Viro Perspectives

Learn more on the topic of Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) via our ongoing series of clinical posts by David Kilpatrick, PhD and Abbas Vafai, PhD.

The Promise of Adjuvanted Subunit Vaccines as a Viable Option in Vaccine Development – Part IV

INTRODUCTION: This is an update from our earlier report (Part II) regarding the use of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein with two different adjuvants. The Phase I clinical trial results were presented in The Lancet by Richmond et al1. This was the first human trial of this subunit vaccine and was used to find the proper […]

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Herpes Zoster (Shingles) May Be a Marker for COVID-19 Infection

INTRODUCTION: Shingles, or herpes zoster (HZ), is an acute, viral infection that occurs after the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). The virus usually remains dormant within dorsal root ganglia after the virus’s primary infection presentation in the form of varicella. HZ is thought to appear when the immune system is under stress due to […]

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The Promise of Adjuvanted Subunit Vaccines as a Viable Option in Vaccine Development-Part III

Research has shown that the SHINGRIX vaccine produces a 24-fold increase in T cells, which is 12 times higher than other less effective shingles vaccines.

INTRODUCTION: In the last several years, a new approach to viral vaccine design has shown great promise. Vaccine makers are looking to see if the success can be replicated with other vaccines. Shingles is a viral infection that is caused by reactivation of varicella zoster virus (VZV), causing chickenpox upon primary exposure. The incidence of […]

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