Current development status and prospects of plague vaccines

Choi Sang-Yoon, Jeon Jun-Ho, Kang Byung Hak, Rhie Gi-eun
Division of High-risk Pathogens, Center for Laboratory Control of Infectious Diseases, KCDC

Yersinia pestis is a highly pathogenic Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that causes plague. Y. pestis is classified as a high-risk pathogen, because of its severe threat to public health and safety. Currently, there is no safe and efficient vaccines to prevent plague. In the past, killed whole cell (KWC)- or live whole cell (LWC)-based vaccines had been developed to prevent plague. These types of vaccines were able to induce a strong immune response. However, these vaccines are associated with several adverse effects and are inefficient in providing long-term protection. Subunit vaccines reduce the risk factors and adverse effects associated with LWC and KWC vaccines. The capsular protein fraction 1/low-calcium response V (F1/LcrV)-based subunit vaccine failed to provide protection in the African green monkey model, although it provided protection in mice and cynomolgus macaques. Recently, several groups are attempting to enhance the immunogenicity of subunit vaccines. In this report, we introduce the latest research trends and prospects of plague vaccines.

Keywords: Yersinia pestis, Plague vaccine, Plague, Vaccine, F1/LcrV