Modified vaccinia Ankara: potential as an alternative smallpox vaccine

Clin Infect Dis. 2004 Jun 15;38(12):1749-53. doi: 10.1086/421266. Epub 2004 May 19.

Abstract

Despite the declaration of smallpox eradication in 1980, the existence of variola stockpiles and the threat of bioterrorism demand that immunity to smallpox through vaccination be maintained. Although the currently available vaccine was used for the most successful medical intervention ever accomplished, it also is associated with side effects that are difficult to accept in a vaccine for a disease that has not been present for >25 years. Herein, we review alternative approaches to maintaining immunity to smallpox through vaccination with attenuated poxviruses, and we suggest modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) as a leading candidate for an alternative smallpox vaccine.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Immunity, Active
  • Smallpox / immunology
  • Smallpox / prevention & control*
  • Smallpox Vaccine
  • Vaccination
  • Vaccines, Attenuated
  • Vaccinia virus / immunology*
  • Viral Vaccines* / immunology

Substances

  • Smallpox Vaccine
  • Vaccines, Attenuated
  • Viral Vaccines