Enveloped virus-like particles as a platform for vaccine development

Abstract

Vaccination is the most effective approach in preventing and controlling the global public health threat of infectious diseases. Enveloped virus-like particles (eVLPs) offer advantages over other subunit vaccines because of their self-adjuvanting properties. Their optimal size and particulate structure activate antigen-presenting cells. The flexibility in manufacturing, applications, and advantages for preventing or treating disease are highlighted by the vaccine candidates described in this review. Previous preclinical and clinical studies demonstrated the immunogenicity of two eVLP vaccine candidates designed to protect against cytomegalovirus. The expression of viral envelope proteins in the eVLPs induces a robust neutralizing antibody response, which is considered a correlate of protection in many viral infections. VBI has developed two vaccine candidates against SARS CoV2, VBI-2902a, and VBI-2905a. Ongoing clinical development of these vaccine candidates will assess human safety and immunogenicity, after one or two doses in previously vaccinated and unvaccinated, individuals (NCT04773665).