputnik V Russia, University of Oxford/AstraZeneca, CanSino, and Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies), mRNA-based vaccines (Moderna/BioNTech/Fosun Pharma/Pfizer), inactivated vaccines (Sinovac and Sinopharm from China, Covaxin from Bharat Biotech India) and adjuvanted recombinant protein nanoparticles (Novavax from the USA), which are expected to be able to suppress the spread of the virus and produce a minimum of 70% herd immunity in a population. This study uses a narrative review from reputable publications and is closely related to the topic. Result: Each vaccine’s efficacy varies from the lowest, namely, the Sinovac vaccine (CoronaVac) 50%, to the highest the Novavax vaccine (NVX-Cov2373) 96% effectivity value. However, further rigorous research is still being carried out to develop an effective and efficient vaccine. Health workers are the last bastion to handle COVID-19 patients. Conclusion: The primary purpose of the present immunization is to prevent and minimize the spread of COVID-19. At this time, the availability of a variety of vaccines is expected to provide strategic answers to the pandemic scenario that has afflicted countries all over the world.
文摘Since its discovery in the 1980s,the insect cell-baculovirus expression vector system(IC-BEVS)has been widely used in biomedical applications,such as recombinant protein expression,drug screening,vaccine development,gene therapy and so on[1].As a eukaryotic system,IC-BEVS has great development prospects due to its advantages such as high safety,simple operation,simultaneous expression of multi-subunit proteins,and suitability for large-scale cultivation[2].
基金funded by 2024 Scientific Research Project of Chongqing Medical and Pharmaceutical College(No.ygzrc2024101)Chongqing Education Commission Natural Science Foundation(No.KJQN202402821)+2 种基金Chongqing Shapingba District Science and Technology Bureau Project(No.2024071)2024 Chongqing Medical and Pharmaceutical College Innovation Research Group Project(No.ygz2024401)Chongqing Science and Health Joint Medical Research Project(No.2024SQKWLHMS051),respectively.
文摘Yeast-based models have become a powerful platform in pharmaceutical research,offering significant potential for producing complex drugs,vaccines,and therapeutic agents.While many current drugs were discovered before fully understanding their molecular mechanisms,yeast systems now provide valuable insights for drug discovery and personalized medicine.Recent advancements in genetic engineering,metabolic engineering,and synthetic biology have improved the efficiency and scalability of yeast-based production systems,enabling more sustainable and cost-effective manufacturing processes.This paper reviews the latest developments in yeast-based technologies,focusing on their use as model organisms to study disease mechanisms,identify drug targets,and develop novel therapies.We highlight key platforms such as the yeast two-hybrid system,surface display technologies,and optimized expression systems.Additionally,we explore the future integration of yeast engineering with artificial intelligence(AI),machine learning(ML),and advanced genome editing technologies like CRISPR/Cas9,which are expected to accelerate drug discovery and enable personalized therapies.Furthermore,yeast-based systems are increasingly employed in largescale drug production,vaccine development,and therapeutic protein expression,offering promising applications in clinical and industrial settings.This paper discusses the practical implications of these systems and their potential to revolutionize drug development,paving the way for safer,more effective therapies.
文摘Chikungunya virus(CHIKV)infection in humans causing severe musculoskeletal pain,fever and rashes,is transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes,primarily Aedes(Ae.)aegypti and Ae.albopictus.CHIKV has resulted in 18.7 million cases worldwide till 2020 and after 2004 has spread to Europe,Middle East(Saudi Arabia,Pakistan,Yemen,Egypt,Oman,Iraq,Kuwait,and Iran)and Pacific regions.This rapid spread of CHIKV emphasizes the pivotal need of enforcing control measures and examining new diagnostic methods.As the mosquito vectors(Aedes)of CHIKV are evolving,vector control methods are losing its efficacy.Further,existing serological and molecular assays to detect CHIKV show variabilities in sensitivity and specificity,leading to mis-reporting or under-reporting of CHIKV cases in affected regions.In this review article,we start by discussing CHIKV infection,followed by an introduction to currently available control and detection methods.We further highlight the challenges these methods pose and how they can be conquered by employing various easy and sustainable strategies.This review may provide valuable information for the development of novel diagnostic strategies in resource limited settings for mitigating CHIKV disease.
