Trends Immunol. 2026 Mar 19:S1471-4906(26)00001-3. doi: 10.1016/j.it.2026.01.001. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
Adjuvants are critical to improving the magnitude, breadth, functionality, and durability of vaccine immunogenicity. Despite advances in vaccinology, long-term immunity, variant cross-protection, and robust mucosal responses remain unmet goals. These challenges underscore the need for novel, safe, and effective adjuvants. This review explores emerging adjuvants targeting specific immune pathways. We highlight clinical and preclinical studies focusing on adjuvants that enhance durable and persistent humoral, cellular, and mucosal immunity. Current trends are discussed alongside tailored approaches for children and the elderly. Finally, the aim of this review is to highlight novel vaccine adjuvants currently in preclinical and clinical development, with the potential to generate a vaccine platform fit for the necessary yet unmet needs of public health in a postpandemic era.
PMID:41862360 | DOI:10.1016/j.it.2026.01.001