Protein subunit vaccines: Promising frontiers against COVID-19

Authors

• Vivek P. Chavda
• Eswara Naga Hanuma Kumar Ghali, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of MedicineFollow
• Pankti C. Balar
• Subhash Chauhan, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of MedicineFollow
• Nikita Tiwari
• Somanshi Shukla
• Mansi Athalye
• Vandana Bharat Patravale
• Vasso Apostolopoulos
• Murali Yallapu, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of MedicineFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2024

Abstract

The emergence of COVID-19 has posed an unprecedented global health crisis, challenging the healthcare systems worldwide. Amidst the rapid development of several vaccine formulations, protein subunit vaccines have emerged as a promising approach. This article provides an in-depth evaluation of the role of protein subunit vaccines in the management of COVID-19. Leveraging viral protein fragments, particularly the spike protein from SARS-CoV-2, these vaccines elicit a targeted immune response without the risk of inducing disease. Notably, the robust safety profile of protein subunit vaccines makes them a compelling candidate in the management of COVID-19. Various innovative approaches, including reverse vaccinology, virus like particles, and recombinant modifications are incorporated to develop protein subunit vaccines. In addition, the utilization of advanced manufacturing techniques facilitates large-scale production, ensuring widespread distribution. Despite these advancements, challenges persist, such as the requirement for cold-chain storage and the necessity for booster doses. This article evaluates the formulation and applications of protein subunit vaccines, providing a comprehensive overview of their clinical development and approvals in the context of COVID-19. By addressing the current status and challenges, this review aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse on optimizing protein subunit vaccines for effective pandemic control.

Recommended Citation

Chavda, V. P., Ghali, E. N. H. K., Balar, P. C., Chauhan, S. C., Tiwari, N., Shukla, S., ... & Yallapu, M. M. (2024). Protein subunit vaccines: Promising frontiers against COVID-19. Journal of Controlled Release, 366, 761-782. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.01.017

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.

Publication Title

Journal of Controlled Release

DOI

10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.01.017

Academic Level

faculty

Mentor/PI Department

Immunology and Microbiology