Biologic
RCSB PDB 7K1S
Zoster vaccine
Shingrix
- Mechanism of action
- Recombinant varicella-zoster virus glycoprotein E
- In plain language
- Trains the immune system to recognize the shingles virus using a single lab-made viral protein, with no live virus involved.
- How it works
- Shingrix contains a recombinant subunit antigen, varicella-zoster virus surface glycoprotein E, combined with the AS01B adjuvant system. Because reactivation risk for herpes zoster rises as VZV-specific cell-mediated immunity declines with age or immunosuppression, the vaccine is designed to boost antigen-specific humoral and cellular immune responses. As a non-live formulation, it carries no risk of causing varicella or herpes zoster infection itself.
- Therapeutic applications
- Indicated for the prevention of herpes zoster in adults 50 and older, and in adults 18 and older who are or will be at increased risk of herpes zoster due to immunodeficiency or immunosuppression. Not indicated for prevention of primary varicella infection.
- Class
- Protein subunit vaccine
- Therapeutic area
- Vaccine (Shingles)
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