L19 - Molecular approaches to bacterial vaccine design; problems and solutions Flashcards
What is the primary focus of vaccine design?
To create effective vaccines that control infectious diseases.
Why are vaccines essential for controlling infections?
They help manage diseases that cannot be treated with antibiotics.
Which infections are considered urgent targets for vaccines?
Meningitis and sepsis, particularly in young populations.
Why do infections in young individuals create strong emotional responses? Delete
Because they are more vulnerable, emphasizing the need for effective vaccines.
What is the goal of an immune response in vaccine design?
To elicit a robust immune response targeted at the specific infectious disease.
What are the two main types of immune responses needed for vaccines?
Humoral and cell-mediated immune responses.
Why is cost-effectiveness important in vaccine manufacturing?
To ensure widespread accessibility of vaccines.
Why must vaccines be stable during transport and storage?
To maintain their efficacy and prevent degradation.
What is an important consideration for vaccine efficacy?
Long-lasting protection with minimal doses.
Why is antigen conservation important?
To maintain vaccine effectiveness across different strains.
What is a major safety concern in vaccine development?
Avoiding adverse effects and vaccine-resistant strains.
Why is public trust in vaccine safety crucial?
High trust leads to higher vaccination rates.
What is the first phase of vaccine development?
Preclinical development.
What happens in preclinical vaccine development?
Antigen identification and optimization based on prior research.
What is the focus of Phase 1 clinical trials?
Evaluating vaccine safety in a small group and assessing adverse reactions.
What is tested in Phase 2 clinical trials?
Vaccine efficacy in a larger population and immune response monitoring.
What is the purpose of Phase 3 clinical trials?
Comparing vaccine effectiveness across a broad population and diverse demographics.
Why is post-marketing surveillance necessary?
To monitor for rare side effects not detected in earlier trials.
What is an example of a successful meningococcal vaccine?
Serogroup C conjugate vaccine.
How does the Serogroup C vaccine provide lasting immunity?
By combining polysaccharide vaccines with T-dependent antigens.
Why was developing a Serogroup B vaccine challenging?
Due to variations in antigens.
What approach was used to develop the Bexsero vaccine?
Reverse vaccinology using genomic data.
Why is post-introduction data on vaccines important? Delete
To track trends in disease cases and vaccine impact.
How do genomic technologies improve vaccine design?
They help understand pathogen variability and identify new vaccine targets.