From protein to immunology: comprehensive insights into Marburg virus vaccines, mechanism, and application.

The Marburg virus (MARV), a member of the Filoviridae family, is a highly lethal pathogen that causes Marburg virus disease (MVD), a severe hemorrhagic fever with high fatality rates.Despite recurrent outbreaks, no licensed vaccine is currently available. This review explores MARV's genomic architecture, structural proteins, and recent advancements in vaccine development. It highlights the crucial role of MARV's seven monocistronic genes in viral replication and pathogenesis, with a focus on structural proteins such as nucleoprotein (NP), glycoprotein (GP), and viral proteins VP35, VP40, and VP24. These proteins are essential for viral entry, immune evasion, and replication. The review further examines various vaccine platforms, including multi-epitope vaccines, DNA-based vaccines, viral vector vaccines, virus-like particles (VLPs), and mRNA vaccines. Cutting-edge immunoinformatics approaches are discussed for identifying conserved epitopes critical for broad-spectrum protection. The immunological responses induced by these vaccine candidates, particularly their efficacy in preclinical trials, are analyzed, showcasing promising results in generating both humoral and cellular immunity. Moreover, the review addresses challenges and future directions in MARV vaccine development, emphasizing the need for enhanced immunogenicity, safety, and global accessibility. The integration of omics technologies (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics) with immunoinformatics is presented as a transformative approach for next-generation vaccine design. Innovative platforms such as mRNA and VLP-based vaccines offer rapid and effective development opportunities. In this study, underscores the urgent need for a licensed MARV vaccine to prevent future outbreaks and strengthen global preparedness. By synthesizing the latest research and technological advancements, it provides a strategic roadmap for developing safe, effective, and broadly protective vaccines. The fight against MARV is a global priority, requiring coordinated efforts from researchers, policymakers, and public health organizations.