Zika virus-an update on the current efforts for vaccine development

Author(s)

Lunardelli, Victoria Alves Santos ^[1] ; Apostolico, Juliana De Souza ^{[2, 1]} ; Fernandes, Edgar Ruz ^[1] ; Santoro Rosa, Daniela ^{[2, 1]}

Affiliation

^[1] Fed Univ Sao Paulo UNIFESP EPM, Dept Microbiol Immunol & Parasitol, Rua Botucatu 862, 4o Andar, BR-04023062 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

^[2] INCT, Inst Invest Immunol III, Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: HUMAN VACCINES & IMMUNOTHERAPEUTICS; v. 17, n. 3 AUG 2020.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

In 2015, the world witnessed the resurgence and global spread of Zika virus (ZIKV). This arbovirus infection is associated with Guillain-Barre syndrome in adults and with devastating congenital malformations during pregnancy. Despite scientific efforts, the development of a vaccine capable of inducing long-term protection has been challenging. Without a safe and efficacious licensed vaccine, control of virus transmission is based on vector control, but this strategy has been shown to be inefficient. An effective and protective vaccine relies on several requirements, which include: (i) induction of specific immune response against immunodominant antigens; (ii) selection of adjuvant-antigen formulation; and (iii) assessment of safety, effectiveness, and long-term protection. In this commentary, we provide a brief overview about the current efforts for the development of an efficacious ZIKV vaccine, covering the most important preclinical trials up to the formulations that are now being evaluated in clinical trials. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/17471-7 - Antigenicity and immunogenicity of Zika virus envelope recombinant proteins
• Grantee: Daniela Santoro Rosa
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants