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Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2025; 46(01): 063-081
DOI: 10.1055/a-2500-1878
Review Article

State of the Art and Emerging Technologies in Vaccine Design for Respiratory Pathogens

Matteo Ridelfi   *
1   Monoclonal Antibody Discovery (MAD) Lab, Fondazione Toscana Life Sciences, Siena, Italy
2   Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
,
Giulio Pierleoni   *
1   Monoclonal Antibody Discovery (MAD) Lab, Fondazione Toscana Life Sciences, Siena, Italy
2   Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
,
Vittoria Zucconi Galli Fonseca   *
1   Monoclonal Antibody Discovery (MAD) Lab, Fondazione Toscana Life Sciences, Siena, Italy
,
Giampiero Batani
1   Monoclonal Antibody Discovery (MAD) Lab, Fondazione Toscana Life Sciences, Siena, Italy
,
Rino Rappuoli
3   Fondazione Biotecnopolo di Siena, Siena, Italy
,
Claudia Sala
1   Monoclonal Antibody Discovery (MAD) Lab, Fondazione Toscana Life Sciences, Siena, Italy
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Funding None.
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Abstract

In this review, we present the efforts made so far in developing effective solutions to prevent infections caused by seven major respiratory pathogens: influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), Bordetella pertussis, Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus), Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Advancements driven by the recent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis have largely focused on viruses, but effective prophylactic solutions for bacterial pathogens are also needed, especially in light of the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) phenomenon. Here, we discuss various innovative key technologies that can help address this critical need, such as (a) the development of Lung-on-Chip ex vivo models to gain a better understanding of the pathogenesis process and the host–microbe interactions; (b) a more thorough investigation of the mechanisms behind mucosal immunity as the first line of defense against pathogens; (c) the identification of correlates of protection (CoPs) which, in conjunction with the Reverse Vaccinology 2.0 approach, can push a more rational and targeted design of vaccines. By focusing on these critical areas, we expect substantial progress in the development of new vaccines against respiratory bacterial pathogens, thereby enhancing global health protection in the framework of the increasingly concerning AMR emergence.

Keywords

vaccines - antimicrobial resistance - respiratory pathogens - immune system - infectious diseases

* These authors contributed equally to this work.




Publication History

Article published online:
27 January 2025

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