What is Heterologous Prime-Boost?

Ever since the coronavirus shook the world, we have become aware of the worth and importance of vaccines. But nowadays, you must be hearing the COVID-19 booster shots, which are being discussed around the world to tackle the ongoing pandemic. It means that people might need more than two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to tackle the pandemic.

For a vaccine to work efficiently, a person is usually required to be immune to the vaccine more than once. When the same vaccine is given multiple times, it is known as a Homologous boost. Now, if we reverse the definition, it will come to be known as Heterologous Prime-boost. In other words, Heterologous Prime Boost means giving different vaccines for a disease that carries the same antigen. This new research-based concept or technique to fight off microorganisms relies on a new medical
study.

As per the findings of the new medical study, a prime-boost can be efficiently done with different types of vaccines, which contain the same antigens.

The results also suggested that a heterologous prime-boost can be more immunogenic than a homologous prime-boost in many cases. The study observed
Heterologous prime-boost as a new way of immunization. It will provide an even better understanding of the immunological basis of vaccines.

However, heterologous vaccine or prime-boost is not an entirely new concept. Many vaccines, such as the DTP vaccine (Diptheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis), are given to an individual five times. The first three doses are to be provided during the infant period within the six months of birth. The other two doses follow in the second year and between 4-6 years, respectively.

The medical studies were done over the past few years that these prime-boost immunizations can be given to people with unmatched vaccine delivery using the same antigen, which has been found more effective than homologous boost.