Novel Function of Nucleic Acid Substances as Viral Vaccine Adjuvants to Enhance Immune Response

Abstract

In recent years, nucleic acid-based substances have garnered significant attention in immunology as vaccine adjuvants. With a deeper understanding of the immune system, researchers have increasingly recognized the important role of nucleic acid-based substances (such as CpG oligonucleotides and polyI:C) in enhancing vaccine-induced immune responses. This article reviews the mechanisms by which nucleic acid adjuvants promote antigen presentation and T-cell activation through the stimulation of specific immune pathways, as well as the clinical applications of nucleic acid adjuvants in developing vaccines against infectious diseases. Future research on nucleic acid adjuvants should focus on aspects such as stability, safety, and exploring adjuvant combinations. Currently, no corresponding vaccine products have been approved for marketing, but some nucleic acid-adjuvanted vaccines have yet been approved for commercial use, several candidates have advanced to human clinical trials. In conclusion, research on nucleic acid-based vaccine adjuvants is rapidly progressing. Their unique immune activation mechanisms and broad clinical potential offer promising new opportunities for vaccine research and development.