Elsevier Author, Stanley A. Plotkin, MD, is emeritus professor of pediatrics at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. He recently published this article, in which he explores the future of vaccinology.

“As vaccinology progresses, no doubt certain innate immune responses that facilitate B- and T-cell responses will be identified as mechanistic correlates,” Plotkin wrote.

As examples, he points to the vaccines currently being manufactured for influenza, pertussis, poxvirus and rotavirus, and points out the areas of exploration needed to make better vaccines. Plotkin also discusses vaccines in development — specifically those for cytomegalovirus, Ebola virus, HIV and malaria.

Plotkin, in discussing cytomegalovirus, said, “Whereas a vaccine definitely must induce antibody to prevent congenital infection, it is unclear whether cellular immunity will be needed as a synergistic mCoP.”

Regarding Ebola virus, he said, “It appears that antibody will provide a sufficient correlate of protection for the purpose of licensure of the most advanced candidate Ebola vaccines, even if it is a nonmechanistic correlate that is practically useful but not truly protective.”

On the potential for an HIV vaccine, Plotkin writes, “Future HIV vaccine may depend for success on several mCoPs, such as different functional antibodies.”

Plotkin said there are the multiple parasitic stages in malaria that will need to be taken into account when developing a future vaccine for malaria.

“Although the protective mechanism of most licensed vaccines is antibody, in the future, correlates of protection will be complex, involving multiple immune functions,” Plotkin told Infectious Diseases in Children.

Original Article Appeared in Helio

Check out Dr. Stanley A. Plotkin’s Elsevier Authors Bio page to learn more about his book, Vaccines, 6th Edition, and his research within the infectious disease field.