Review suggests T cell epitope vaccines may help control dengue infection and modulate ADE riskCould targeting T cells lead to a safer dengue vaccine?

A systematic review examined existing research on dengue virus (DENV) T cell epitope-mediated cellular immunity and its relationship to antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE). The review, which did not report specific population, sample size, or setting details, analyzed the potential of T cell epitope-based vaccines to contribute to controlling DENV infection and potentially modulating ADE risk. It also noted that novel mRNA-LNP vaccine platforms have shown promise in preclinical models due to superior stability and controllability. No effect sizes, absolute numbers, or statistical measures were reported for these outcomes.

Safety and tolerability data were not reported in this review. A key limitation highlighted is the complex relationship between T cell responses and ADE, which requires careful balance to avoid immunopathology. The review authors note that currently no ideal safe and effective DENV vaccine exists, and approved DENV vaccines may increase the chance of heterotypic infection and severe dengue risk via ADE.

This review highlights the theoretical potential of T cell epitope-based vaccines to complement existing DENV vaccine development strategies. However, the evidence is based on a synthesis of existing studies without new primary data, establishing association only, not causation. The promise of mRNA-LNP vaccines remains confined to preclinical models. Clinicians should interpret these findings as early-stage research directions rather than established clinical approaches.