Adenovirus vaccine

Adenovirus Vaccine

The adenovirus vaccine is a type of vaccine that uses an adenovirus to carry a DNA sequence derived from a pathogen to stimulate an immune response. It is a form of viral vector vaccine, which are popular platforms for vaccine development due to their high efficiency of gene transfer.

History

The concept of using adenoviruses as vectors for vaccines was first proposed in the 1970s. The first adenovirus vaccine was approved for use by the United States military in 1980 to protect against acute respiratory disease caused by adenovirus serotypes 4 and 7.

Mechanism of Action

The adenovirus vaccine works by using a modified adenovirus that cannot replicate in human cells. This virus carries a gene from the pathogen that the vaccine is designed to protect against. Once inside the body, the adenovirus infects cells and delivers the pathogen's gene. The cells then produce the pathogen's protein, which stimulates an immune response.

Types of Adenovirus Vaccines

There are several types of adenovirus vaccines, including those for influenza, HIV, and COVID-19. The COVID-19 pandemic has seen the development and emergency use authorization of several adenovirus vaccines, including the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine and the Johnson & Johnson's Janssen vaccine.

Safety and Efficacy

Adenovirus vaccines have been shown to be safe and effective in preventing disease. However, like all vaccines, they can cause side effects, which are usually mild and go away on their own.

See Also

• Vaccine
• Viral vector vaccine
• COVID-19 vaccine
• Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine
• Johnson & Johnson's Janssen vaccine