Chapter 57 - Recombinant Live Viral Vectors as Vaccines for Mucosal Immunity

Abstract

This chapter discusses the features of some of the promising recombinant viral vectors and focuses on those that have potential utility for mucosal immunity. The recombinant viral vectors are very effective in eliciting strong immune responses. But because of the compartmentalization of the human immune system and selective homing of lymphocytes— the mucosal delivery of recombinant viral vaccines is considered critical for induction and long-term durability of mucosal immune responses. Mucosal delivery of vaccines induces both mucosal and systemic immune responses, whereas parenteral immunization is not effective at generation of long-term mucosal immunity or protection. Many recombinant viral vectors induce strong systemic and mucosal immune responses and protection against mucosal viral challenge in animal models and nonhuman primates. Studies demonstrate the ability of heterologous prime-boost to strongly promote induction of immune responses and protection. Furthermore, the flexibility of recombinant viral vectors permits inclusion of cytokines, chemokines, and costimulatory molecules that can also enhance and direct the immunogenicity of these vectors.