Advances in RSV vaccine research and development - A global agenda

Vaccine. 2016 Jun 3;34(26):2870-2875. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2016.03.109. Epub 2016 Apr 19.

Abstract

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an important cause of viral lower respiratory tract illness in infants and children globally, but no vaccine is currently available to protect these vulnerable populations. Live-attenuated vaccine approaches have been in development for decades, but achieving the appropriate balance between immunogenicity and safety has proven difficult. Immunoprophylaxis with the neutralizing monoclonal antibody palivizumab is limited to high-risk infants, but cost requirements for multiple dosing make its use impractical in low- and middle-income countries. A growing number of RSV vaccine candidates using a variety of technologies and targeting diverse populations has emerged in recent years. There are now 60 RSV vaccine candidates in development that target pediatric and elderly populations. While most are at a preclinical stage, 16 candidates are in clinical development. This review summarizes current RSV vaccine research and development, including an overview of the vaccine platforms being used, the development stage of individual vaccine candidates, and gaps to be addressed to facilitate use of these vaccines to meet global health needs.

Keywords: Research and development; Respiratory syncytial virus; Vaccine.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biomedical Research
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Humans
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / prevention & control*
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccines / therapeutic use*
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / prevention & control*
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / virology

Substances

  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccines