Respiratory syncytial virus vaccines

Progress in RSV vaccine development has been rapid over the last few years. The availability of recombinant technology will allow determination of the genetic basis for attenuation of biologically derived vaccines, as well as the development of new vaccines containing novel combinations of attenuating mutations. This may hasten the identification of live viral vaccine candidates for phase III trials. Additionally, the RSV PFP-2 subunit vaccine is being considered for further phase II studies. Distinct target populations such as infants, pregnant women, the elderly, immunocompromised patients, and children with chronic lung disease may require the use of different vaccines, or combinations of vaccines. It is hoped that the recent advances described here will lead to the development of effective vaccines against this important respiratory pathogen.