The current state of tuberculosis vaccines

Abstract

Tuberculosis continues to persist despite widespread use of BCG, the only licensed vaccine to prevent TB. BCG's limited efficacy coupled with the emergence of drug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis emphasizes the need for a more effective vaccine for combatting this disease. However, the development of a TB vaccine is hindered by the lack of immune correlates, suboptimal animal models, and limited funding. An adolescent/adult vaccine would have the greatest public health impact, but effective delivery of such a vaccine will require a better understanding of global TB epidemiology, improved infrastructure, and engagement of public health leaders and global manufacturers. Here we discuss the current state of tuberculosis vaccine research and development, including our understanding of the underlying immunology as well as the challenges and opportunities that may hinder or facilitate the development of a new and efficacious vaccine.

Keywords: BCG; immunology; public health; tuberculosis; vaccines.

Figure 1. Global TB vaccine pipeline. TB vaccine candidates currently in clinical trials include viral vectors (yellow), recombinant BCG (green), protein/adjuvant combinations (purple), attenuated M.tb (red) and non-BCG mycobacteria or mycobacterial extracts (orange). Trials sponsored at least in part by Aeras are indicated.