From: Advances in the design and development of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines
Type | Principle | Advantages | Disadvantages |
---|---|---|---|
Viral vector vaccines | Insertion of the gene encoding the protective exogenous antigen into a viral vector to express the target protein in the body | Can insert long exogenous genes and use multiple inoculation routes High delivery efficiency Both cellular and mucosal immunity can be induced Easy to manufacture No adjuvant is required | The viral vector may interfere with the immune response to the target antigen Preexisting immunity may interfere with the vaccine effect Low safety |
DNA vaccines | DNA vaccines are based on a eukaryotic expression vector encoding a certain protein antigen which is injected into the animal directly, so that the exogenous gene is expressed in vivo, and the antigen activates the body's immune system, thereby inducing specific humoral and cellular immune responses | Uses the host protein translation system to generate target antigens Induces both humoral and cellular immune responses Low cost Easy to mass manufacture and no need for cold chain transportation | There is a potential safety issue of DNA integration into the host genome |
RNA vaccines | The mRNA vaccines use a synthetic mRNA encoding the translated antigen that is formulated in vitro and delivered into the body for translation into antigenic proteins by host cells | Easy and fast to produce Much safer than DNA vaccines Higher immunogenicity than DNA vaccines Can deliver multiple antigens at the same time | Poor stability May cause adverse reactions |
Live-attenuated vaccines | A virus that is less virulent but still immunogenic and capable of replicating inside the body | Strong immunogenicity Sustained systemic and mucosal immune responses can be induced | Low safety Difficult to preserve and easy to inactivate Slow development and high screening effort The timing of the attenuation is unknown Large-scale culture of highly virulent pathogens must be done in a BSL3 facility |
Inactivated virus vaccines | A whole-virus vaccine made from cultured wild-type viruses by physical or chemical inactivation processes | Easy to obtain Shorter cycle of early research Mature technology Similar to live viruses No concern surrounding reversion to virulence Much safer than live-attenuated vaccines | High risks BSL3 facility Can cause harmful reactions The immune effect is poor, requiring multiple doses and times Adjuvant may be required |
Recombinant protein vaccines | It consists of purified recombinant proteins | Clear composition Excellent safety High stability Scalable production | Poor immunogenicity Adjuvants are indispensable |
Bionic nanoparticle vaccines | It consists of purified recombinant proteins and bionic nanoparticles | Clear composition Excellent safety High stability Scalable production High efficiency | Â |