Abstract
The exceptional discoveries of antigen/gene delivery systems have allowed the development of novel prophylactic and therapeutic vaccine candidates. The vaccine candidates employ various antigen-delivery systems, particularly recombinant viral vectors. Recombinant viral vectors are experimental vaccines similar to DNA vaccines, but they use attenuated viruses or bacterium as a carrier “vector” to introduce microbial DNA to cells of the body. They closely mimic a natural infection and therefore can efficiently stimulate the immune system. Although such recombinant vectors may face extensive preclinical testing and will possibly have to meet stringent regulatory requirements, some of these vectors (e.g. measles virus vectors) may benefit from the profound industrial and clinical experience of the parent vaccine. Most notably, novel vaccines based on live attenuated viruses combine the induction of broad, strong and persistent immune responses with acceptable safety profiles. We assess certain technologies in light of their use against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest
The contents of this review can be used or disclosed for commercial purposes after a written consent from the author.
Acknowledgements
This study was supported by NIH grant AI-46007 to H.Y.N. I would like to thank all members of my Group who contributed to the success of MV vector. During the preparation of this review, H.Y.N. was a part-time faculty member at the Lebanese American University.