Rotavirus virus‐like particles (RV‐VLPs) vaccines: An update

Abstract

Rotaviruses (RVs) cause over 0.2 million deaths annually and are reported to be the foremost cause of gastroenteritis in infants and children worldwide. Vaccination against RVs is the most successful and unsurpassed strategy to combat infection to date. Although the 2 current vaccines, Rotarix and RotaTeq, have dramatically reduced the disease burden, still there is a need for new vaccines. In this context, RV virus-like particles (RV-VLPs) represent potential vaccine candidates as they are noninfectious and effective nonreplicating immunogens that may reduce the risk of side effects related to the conventional vaccines. VLPs being conformationally similar to the parent virus are highly immunogenic and hence provide enhanced protection and better serotype coverage. In this review, we have highlighted the various advantages and the implications of RV-VLPs, discussed the general strategies employed for their production, and talked about the recent developments made in this regard. Overall, the review emphasizes the probable utility of RV-VLPs in eradicating the highly widespread RVs.

Noninvasive vaccination against infectious diseases

“…Rotarix and RotaTeq are two vaccines that have been internationally approved by WHO; however, they have been shown to be less effective (in 40–70% of subjects) in third world countries. 68 The live attenuated rotavirus vaccine Rotavin-M1 was evaluated for safety and immunogenicity, and the IgA seroconversion rate of Rotavin-M1 was found to be comparable to the licensed vaccine Rotarix. 69 However, infants who received Rotavin-M1 shed virus in their stool at a lower frequency (44–48%) than those who received Rotarix (65%).…”

Established and new rotavirus vaccines: a comprehensive review for healthcare professionals

“… 66 , 67 RV VLPs induced significant immune response independent of the immune route (intramuscular, intrarectal, intranasal, intraperitoneal or oral) in mice. 68 , 69 When delivered intranasally or intramuscularly to mice, this candidate vaccine was immunogenic and conferred protection against infection by a murine RV 70–72 Additional information Potential lower risk of IS. No risk of vaccine-derived reassortant strains.…”

“… Potential protection against NoV and RV gastroenteritisin a single vaccine (for RV-NoV VLPs).VLPs are generally more immunogenic than subunit or recombinant immunogens. 68 Possible combination of an oral attenuated HRV vaccine with RV VLPs (avoiding the need of sequential doses with live vaccine). 73 G1P[8], inactivated human RV vaccine (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA); P2-VP8-P[8], monovalent subunit vaccine P2-VP8-P[8] (PATH Rotavirus Vaccine Program, USA); P2-VP8-P[4/6/8], trivalent subunit vaccine P2-VP8-P[4]P[6]P[8] (PATH Rotavirus Vaccine Program, USA); MBP::VP6, maltose-binding protein-VP6 protein chimera (Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, USA); VP2/6/7 VLPs (trivalent) and VP2/4/6/7 VLPs (quadrivalent), virus-like particles RV vaccine (Baylor College of Medicine, USA); VP6-GI.3/GII.4 RV-NoV VLPs, rotavirus-norovirus virus-like particles combination vaccine (University of Tampere School of Medicine, Finland).CWA, cell wall anchor; IgG, immunoglobulin G; IS, intussusception; MBP, maltose-binding protein; NoV, norovirus; RV, rotavirus; USA, United States of America; VLPs, virus-like particles PATH, Program for Appropriate Technology in Health.…”

Fifteen years of experience with the oral live-attenuated human rotavirus vaccine: reflections on lessons learned

“…Finally, the development of new RV vaccines, based on inactivated or neonatal human RV strains, or employing innovative approaches (such as, subunit vaccines based on recombinant proteins or virus-like particles) is ongoing and is likely to evolve further. These vaccines can present several advantages, among which the possibility of parenteral administration (thus reducing the risk of IS by bypassing the contact of the vaccine with the gut), reducing the risk of emergence of reassortant strains, a better immunogenicity [143], or administration in special at-risk categories for which live-attenuated vaccines are not recommended (e.g., children with severe combined immunodeficiency [144]). However, it is worth mentioning that given the availability of the well-established RV vaccines, already proven to be effective, increasing coverage with those should be prioritized.…”