COVID-19 vaccines: Knowing the unknown

Eur J Immunol. 2020 Jul;50(7):939-943. doi: 10.1002/eji.202048663. Epub 2020 Jun 24.

Abstract

Vaccine development against SARS-CoV-2 has drawn attention around the globe due to the exploding pandemic. Although COVID-19 is caused by a new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, previous research on other coronavirus vaccines, such as FIPV, SARS, and MERS, has provided valuable information for the rapid development of COVID-19 vaccine. However, important knowledge gaps remain - some are specific to SARS-CoV-2, others are fundamental to immunology and vaccinology. Here, we discuss areas that need to be addressed for COVID-19 vaccine development, and what can be learned from examples of vaccine development in the past. Since the beginning of the outbreak, the research progress on COVID-19 has been remarkable. We are therefore optimistic about the rapid development of COVID-19 vaccine.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; Vaccine.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Betacoronavirus
  • COVID-19
  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Coronavirus Infections / immunology*
  • Coronavirus Infections / prevention & control*
  • Coronavirus Infections / therapy
  • Drug Development
  • Humans
  • Pandemics / prevention & control*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / immunology*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / prevention & control*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / therapy
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Viral Vaccines / immunology*

Substances

  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • Viral Vaccines