The Use of Complete Genome Sequences in Vaccine Design

The availability of complete genome sequences offers a new position from which to approach vaccine and drug design. Indeed, in some instances, genome-sequencing projects have been initiated with these motives. It is true that every drug target and vaccine candidate is either coded directly by genes present within the genome or produced by the gene products. It follows that there is extensive information with respect to both protein targets with vaccine potential and the synthesis of other surface components. This is a new field, and the selection of vaccine candidates from genome sequences has not yet generated a new vaccine for use in clinical practice. The way in which this is likely to be approached by commercial and academic groups with different resources and areas of expertise is likely to differ, and to bring various perspectives and strengths to this area of research.