Recent advances in the clinical development of antifungal vaccines: a narrative review

Abstract

Vaccine development tools for fungal infections are undergoing transformation where newer technologies like nanotechnology and bioinformatics are used to create new and improved vaccine candidates. Immunocompromised individuals and those with multiple chronic conditions are especially vulnerable to invasive fungal infections. These patients are at increased risk of developing widespread infections and experiencing poor health outcomes. Current management of fungal infections is associated with diagnostic challenges, side effects, and resistance. Vaccination is an effective strategy to prevent infections and boost immunity. Despite the significant burden of fungal disease, there are currently no licensed fungal vaccines available. This review is focused on various vaccine development strategies, including whole-cell, subunit, and nucleic acid-based vaccines. Various challenges like safety concerns, weak and nonspecific immune response, ideal adjuvants, and the need for improved drug delivery systems are also highlighted in this review. Sustained antigenic response, addressing host immune response variability, and eliciting persistent predictable immune response are crucial for vaccine development. Standardized protocols and robust preclinical studies are essential for the clinical development of potential vaccine candidates. Exploring novel targets using advanced technologies like bioinformatics, nanotechnology, and reverse vaccinology are being rapidly explored.