Recombinant Prefusion Measles and Mumps F and F –HN (H) Glycoproteins for Vaccine Development

The Measles virus (MeV) and Mumps virus (MuV) are highly contagious paramyxoviruses that can be transmitted by respiratory droplets from or on direct contact with an infected person. The resulting diseases can lead to serious complications or death among children. The existing vaccines for MeV and MuV are live attenuated virus vaccines which are administered in two subcutaneous doses at 1 year of age and as early as one month later. Two doses of a combination measles, mumps and rubella vaccine are 97% effective against measles and 88% against mumps. A single dose of a combination measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine is 93% effective against measles and 78% effective against mumps.Despite the effectiveness of the current licensed vaccines against MeV and MuV, incidences of both have increased in recent years. Contributing factors include reduced vaccination rates (especially in the U.S) due to vaccine hesitancy and circulation of divergent strains against which the licensed MMR vaccine offers limited protection. In the case of MuV, recent studies have shown that immunity wanes significantly after the second MMR vaccination which normally occurs in childhood. In response to recent recurring MuV disease outbreaks in the U.S and Europe, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is advising a third MMR vaccination to boost protection. However, existing immunity neutralizes a third MMR vaccination limiting its effectiveness. Genotype G MuV is the main cause of recent outbreak...
Source: NIH OTT Licensing Opportunities - Category: Research Authors: Source Type: research