文摘Lassa fever(LF)is a serious acute viral hemorrhagic illness that is endemic to West Africa where it affects an estimated two million people and results in up to 10000 deaths each year.The disease is caused by the Lassa virus(LASV),part of the Arenaviridae family,and is primarily transmitted through contact with urine or feces of infected Mastomys natalensis rodents.Human-to-human transmission,particularly in healthcare and community settings,further amplifies the risk of spread.Since its discovery in 1969,LF continues to be a neglected tropical disease with significant health impacts,especially in vulnerable populations such as pregnant females and those with weakened immune systems.The clinical spectrum of LF varies from mild,flu-like symptoms to severe complications including bleeding,brain inflammation,and multiple organ dysfunction with neonates and pregnant female showing the highest fatality rates.Accurate diagnosis is hindered by symptom overlap with common regional illnesses such as malaria and typhoid,underlining the urgent need for strengthened diagnostic infrastructure and rapid testing methods.While ribavirin remains the main antiviral treatment,its effectiveness depends heavily on early administration.Currently,no approved vaccine exists;however,promising candidates like vesicular stomatitis virus(VSV)ΔG-LASVGPC,INO-4500,and measles virusbased(MV)-LASV are undergoing preclinical and early-phase clinical evaluation,exhibiting encouraging immune responses in animal and human studies.A comprehensive strategy combining public health education,rodent control measures,robust infection prevention in clinical settings,and international cooperation in vaccine and drug research is essential to curb the impact of LF.
文摘Hepatitis B virus(HBV) infection is a major global health challenge leading to serious disorders such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Currently, there exist various diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for HBV infection. However, prevalence and hazardous effects of chronic viral infection heighten the need to develop novel methodologies for the detection and treatment of this infection. Bacteriophages, viruses that specifically infect bacterial cells, with a long-established tradition in molecular biology and biotechnology have recently been introduced as novel tools for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of HBV infection. Bacteriophages, due to tremendous genetic flexibility, represent potential to undergo a huge variety of surface modifications. This property has been the rationale behind introduction of phage display concept. This powerful approach, together with combinatorial chemistry, has shaped the concept of phage display libraries with diverse applications for the detection and therapy of HBV infection. This review aims to offer an insightful overview of the potential of bacteriophages in the development of helpful prophylactic(vaccine design), diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for HBV infection thereby providing new perspec-tives to the growing field of bacteriophage researches directing towards HBV infection.
基金supported in part by the National Key Program Project Grant from MOST #2016YFC1201000
文摘Chikungunya virus(CHIKV) is an arbovirus transmitted by Aedes mosquitos in tropical and subtropical regions across the world. After decades of sporadic outbreaks, it re-emerged in Africa,Asia, India Ocean and America suddenly, causing major regional epidemics recently and becoming a notable global health problem. Infection by CHIKV results in a spectrum of clinical diseases including an acute self-limiting febrile illness in most individuals, a chronic phase of recurrent join pain in a proportion of patients, and long-term arthralgia for months to years for the unfortunate few. No specific anti-viral drugs or licensed vaccines for CHIKV are available so far. A better understanding of virus-host interactions is essential for the development of therapeutics and vaccines. To this end, we reviewed the existing knowledge on CHIKV's epidemiology, clinical presentation, molecular virology, diagnostic approaches, host immune response, vaccine development, and available animal models. Such a comprehensive overview, we believe, will shed lights on the promises and challenges in CHIKV vaccine development.
文摘For developing efficient vaccines, it is essential to identify which amino acid changes are most important to the survival of the virus. We investigate the amino acid substitution features in the Avian Infectious Bronchitis Virus （AIBV） antigenic domain of a vaccine serotype （DE072） and a virulent viral strain （GA98） to better understand adaptive evolution of AIBV. In addition, the SARS Coronavirus （SARS-CoV） was also analyzed in the same way. It is interesting to find that extreme comparability exists between AIBV and SARS in amino acid substitution pattern. It suggests that amino acid changes that result in overall shift of residue charge and polarity should be paid special attention to during the development of vaccines.
