Development of novel inactivated poliovirus vaccines: Breaking away from convention

Infection with poliovirus (a small, non-enveloped Picornavirus) can result in poliomyelitis, hallmarked by symptoms of paralysis which is caused by viral destruction of motor neurons. Circulating humoral neutralizing antibodies can effectively protect against the disease, an immune response which can be raised successfully by the two available vaccines. The Inactivated Poliomyelitis Vaccine (IPV) and the Oral Poliomyelitis Vaccine (OPV) have been introduced in the 1950-60s and are still widely used today. Their use has brought eradication of poliomyelitis to our doorstep; however, they would be unfit for (post) eradication settings with respect to biosafety and affordability. To that end, the research presented in this thesis is focused on the generation and characterization of novel IPV candidates designed to adhere to certain quality attributes (mainly concerning biosafety and affordability). This research may ultimately lead to novel vaccines which may aid in the grand pursuit of achieving and maintaining a polio-free world.