PurposeThe development of a universal avian influenza vaccine remains a critical issue for both the global public health and poultry industries. The hemagglutinin (H) stem/stalk region of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) is capable of inducing broadly neutralizing antibodies but is limited by its poor immunogenicity.Materials and MethodsTo increase the immunogenicity of the stem domain, we engineered a recombinant fusion construct consisting of the stem domain of the H5 subtype and the nontoxic cholera toxin B subunit (CTB), a well-characterized mucosal adjuvant and immunomodulator. C57BL/6 mice were immunized intraperitoneally with the CTB-H5 stem fusion protein. Humoral immune responses and virus-neutralizing activities were subsequently assessed.ResultsMice immunized with CTB-H5 stem fusion protein developed significantly higher serum immunoglobulin G titers and increased binding affinity to the native trimeric H5 antigen. Sera from the CTB-H5 stem group demonstrated enhanced virus-neutralizing activity in plaque reduction assays against the H5N2 virus. These results suggest that CTB fusion significantly enhances the immunogenicity and protective potential of the conserved H5 stem domain against the H5N2 virus.ConclusionThese findings support the use of CTB as an effective adjuvant platform for the development of stem-based influenza vaccines targeting HPAIVs.

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has accelerated the global adoption and development of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine technology. While traditional manufacturing approaches rely on centralized and batch-based processes that are limited in scalability and accessibility, recent innovations in modular, decentralized, and continuous-flow production systems offer promising alternatives. This review summarizes the evolution of mRNA manufacturing, examines technological advances such as BioNTech’s BioNTainer and Quantoom’s Ntensify, and critically evaluates persistent barriers including raw material supply, regulatory compliance, sustainability, and cold-chain requirements. The implementation of artificial intelligence, thermostable formulations, and self-amplifying mRNA technologies are discussed as future directions. Collectively, these innovations offer a pathway to equitable, scalable, and rapid vaccine deployment in the context of both pandemics and routine immunization.

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection as a cause of microcephaly and Guillain-Barré syndrome gained international attention during the 2015–2016 ZIKV epidemic in the Americas. However, over ten years later, there are still no approved ZIKV vaccines, leaving people worldwide defenseless against continued disease spread and potential outbreaks. Prospects for the assessment, licensing, and commercial viability of ZIKV vaccines are complicated by the low incidence of the virus infection at the moment and the uncertainty of future outbreaks. Here, we highlight recent advances in various vaccine platforms that have been developed against ZIKV, including inactivated vaccines, live-attenuated vaccines, DNA vaccines, mRNA vaccines, viral vector vaccines, and recombinant subunit vaccines, with several candidates progressing into clinical trials. This review provides an overview of the current status of ZIKV vaccine development and emphasize how these multiple vaccine platforms can be a powerful tool to react quickly to future pandemics.

Herpes B virus (BV) is enzootic to macaques and represents a significant zoonotic threat to humans. In macaques, the viral infection is typically latent and asymptomatic, however, BV can become a deadly neurotropic infection in humans, commonly leading to encephalomyelitis. Although seroprevalence among macaques is widespread, particularly in wild-caught or laboratory-maintained populations, zoonotic transmission has remained rare since the first documented case. The limited host range of BV contrasts with its ability to cross species barriers under specific conditions. Diagnostic challenges and delayed symptom onset can interrupt early detection and antiviral treatment. Thus, BV is a paramount concern in the context of primate research and captive animal care. Consequently, this threat will require international collaboration, comprehensive surveillance, and continued researches to prevent zoonotic transmission and maintain safe primate research environments.

PurposeThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to the rapid development of vaccines to control the spread of infection. The inactivated severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Sinopharm BIBP vaccine was introduced in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and registered by the Ministry of Health and Prevention before the final data of the phase III clinical trial was released. Hence, a post-authorization effectiveness and safety study was required to evaluate the effectiveness and safety profile of the vaccine.Materials and MethodsAn observational Phase IV study was conducted in Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, UAE, for 18 months. The effectiveness of the BIBP vaccine was evaluated in individuals who received at least the first 2 doses and those who received the full vaccine course (with booster dose) based on immunogenicity assessment of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and protection against COVID-19.ResultsAbout 96% of the participants showed positive results for the neutralizing antibody and anti-S antibody against the SARS-CoV-2, 14 days after the second dose of the vaccine. The participants showed similar positive results after the booster vaccine, and the antibodies remained at that level at the one-year follow-up. Only 16 participants who received at least one dose of the vaccine experienced COVID-19. Safety outcomes showed that all serious adverse events reported were unrelated to the vaccine. No death was reported in this study period.ConclusionThe inactivated BIBP Sinopharm vaccine proved safe and effective in protecting against COVID-19.

The 9-valent human papillomavirus vaccine (9vHPV) protects against 9 HPV genotypes linked to cervical cancer and genital warts. While rare, HPV vaccines may trigger autoimmune reactions. Alopecia areata (AA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes non-scarring alopecia. Similarly, the development of AA induced by vaccines is a rare occurrence. This report presents a case of a healthy female who developed alopecia universalis after 9vHPV vaccination, aiming to document the event, share treatment, and highlight the need for prompt medical attention.