Recent Advances in the Prevention of RSV in Neonates and Young Infants

ABSTRACT

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a pathogen with a high burden of disease and social cost among infants worldwide, but the development of a vaccine has been delayed. The recent understanding of the pathogenesis of RSV, progress in reverse genetics, and successful implementation of other maternal immunizations have prompted the recent rapid development of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and vaccines for RSV prevention. Phase 3 clinical trials for two next-generation mAbs (nirsevimab and clesrovimab) and two maternal RSV pre-F vaccines are currently underway or have been recently completed. Soon, we might be able to protect young infants through long-acting mAbs and/or maternal immunization.Additionally, the development of live-attenuated vaccine candidates that are capable of avoiding enhanced RSV disease is ongoing. We need to gain familiarity with these newly developed strategies and collect epidemiological data on domestic RSV to adequately prepare for a new era of RSV prevention.