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Researchers Warn About Immune Issues Associated With Adenovirus-Based Vaccines Or Therapeutics
Wirat Wasanakul Fact checked by:Thailand medical news Jun 20, 2024 6 months, 2 days, 2 hours, 56 minutes ago
Medical News: Adenoviruses (Ads) are common viruses responsible for mild infections, such as colds. Recently, they've become a focus in medical research due to their potential use in gene therapy, vaccines, and cancer treatments. These viruses are appealing because they can be easily modified, produced in large quantities, and have a solid safety record. However, researchers from Cardiff University School of Medicine-UK are raising concerns about immune system challenges associated with these therapies. Some of the issues they highlighted and also possible ways to circumvent these immune issues are covered in the Medical Newsreport.
Immune Issues Associated With Adenovirus-Based Vaccines Or Therapeutics Structural schematic and species classification of selected adenovirus serotypes. Species: A = light orange, B = purple, C = blue, D = green, E/ChAd-Y25 = light/dark red, F = pink, G = yellow. All human Ads relevant to this review, as
well as chimpanzee (Ch) Ad-Y25, are included in the selection.
The Immune System's Dual Role
The immune system is crucial for protecting the body against infections, but it can also complicate adenovirus-based therapies. The immune system can recognize and attack adenovirus vectors, reducing their effectiveness. This issue arises due to pre-existing immunity from previous adenovirus infections or an immune response to the therapeutic adenovirus vectors.
Pre-Existing Immunity: A Major Obstacle
Many people have already been exposed to adenoviruses and have developed antibodies against them. These antibodies can neutralize the adenovirus vectors before they deliver their therapeutic payload. This pre-existing immunity poses a significant challenge to the success of adenovirus-based therapies.
Immune Responses to Adenovirus Vectors
Upon introduction into the body, adenovirus vectors trigger both innate and adaptive immune responses. The innate immune system acts swiftly, deploying various cells and proteins to attack the virus, leading to the production of interferons and other molecules that boost the immune response. The adaptive immune system, which takes longer to activate, involves T cells and B cells that specifically target the adenovirus. T cells can destroy infected cells, while B cells produce antibodies to neutralize the virus. These responses, however, can also hinder the effectiveness of adenovirus-based therapies.
Strategies to Overcome Immune Challenges
Researchers are exploring several strategies to address the immune challenges associated with adenovirus-based therapies:
-Vector Modification: Altering adenovirus vectors to evade the immune system by changing the viral proteins that are most easily recognized.
-Targeted Delivery
g>: Engineering vectors to target specific cell types, such as cancer cells, reducing the likelihood of a widespread immune response.
-Combination Therapies: Using adenovirus vectors alongside treatments that suppress the immune response to enhance therapy effectiveness.
Adenoviruses in Cancer Treatment
Adenovirus vectors are being investigated as oncolytic viruses (OVs) that selectively infect and kill cancer cells. These vectors can be designed to replicate only in cancer cells, sparing healthy cells. They can also be modified to express genes that boost the immune response against the tumor.
Gene Therapy Applications
In gene therapy, adenovirus vectors deliver functional copies of genes to cells with defective versions. However, the immune response to the vector can limit the duration of gene expression. Researchers are developing methods to extend the therapeutic effects of gene therapy while minimizing the immune response.
Adenovirus Vectors in Vaccines
Adenovirus vectors have been used to create vaccines, including some COVID-19 vaccines. These vectors are engineered to express antigens from the target pathogen, stimulating an immune response that provides protection against future infections. The success of these vaccines has highlighted the potential of adenovirus vectors in preventing infectious diseases.
Future Research Directions
Ongoing research aims to improve the efficacy and safety of adenovirus-based therapies by focusing on:
-Enhanced Vector Design: Developing new adenovirus vectors with better targeting and reduced immunogenicity.
-Immune Response Understanding: Deepening the understanding of how the immune system interacts with adenovirus vectors to devise better evasion strategies.
-Clinical Trials: Conducting trials to test new adenovirus-based therapies for various diseases, including cancer, genetic disorders, and infections.
Conclusion
Adenovirus-based therapies offer promising treatments for various diseases. However, the immune system's response to these vectors remains a significant hurdle. By refining vector designs and developing new strategies to overcome immune barriers, researchers hope to maximize the potential of adenovirus-based treatments, leading to better patient outcomes.