Diverse processes in rotavirus vaccine development.

Abstract

Rotavirus is a major cause of severe diarrhea and mortality in children under five years of age, leading to approximately 128,500 deaths annually.^1-3 Vaccination is the most effective strategy for preventing rotavirus infection. While two widely used vaccines, Rotarix and RotaTeq, have shown good efficacy in high-income countries, their effectiveness is lower in low- and middle-income countries due to factors such as malnutrition and poor sanitation.^4-6 These challenges include complex vaccination schedules and high production costs. Researchers are working on novel vaccines, including inactivated virus and viral protein-based options, as well as virus-like particles and recombinant proteins.^7-9 Improving vaccine stability and applicability is crucial for resource-limited settings, and global vaccination strategies are expected to significantly reduce infection burdens, improve child health, and contribute to the achievement of global health goals.^10-14.