New approach for polio vaccine

Researchers in Leeds have proposed a new method to create a polio vaccine that does not require use of the live virus. Current vaccination procedures require live poliovirus that is chemically killed afterwards as part of the process but there is a risk of the virus escaping into the wider environment.

Professor David Rowlands, co-leader of the study at the University of Leeds, said: “Our new method of creating the vaccine has been proven to work in lab conditions and on top of that we’ve proved it’s actually more stable than existing vaccines.”

Virus-like particles (VLPs) are used in vaccinations for other viral infections such as hepatitis B and human papilloma virus. However, poliovirus VLPS have not been stable enough for practical use – until now. The research team discovered a new way to modify VLPS, after identifying mutations which enhanced their stability.

These mutations prevent the capsids changing shape when subjected to higher temperatures. Professor Rowlands said: “The improved stability of these modified VLPs means that they can be produced using bioengineering techniques without involving the growth of live virus.”

The scientists intend for this method to be implemented after the virus has been completely eradicated. Although the instances of polio occurring around the world have dropped dramatically, it still exists in small areas of the world. Professor Nicola Stonehouse, another study co-leader at the University of Leeds, was confident in the use of poliovirus VLPs. She said: “Further research is needed for refinement but we are confident they will work for all three forms of polio. After that we need to find a way to manufacture them cost effectively on a large scale.”

The next steps will see further research on rats and mice. The study was published in Journal of Virology.