Research progress in adjuvants for tuberculosis protein subunit vaccines

VernacularTitle:结核病蛋白亚单位疫苗佐剂研究进展
Author: Shuai ZHOU ¹ ; Hongxia NIU
Author Information

1. 浙江中医药大学基础医学院病原生物与免疫学教研室，杭州　310053
Keywords: Tuberculosis; Subunit vaccine; Adjuvant; Traditional Chinese medicine adjuvant
From: Chinese Journal of Microbiology and Immunology 2024;44(6):489-500
CountryChina
Language:Chinese
Abstract: Tuberculosis, a global infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, ranks among the top ten causes of human death. The BCG vaccine is currently the only tuberculosis vaccine in clinical use, but its effectiveness in protecting adults from tuberculosis remains uncertain. In recent years, protein subunit vaccines have garnered significant attention due to their well-defined composition, high safety profile, and ability to enhance the BCG vaccine′s effects. However, the protein antigens in subunit tuberculosis vaccines typically elicit weak immune responses, necessitating the use of adjuvants to boost their immunogenicity. This review focuses on exploring various types of adjuvants utilized in novel tuberculosis vaccine formulations, ranging from those undergoing clinical trials to those still in preclinical development. The review provides an objective assessment of the advantages, disadvantages, and suitability of different adjuvants, while also highlighting current challenges in adjuvant research and proposing future research directions.