Revolutionizing Vaccine Production: The Role of Next Generation Sequencing
Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) has played a crucial role in various aspects of vaccine development and production. Explore below some of the examples in which NGS is used in the production of vaccines.
Genome Sequencing of Pathogens
NGS is often employed to sequence the genomes of pathogens like viruses and bacteria. This is particularly important for developing vaccines against emerging infectious diseases. By rapidly sequencing the genome of a new pathogen, researchers can identify potential vaccine targets and design vaccines more quickly.
Vaccine Strain Selection
In the case of vaccines against viruses that mutate rapidly, such as influenza or HIV, NGS can help in selecting the most appropriate strains for vaccine production. By monitoring genetic variations in the circulating strains, scientists can make informed decisions about which strains to include in the vaccine to ensure its effectiveness.
Quality Control
NGS can be used for quality control during vaccine production. It allows manufacturers to confirm that the correct genetic material is present in the vaccine, ensuring that the vaccine contains the desired antigens and is free from contamination.
Vaccine Manufacturing Optimization
NGS can help optimize vaccine production processes by providing insights into the genetics of the organisms used in vaccine production (e.g., yeast or bacteria for protein expression).
Monitoring Vaccine Efficacy
After vaccines are administered to the public, NGS can be used to monitor the genetic makeup of circulating pathogens. This helps in assessing vaccine efficacy and identifying any emerging variants that might evade immunity conferred by the vaccine.
Adaptive Vaccine Design
NGS data can be used to guide the development of adaptive vaccines. These vaccines are designed to target a broader range of variants by including multiple antigenic targets. NGS helps identify conserved regions of pathogens that can be included in such vaccines.
Personalized Vaccines
In some cases, NGS can be used to personalize vaccines. For instance, in the field of cancer immunotherapy, the genetic profile of a patient’s tumor can be sequenced, and a personalized vaccine can be designed to target specific tumor antigens.
Get in touch!
NGS has truly revolutionized vaccine development and production by enabling rapid genome sequencing, vaccine strain selection, quality control, and ongoing monitoring of vaccine efficacy. It has accelerated the response to emerging infectious diseases and improved the precision and effectiveness of vaccines. As we look ahead, NGS promises to accelerate the development of vaccines, keeping pace with the ever-evolving challenges posed by emerging infectious diseases. Embracing this technology is not just an option; it is a necessity in the quest for a healthier, safer world. To explore how can we help to facilitate your development and production processes, get in touch via geneticQC@genomescan.nl or the form below.
