Novel biosafe vaccine vectors
The overall aim of vaccine research is the development of innovative products with the ability to confer protection and induce immune responses. Often the pathogenic virus itself is used as the basis for the new vaccine in order to ensure an immune response. Furthermore, a series of research tools, such as adequate animal models, are necessary for testing the efficacy of these vaccines. The EC-funded BIOSAFE-VACCINE-VECT project explored new viable options towards the development of novel and safe vaccines against enteric and respiratory diseases. Biosafety is an important aspect in vaccine development and the project explored expression systems with improved biosafety profiles. The vectors that were synthesised and tested would form the basis for vaccines against human enteric rotavirus and coronavirus strains. The partners conducted a series of in vitro tests on these new vectors, which also might find application for animal vaccines. One of these new vaccines was developed against SARS-CoV and was tested in a number of in vivo experiments. Researchers are seeking further support in order to continue development efforts in this area.
