World Immunization Week: The world has come a long way in the field of immunology since the development of the smallpox vaccine. However, vaccines are not available against AIDS, Dengue, Zika, Cytomegalovirus disease, Ebola, Malaria and Chagas disease.
Efforts are underway to develop vaccines against enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, HIV, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Norovirus, Salmonella paratyphi, and Shigella virus, among others.
Potential scientific advancements in immunology
Immunisation is set to revolutionise healthcare, not just by providing protection against infectious diseases, but also by combating other health challenges, experts say.
“The success of Covid-19 vaccines, particularly mRNA-based ones like Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, has led scientists to explore new ways to fight diseases using cutting-edge tools and techniques,” Dr Dipu TS, Associate Professor, Division of Infectious Diseases, Amrita Hospital, Kochi, told ABP Live.
Personalised cancer vaccines
Due to technological advancements in molecular diagnostics and automated facilities in laboratories, faster and more accurate testing and analysis of individual samples have become possible. Precise and quicker testing is the key to developing personalised cancer vaccines. Researchers may soon be able to customise vaccines in accordance with individual tumour characteristics, by making the most of genomic data and precision medicine, or personalised medicine, which is an innovative approach to tailoring disease prevention and treatment. The technique takes into account differences in people’s genes, environments and lifestyles.
“The technological advancements in molecular diagnostics and automations in laboratories are now enabling faster and more accurate testing and analysis of individual samples, which is crucial for developing personalised cancer vaccines. By leveraging genomic data and precision medicine, researchers can tailor vaccines to individual tumour characteristics, revolutionising cancer treatment,” Dr TS said.
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Therapeutic vaccines
Approaches like targeted immunotherapy and drug-delivery systems made using nanoparticles help in developing therapeutic vaccines, which are designed to treat existing diseases like Alzheimer’s and substance abuse issues. A targeted therapy to boost the immune system to work better against a certain disease is known as targeted immunotherapy. Therapeutic vaccines are used for treatment of an existing disease, rather than the prevention of a future disease. These technologies help stimulate the immune system in an effective way. In the future, immunology will adopt artificial intelligence and machine learning models, and leverage bioinformatics to transform the concept of ‘vaccine for all’ to ‘vaccine for individuals’.
“Therapeutic vaccines, designed to treat existing diseases like Alzheimer’s and addiction, are explored using approaches such as targeted immunotherapy and with the help of delivery systems like nanoparticles. The aim is to stimulate the immune system in a precise yet effective way using the technologies. Technology adoption for day-to-day diseases is what the future holds, and artificial intelligence and machine learning models, and the development of bioinformatics will lead to a transformation of the concept of ‘vaccine for all’ to ‘vaccine for individuals’ or personalised vaccines,” Dr TS said.
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Some of the other potential scientific advances in immunology in the future include new vaccine development, new vaccine delivery techniques, and improved storage and distribution of vaccines.
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Tailored vaccines
Scientists can develop more effective and tailored vaccines through advances in genetic engineering and nanotechnology.
“Scientists are always working on producing new vaccines for a variety of diseases, including emerging infectious diseases such as Covid-19. Advances in genetic engineering and nanotechnology enable the development of more effective and tailored vaccines,” Varun Sheth, Co-Founder and CEO of Ketto India, told ABP Live.
He also said that researchers are looking into the prospect of developing personalised vaccines that are tailored to a person’s exact genetic makeup and immune system. “This could lead to more tailored and successful immunisation methods.”
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New vaccine delivery techniques
According to Seth, microneedles and inhalable powders are some new vaccine delivery techniques researchers are working on. These will prove to be useful particularly in areas with limited access to healthcare.
“Researchers are working on new vaccine delivery methods, such as microneedles or inhalable powders. These revolutionary vaccine delivery technologies may make it easier to administer vaccines, particularly in locations with limited access to healthcare,” Seth said.
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Vaccines not requiring refrigeration
He explained that cold storage and transportation of vaccinations are a big challenge, and that scientists are working on creating non-refrigerated techniques for storing and distributing vaccinations, which could make it easier to provide medicines to remote places.
Seth concluded that the future of immunisation is bright, thanks to the ongoing research projects, which may result in important improvements in the detection and treatment of infectious diseases.