This session will explore the use of reverse vaccinology, a method that involves screening pathogen genomes to identify potential vaccine targets. Presenters will highlight how this approach has been used to develop vaccines against meningitis, malaria, and other viral infections. The session will focus on the promise of reverse vaccinology in rapidly developing vaccines for emerging viruses.

Most vaccines target antibody responses, but T-cell based vaccines focus on inducing cellular immunity, which is essential for controlling many viral infections. This session will discuss the development of T-cell vaccines for chronic and acute viral infections, the advantages of cellular immunity, and the challenges in designing vaccines that elicit strong T-cell responses. Case studies will include vaccines for HIV and CMV.

This session will review the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of vaccine development and deployment. Presenters will discuss the key components of rapid vaccine production, such as flexible manufacturing platforms, streamlined regulatory pathways, and global coordination. Discussions will also cover how these lessons can be applied to prepare for future pandemics, including new platforms like DNA and mRNA vaccines.

Many emerging viral threats, such as Ebola, MERS, and Nipah, originate from animals. This session will discuss the unique challenges of developing vaccines for zoonotic viruses, including the need for rapid response platforms and the difficulties in predicting which zoonotic viruses may pose the greatest threat. Ongoing vaccine research for zoonotic diseases and surveillance strategies will be presented.

DNA vaccines represent a promising platform for rapid and scalable vaccine production. This session will explore the mechanics of DNA vaccine technology, discussing its advantages in terms of stability and production, as well as its limitations in inducing robust immune responses. Case studies on DNA vaccines for viral diseases like Zika, dengue, and COVID-19 will be highlighted.

How long do vaccines protect, and what factors influence the duration of immunity? This session will explore the science behind vaccine-induced immunity, including the roles of memory B cells and T cells in long-term protection. Presenters will review studies on vaccines for influenza, hepatitis, and HPV, highlighting factors that affect immunity duration and the need for booster doses.

This session will focus on vaccines that protect pregnant women and their newborns from viral infections, including influenza, pertussis, and RSV. Presenters will discuss the science behind maternal vaccination, how immunity is transferred to the fetus, and the benefits of protecting newborns during their most vulnerable early months. Case studies on successful maternal vaccination programs will be presented.

This session will explore the development of vaccines designed to protect against a range of viruses by targeting shared viral components. Discussions will include the challenges of developing such vaccines, the identification of cross-reactive antigens, and clinical trials of broad-spectrum vaccines for influenza, coronaviruses, and filoviruses like Ebola and Marburg.

Viral hemorrhagic fevers, such as Ebola, Marburg, and Lassa, are among the most lethal viral diseases, and vaccine development for these viruses poses significant challenges. This session will review ongoing efforts to develop vaccines for these diseases, discussing platforms such as viral vectors and recombinant protein vaccines. Case studies on recent Ebola vaccine trials and deployment will be highlighted.

Developing vaccines is only the first step—ensuring they reach those in need is equally critical. This session will address the logistical challenges of global vaccine distribution, particularly in low-resource settings. Topics will include cold chain requirements, equitable access to vaccines, and strategies for improving global distribution networks. The session will highlight recent successes and ongoing challenges in vaccine distribution for diseases like polio, measles, and COVID-19.