Update on the development of enterovirus 71 vaccines

Abstract

Introduction: Enterovirus 71 (EV71) is an etiological agent that causes severe neurological complications in children. EV71 outbreaks have occurred throughout the Asia-Pacific region, posing a severe global public health threat; however, no specific therapeutic strategy exists for treating EV71-infected children.

Areas covered: Five manufacturers have produced inactivated EV71 whole virus vaccines in mainland China, Taiwan, and Singapore, which have completed Phase III (mainland China) and Phase I (Taiwan and Singapore) clinical trials. Various EV71 vaccine candidates are being researched in animal models, including live-attenuated virus vaccine, recombinant VP1 vaccine, VP1-based DNA vaccine, synthetic peptide vaccine and virus-like particle vaccine. In this review, the present situation is summarized, and feasible improvements to the EV71 vaccine are explored.

Expert opinion: Although inactivated EV71 vaccines are safe, efficient and elicit strong immune responses to protect adults, children and infants against infection, the quality control of production is critical.

Keywords::

• enterovirus 71
• inactivated EV71 whole virus vaccines
• recombinant VP1
• synthetic peptide
• virus-like particle

Notes

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