Infectious Diseases, Microbiology & Beneficial Microbes

Advancements in Vaccines and Therapeutics

Recent advancements in vaccines and therapeutics have revolutionized disease prevention and treatment. mRNA vaccines, such as those developed by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna for COVID-19, use genetic material to prompt cells to produce proteins that elicit an immune response. These vaccines offer advantages like rapid development and broad applicability. Vector-based vaccines, such as those by Oxford-AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson, use harmless viruses to deliver pathogen genes into cells, stimulating an immune response. Thermostable vaccines, which remain effective at higher temperatures, are being developed for diseases like COVID-19 and malaria to improve distribution. Therapeutic advancements include monoclonal antibodies, which target specific proteins on pathogens or diseased cells, and antiviral drugs that inhibit viral replication. These innovations improve treatment efficacy and accessibility, advancing our ability to combat various diseases and conditions.