Rotavirus vaccine efficacy: current status and areas for improvement

Carvalho, Miguel F.; Gill, Davinder

In the future we expect significant developments in a number of fields that are likely to shape Rotavirus vaccine development. New data regarding critical Rotavirus entry factors and their distribution across populations, especially in low income areas where current vaccines underperform, will probably emerge. Further validation of technologies comprising polymer encapsulation and M cell targeting of vaccines is expected, which will likely benefit from improved cell culture methods. Systems analysis of Rotavirus vaccination, infection, mucosal pathology and immunity should help clarifying important questions regarding interventions to mitigate EE, testing and validating suitable mucosal adjuvants, key pathways involved, as well as circadian regulation of Rotavirus entry factors and response to vaccine. Progress is also expected in alternative delivery methods, formulation and thermostability of vaccines. Overall, we foresee that advances is these fields will translate into a promising new generation of vaccines which could enter clinical trials in the coming years.