In recent years, the focus on SARS-CoV-2 and mRNA-based vaccines has overshadowed work on other infectious diseases and vaccine approaches. However, attention is now shifting, as experts from three vaccine-focused companies explained who spoke to GEN on exploring new developments.
T-cell strategies
A 2022 letter from infectious disease experts urged the U.S. FDA to prioritize T-cell responses in vaccine development, noting that T cells offer broader protection against infectious diseases than antibodies alone. Andrew Allen, CEO of Gritstone bio, highlights that vaccine research has traditionally focused on antibodies due to ease of measurement and development. However, T cells, which target more conserved viral regions that mutate less frequently, provide more durable protection. With advancements in sequencing technology, measuring T-cell responses has become more feasible, and Allen emphasizes the need for vaccines that activate both arms of the immune system.
Advances in T-cell-based vaccines
Gritstone bio is developing vaccines that stimulate both T cells and antibodies to combat infectious diseases and cancer. By identifying conserved viral regions through sequencing, they create synthetic vaccines that generate strong T-cell responses. Allen stresses that as viruses evolve, T-cell-based vaccines will become increasingly necessary to provide broad, long-lasting immunity.
Fighting hepatitis B
Despite an existing vaccine, hepatitis B (HBV) continues to infect millions globally, often without symptoms for decades. Nadege Pelletier, CSO of Barinthus Biotherapeutics, explains that HBV evades the immune system by producing decoy antigens, exhausting T cells. Current treatments, including nucleotide analogs and interferon, offer limited effectiveness. Barinthus is developing VTP-300, a T-cell immunotherapy that restores HBV-specific T cells to fight the virus. Early trials have shown promising reductions in viral antigens, suggesting the potential for functional cures.
Addressing mpox
BioNTech, in partnership with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), is developing an mRNA-based vaccine for mpox, a disease caused by an orthopoxvirus similar to smallpox. The BNT166 vaccine encodes surface antigens targeting multiple viral forms, offering protection against viral replication. BioNTech and CEPI have committed to making the vaccine available in low- and middle-income countries.
The fact is, as infectious diseases continue to evolve, innovative approaches like T-cell-based and mRNA vaccines are becoming critical for achieving durable immunity. Ongoing developments in this field suggest that the battle against infectious diseases will remain a key focus for years to come. (Source: GEN – Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News)
By Daniela A. La Marca, Global Health Press
