TB vaccine(CHA Vaccine Research Institute Co., Ltd.)

The historical focus of vaccines on child health coupled with the advent of novel vaccines targeting adult populations necessitates exploring strategies for adult vaccine implementation.

This scoping review extracts insights from the past decade's experiences introducing adult vaccines in low- and middle-income countries. Among 25 papers reviewed, 19 focused on oral cholera vaccine, 2 on Meningococcal A vaccines, 2 on tetanus toxoid vaccine, 1 on typhoid vaccine, and 1 on Ebola vaccine. Aligned with WHO's Global Framework for New TB Vaccines for Adults and Adolescents, our findings center on vaccine availability, accessibility, and acceptance.

Availability findings underscore the importance of understanding disease burden for prioritization, multi-sectoral collaboration during planning, and strategic resource allocation and coordination. Accessibility results highlight the benefits of leveraging existing health infrastructure and adequately training healthcare workers, and contextually tailoring vaccine delivery approaches to reach challenging sub-groups like working male adults. Central to fostering acceptance, resonant sensitization, and communication campaigns engaging the communities and utilizing trusted local leaders countered rumors and increased awareness and uptake. As we approach the introduction of a new adult TB vaccine, insights from this review equips decision-makers with key evidence-based recommendations to support successful and equitable vaccinations targeting adults.

Tuberculosis (TB), caused by the intracellular pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), affects the lungs of infected individuals (pulmonary TB) but can also affect other sites (extrapulmonary TB). The only licensed vaccine Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) protects infants and young children but exhibits variable efficacy in protecting against adult pulmonary TB. Poor compliance and prolonged treatment regimens associated with the use of chemotherapy has contributed to the development of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Mtb. Thus, there is an urgent need for the design of more effective vaccines against TB. The development of safe and novel adjuvants for human use is critical. In this study, we demonstrate that saponin-based TQL1055 adjuvant when formulated with a TLR4 agonist (PHAD) and Mtb specific immunodominant antigens (ESAT-6 and Ag85B) and delivered intramuscularly in mice, the SA-TB vaccine induced potent lung immune responses. Additionally, the SA-TB vaccine conferred significant protection against Mtb infection, comparable with levels induced by BCG. These findings support the development of a SA-TB vaccine comprising TQL1055, as a novel, safe and effective TB vaccine for potential use in humans.