SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19 vaccines were developed rapidly within one year after the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. The first generation of COVID-19 vaccines was based on the ancestral or wild-type strain, which could reduce the risk of life-threatening infections. Notably, SARS-CoV-2 genomic variants with altered surface antigens did not emerge until many months into the pandemic, after massive viral replication. To maintain the integrity of their genome, coronaviruses use a specialized RNA-proofreading mechanism that excises misincorporated nucleotides from the nascent RNA by the NSP14–NSP10 complex containing an exonuclease domain. As a result, we have seen various variants of the virus since the disease's outbreak some of which are highly contagious and/or capable of evading immunity, such as the Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant. Additionally, it is important to note that vaccine-induced immunity can wane gradually, leading to reduced protection. Before the second generation of COVID-19 vaccines (e.g. bivalent), the vaccines against the original strain were used as boosters. While these boosters can mitigate the disease severity, they may not sufficiently protect against infection with SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, particularly new subvariants of Omicron.
Considering the evolving nature of the pandemic, what is the next step in COVID-19 vaccine development beyond the first generation? Even though most of the global population is no longer naïve to SARS-CoV-2, and despite the World Health Organization's declaration of the end of COVID-19 as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern the risk of emergence of new variants that cause high case surges and high fatality remain. The use strategies of the vaccine have changed and are adapted continuously to the evolution of the virus and population immunity.
This Research Topic is dedicated to exploring the second generation of COVID-19 vaccines (e.g., bivalent) and beyond, including monovalent XBB (Omicron XBB.1.5 subvariants) and subsequent iterations. Recent data on the use of COVID-19 bivalent vaccines from late 2020 onwards are of great interest and can provide valuable insights for future vaccination strategies Our scope encompasses a wide array of evidence, pulling from animal models, clinical trials, post-phase III studies (including immunogenicity assessments in different settings), real-world evidence, efficacy/effectiveness evaluations, and systematic reviews. Submitted manuscripts focusing only on COVID-19 vaccines against the original strain (ancestral or wild-type), would be unfit for this collection.
We welcome submissions of Original Research, Mini reviews, Reviews, Systematic Reviews, Policy and Practice Reviews, Clinical Trials, Perspectives, Commentaries, Policy Briefs, and Brief Research Reports on the following subtopics:
• Studies comparing immunogenicity, efficacy, and effectiveness of the new-generation vaccines with those against the original viral strain
• Vaccines administered to the naïve host (focusing on neonates and pediatric populations)
• Vaccine for travelers
• Vaccine for high-risk groups and occupations
• Hybrid immunity
• Heterologous strategies (mix and match)
• Effect of the breakthrough infection on COVID-19 vaccine recipients
• Impact of COVID-19 booster vaccination on public health and policy
• Immunologic characterization
• Adverse events and side effects following vaccination
• Interplay of vaccination with long COVID
SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19 vaccines were developed rapidly within one year after the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. The first generation of COVID-19 vaccines was based on the ancestral or wild-type strain, which could reduce the risk of life-threatening infections. Notably, SARS-CoV-2 genomic variants with altered surface antigens did not emerge until many months into the pandemic, after massive viral replication. To maintain the integrity of their genome, coronaviruses use a specialized RNA-proofreading mechanism that excises misincorporated nucleotides from the nascent RNA by the NSP14–NSP10 complex containing an exonuclease domain. As a result, we have seen various variants of the virus since the disease's outbreak some of which are highly contagious and/or capable of evading immunity, such as the Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant. Additionally, it is important to note that vaccine-induced immunity can wane gradually, leading to reduced protection. Before the second generation of COVID-19 vaccines (e.g. bivalent), the vaccines against the original strain were used as boosters. While these boosters can mitigate the disease severity, they may not sufficiently protect against infection with SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, particularly new subvariants of Omicron.
Considering the evolving nature of the pandemic, what is the next step in COVID-19 vaccine development beyond the first generation? Even though most of the global population is no longer naïve to SARS-CoV-2, and despite the World Health Organization's declaration of the end of COVID-19 as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern the risk of emergence of new variants that cause high case surges and high fatality remain. The use strategies of the vaccine have changed and are adapted continuously to the evolution of the virus and population immunity.
This Research Topic is dedicated to exploring the second generation of COVID-19 vaccines (e.g., bivalent) and beyond, including monovalent XBB (Omicron XBB.1.5 subvariants) and subsequent iterations. Recent data on the use of COVID-19 bivalent vaccines from late 2020 onwards are of great interest and can provide valuable insights for future vaccination strategies Our scope encompasses a wide array of evidence, pulling from animal models, clinical trials, post-phase III studies (including immunogenicity assessments in different settings), real-world evidence, efficacy/effectiveness evaluations, and systematic reviews. Submitted manuscripts focusing only on COVID-19 vaccines against the original strain (ancestral or wild-type), would be unfit for this collection.
We welcome submissions of Original Research, Mini reviews, Reviews, Systematic Reviews, Policy and Practice Reviews, Clinical Trials, Perspectives, Commentaries, Policy Briefs, and Brief Research Reports on the following subtopics:
• Studies comparing immunogenicity, efficacy, and effectiveness of the new-generation vaccines with those against the original viral strain
• Vaccines administered to the naïve host (focusing on neonates and pediatric populations)
• Vaccine for travelers
• Vaccine for high-risk groups and occupations
• Hybrid immunity
• Heterologous strategies (mix and match)
• Effect of the breakthrough infection on COVID-19 vaccine recipients
• Impact of COVID-19 booster vaccination on public health and policy
• Immunologic characterization
• Adverse events and side effects following vaccination
• Interplay of vaccination with long COVID