review · Journal of Immunology Research
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, or MERS-CoV, emerged in 2012 and caused 2,279 confirmed infections and approximately 806 deaths across 27 countries by early 2019. The virus enters host cells using spike proteins that function as proinflammatory adhesive factors, binding directly to the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 receptor, known as DPP4. This receptor serves as an essential component in signalling and activating both innate and acquired immune pathways during infection. Currently, no approved vaccines or effective medical treatments exist to control MERS-CoV. Formulating potent antigens paired with strong adjuvants represents a promising approach to stimulate neutralising antibodies and activate targeted cellular immunity. Synthesising current knowledge on innate and adaptive immune responses and vaccine development is vital for guiding therapeutic innovation to mitigate viral transmission and reduce the risk of future pandemics.
MERS-CoV is a lethal respiratory pathogen capable of causing severe outbreaks across international borders. Without approved clinical interventions or preventative immunisations, understanding the immune mechanisms that counter infection is essential. Clarifying host receptor interactions and immune responses provides the foundational scientific knowledge required to design effective preventative measures, curtail virus transmission, and mitigate the threat of widespread respiratory disease.
This work addresses vaccine and therapeutic development for biopharmaceutical companies, vaccine manufacturers, and public health agencies seeking to prevent MERS-CoV spread. Because there are no approved therapies or vaccines, combining potent antigens with strong adjuvants offers an early-stage pathway toward viable product candidates. The research remains at an early conceptual stage, surveying immunological mechanisms and experimental vaccine strategies rather than presenting a commercially tested product.
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Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) first emerged in late 2012. Since its emergence, a total of 2279 patients from 27 countries have been infected across the globe according to a World Health Organization (WHO) report (Feb. 12th, 2019). Approximately 806 patients have died. The virus uses its spike proteins as adhesive factors that are proinflammatory for host entry through a specific receptor called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4). This receptor is considered a key factor in the signaling and activation of the acquired and innate immune responses in infected patients. Using potent antigens in combination with strong adjuvants may effectively trigger the activation of specific MERS-CoV cellular responses as well as the production of neutralizing antibodies. Unfortunately, to date, there is no effective approved treatment or vaccine for MERS-CoV. Thus, there are urgent needs for the development of novel MERS-CoV therapies as well as vaccines to help minimize the spread of the virus from infected patients, thereby mitigating the risk of any potential pandemics. Our main goals are to highlight and describe the current knowledge of both the innate and adaptive immune responses to MERS-CoV and the current state of MERS-CoV vaccine development. We believe this study will increase our understanding of the mechanisms that enhance the MERS-CoV immune response and subsequently contribute to the control of MERS-CoV infections.
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DOI: 10.1155/2019/6491738
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