Virus-like particles in vaccine development

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711 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Virus-like particles (VLPs) are multiprotein structures that mimic the organization and conformation of authentic native viruses but lack the viral genome, potentially yielding safer and cheaper vaccine candidates. A handful of prophylactic VLP-based vaccines is currently commercialized worldwide: GlaxoSmithKline's Engerix (R) (hepatitis B virus) and Cervarix (R) (human papillomavirus), and Merck and Co., Inc.'s Recombivax HB (R) (hepatitis B virus) and Gardasil (R) (human papillomavirus) are some examples. Other VLP-based vaccine candidates are in clinical trials or undergoing preclinical evaluation, such as, influenza virus, parvovirus, Norwalk and various chimeric VLPs. Many others are still restricted to small-scale fundamental research, despite their success in preclinical tests. This article focuses on the essential role of VLP technology in new-generation vaccines against prevalent and emergent diseases. The implications of large-scale VLP production are discussed in the context of process control, monitorization and optimization. The main up- and down-stream technical challenges are identified and discussed accordingly. Successful VLP-based vaccine blockbusters are briefly presented concomitantly with the latest results from clinical trials and the recent developments in chimeric VLP-based technology for either therapeutic or prophylactic vaccination.
Original languageUnknown
Pages (from-to)1149-1176
JournalExpert Review of Vaccines
Volume9
Issue number10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2010

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