The research progress in protein-based pneumococcal vaccines

Abstract

Streptococcus pneumoniae remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, especially among younger children and the elders. Streptococcus pneumococcus vaccines on the market have major disadvantages because of the limitation of serotypes. Therefore, it is an urgent need to develop an economic and broadly protective vaccines based on the bacterial proteins. The virulence factors and antigens expressed on the surface as potential candidates make a big progress. This review summarizes the components of protein-based pneumococcal vaccines in clinical trials, and the characteristics of the proteins, the protection in the infected animals and clinical trials. It will help readers to understand current status of protein-based pneumococcal vaccines. Key words: Streptococcus pneumoniae; Vaccine; Protein