Equine viral vaccines: the past, present and future.

The article explores the evolution, current status, and potential future of viral vaccines for horses, in response to increased equine infectious diseases due to larger global horse movements and less restrictive veterinary regulations. The authors discuss traditional vaccine types, their limitations, and how advances in recombinant technology have led to more effective second-generation vaccines.

Increasing Need for Equine Viral Vaccines

• The surge in the global movement of horses, as well as less stringent veterinary regulations, have contributed to a rise in equine infectious diseases.
• Vaccination, along with sound management practices, forms the frontline defense against these diseases.
• Despite their success, vaccinating with traditional modified live and inactivated vaccines has shown limitations against certain equine infectious diseases.

Advancements in Vaccine Technology

• The authors note that advancements in recombinant technology have led to the development of newer, second-generation vaccines.
• These innovative vaccines include gene-deleted mutants, live vectored vaccines, and DNA vaccines.
• All of these new vaccines share a common feature: protective antigens are internally processed and presented alongside the molecules of the MHC I and MHC II complexes, they mirror a natural infection and hence stimulate both antibody (humoral) and cell-mediated immune responses.
• Therefore, the new vaccines offer an enhanced level of protection compared to traditional vaccines.

Current and Future Equine Viral Vaccines

• The article proceeds to review the vaccines currently in use for the most critical equine viral diseases.
• It then provides an overview of recent advancements that are expected to translate into improved vaccine options in the near future.
• The developments in equine viral vaccines promise improved protection for horses against infectious diseases and highlight the positive impacts of advances in veterinary medical technology.