Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common respiratory pathogen in infants and young children worldwide. Lower respiratory tract infection due to RSV is one of the most common causes of hospitalization for infants, especially those born premature or with chronic lung or heart disease. Furthermore, RSV infection is an important cause of morbidity in adults, particularly in the elderly and immunocompromised individuals. The acute phase of this infection is often followed by episodes of wheezing that recur for months or years and usually lead to a physician diagnosis of asthma. RSV was discovered more than 50 years ago, and despite extensive research to identify pharmacological therapies, the most effective management of this infection remains supportive care. The trial of a formalin-inactivated RSV vaccine in the 1960s resulted in priming the severe illness upon natural infection. Currently, Palivizumab is the only available option for RSV prophylaxis, and because of restricted clinical benefits and high costs, it has been limited to a group of high-risk infants. There are several ongoing trials in preclinical, Phase-I, Phase-II, or Phase-III clinical stages for RSV vaccine development based on various strategies. Here we review the existing available prophylactic options, the current stages of RSV vaccine clinical trials, different strategies, and major hurdles in the development of an effective RSV vaccine.
Highlights
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the leading causes of lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) worldwide [1]
In vitro studies have shown that M2-2 gene deletion leads to decreased viral RNA replication, but at the same time increases F and G protein expression through transcription, which means that the virus is adequately attenuated, yet potentially could lead to augmentation of the neutralizing antibody response [32]
A vaccine based on the RSV viral proteins F, N and M2-1 encoded by Simian Adenovirus (PanAd3-RSV) and modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA-RSV) recently completed a Phase I trial in subjects 18 to 75 years of age (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier #NCT01805921)
Summary
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the leading causes of lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) worldwide [1]. ALX-0171 is an inhaled nanobody, which recently completed Phase I/IIa testing in infants aged 1–24 months hospitalized due to RSV infection and adults (Clinicaltrials.gov identifiers #NCT01483911 and NCT01875926). Several live-attenuated RSV vaccine candidates are currently undergoing or recently completed clinical trials.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
