Virus-like particles (VLPs)-based vaccines against COVID-19: Where do we stand amid the ongoing evolution of SARS-CoV-2?

Abstract

The causative agent of the COVID-19 pandemic is undergoing several changes, and the evolutionary cascade of SARS-CoV-2 has led to the emergence of a range of variants of SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, the emergence of recombinant variants or super variants such as XBB.1.5, XBB.1.16, XBB.1.9.1, and XBB.1.9.2 has raised several concerns among the scientific community regarding the efficacy of various vaccines. The scientists are still figuring out the consequences of the variants and recombinant variants, such as their implications for the emergence of reinfection. In this context, a range of vaccines have been developed to overcome the consequences of COVID-19, but they all come with their disadvantages. While considering the disadvantages and advantages of various vaccine platforms, scientists are exploring virus-like particles (VLPs) to develop vaccines against COVID-19. Therefore, an updated review of literature has been conducted to elucidate their usage of VLPs-based vaccines to manage COVID-19. Considering the consequences of the ongoing evolution of SARS-CoV-2, the article discusses the potential role of VLPs in the development of efficient and reliable vaccines against COVID-19. Further, we have explained how VLPs generate a potent and long-lasting immune response, along with the recent VLPs in clinical trials. Additionally, we have highlighted the limitations of VLPs along with possible solutions and future directions that will overcome such limitations.