Research being conducted on vaccines

This week, I’ve been looking at the type of vaccines that researchers are testing to combat SARS-CoV-2.

Live-attenuated vaccines: this uses a weakened version of the virus to create a vaccine. The measles, mumps and rubella vaccine were created by using a Live-attenuated vaccine. Usually provides a lifetime protection from the virus. (Currently being tested in India and Hong Kong)

Subunit Vaccines: uses specific parts of the virus. In several studies, researchers are using pieces of the protein within the virus to develop a vaccine. These vaccines are great for a wide variety of people including those with weakened immune systems. Current vaccines developed using this method are Hepatitis B, HPV, and Shingles. Most studies have focused on the S-Protein (Spike protein, pictured below). Australia, Russia, and China are currently focusing on this research.

Nucleic Acid Vaccines: DNA/RNA vaccines stimulate the immune system with a modified infectious agent that causes no harm or disease but ensures that when a host is confronted, the immune system can adequately neutralize it before causing any ill effect (WHO.int). Germany, China, and United States are working to develop a vaccine using DNA technology.

Vectored Vaccines: use a form of live attenuated vaccines that adapt existing successful and safe viral vectors to express coronavirus proteins on immunization (Poland, Gregory). Canada, South Africa, and United Kingdom are using this method of testing.

Poland, Gregory A., et al. “SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Development: Current Status.” Mayo Clinic Proceedings, Elsevier, 30 July 2020, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025619620308272.

Photo: https://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?pid=S1677-55382020000700006&script=sci_arttext

https://www.who.int/biologicals/areas/vaccines/dna/en/

https://www.vaccines.gov/basics/types