uv-inactivated vaccinia virus vaccine

UV-inactivated vaccinia virus vaccine is a non-replicating viral vector vaccine candidate produced by treating recombinant vaccinia virus (VV) with psoralen and ultraviolet (UV) light. This inactivation process cross-links the viral genome, rendering the virus unable to replicate while maintaining its structural integrity, ability to enter host cells, and capacity to express encoded antigens. It has been primarily investigated in two research contexts: as a component of a multi-envelope DNA-VV-protein (DVP) vaccination strategy for HIV-1 to induce broad immune responses, and as a recombinant vector for cancer immunotherapy. In clinical trials for metastatic melanoma, the UV-inactivated recombinant VV was engineered to express tumor-associated antigens (Melan-A/MART-1, gp100, tyrosinase) and costimulatory molecules (CD80, CD86) to stimulate cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses. The approach aims to improve the safety profile of vaccinia-based vaccines compared to replication-competent strains.

Other names

UV VVpsoralen/UV light-inactivated vaccinia virusUV-inactivated recombinant vaccinia virus