Developing vaccines against filoviruses, such as Ebola and Marburg, presents significant challenges due to their complex pathogenesis and immune evasion mechanisms. Filoviruses exhibit high genetic variability, which complicates the identification of universally effective antigens. Furthermore, these viruses can rapidly mutate, potentially rendering vaccines ineffective.
The study from Wang et al. (2024) indicates equal conclusion for the immunization against Marburg virus than against Ebola virus. The immunization incorporating QS-21 saponin adjuvant produced an increase in the immunogenicity of the subunit Ebola vaccine and favorable safety in mice.
The antibody titer was higher for the QS-21 adjuvanted vaccine, compared to squalene-based o/w emulsion (Addavax). The authors infer that QS-21 induced the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, responsible for the activation and death of subcapsular sinus macrophages that in return triggers the recruitment of immune cells to assemble innate and adaptive immunity (Wang, et al., 2024).
References
1. Wang, C. et al., 2024. A broadly applicable protein-polymer adjuvant system for antiviral vaccines. EMBO Molecular Medecine.
