COVID-19 vaccines and a perspective on Africa

Vaccines have dramatically changed the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 30 vaccines that were developed on four main platforms are currently being used globally, but a deep dissection of the immunological mechanisms by which they operate is limited to only a few of them. Here, we review the evidence describing specific aspects of the modes of action of COVID-19 vaccines; these include innate immunity, trained innate immunity, and mucosal responses. We also discuss the use of COVID-19 vaccines in the African continent which is ridden with inequality in its access to vaccines and vaccine-related immunological research. We argue that strengthening immunology research in Africa should inform on fundamental aspects of vaccination, including the relevance of genetics, trained innate immunity, and microbiome diversity.

Automated summary

This article reviews the modes of action of COVID-19 vaccines, including innate immunity, trained innate immunity, and mucosal responses. It also discusses the inequality in access to vaccines and vaccine-related immunological research in Africa. The authors argue that strengthening immunology research in Africa can provide insights into fundamental aspects of vaccination, including the relevance of genetics, trained innate immunity, and microbiome diversity.