By Ana Espino | Published on May 7, 2026 | 4 min read
Lyme disease is currently the most
common vector-borne disease in temperate regions, particularly in North America
and Europe. It is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi,
transmitted to humans through ticks of the Ixodes genus. Its incidence
continues to rise, making it a significant public health concern.
Clinically, the disease initially
presents with often mild symptoms, such as erythema migrans or flu-like signs,
but it can progress to more severe forms affecting the joints, nervous system,
or heart. Despite this growing burden, no human vaccine has been available
since the withdrawal of LYMErix in 2002, mainly due to safety concerns and low
public acceptance. This situation highlights the urgent need to develop new,
effective, and safe vaccination strategies.
What vaccine for the future?
The objective of this study,
recently published in Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, is to
provide a comprehensive overview of vaccines currently under development for
Lyme disease. The authors aim to compare their efficacy, safety, and ability to
induce a durable immune response. This approach helps identify the most
promising candidates and better guide future research in a field where data
have so far remained fragmented.
Which candidates are in the
race ?
The authors conducted a systematic
review and meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines, with a rigorous selection
of 16 studies from multiple databases. The data are mainly based on animal
models, particularly mice and hamsters. Some models, such as BALB/c mice, allow
detailed study of immune responses, while others, like C3H/HeN mice, are better
suited to reproducing certain human manifestations, notably Lyme arthritis.
Statistical analyses were
performed using random-effects models, with assessment of heterogeneity between
studies and correlations between infection rates and levels of protection.
The vaccine candidates studied
rely on various approaches. Most target the surface protein OspA, previously
used, but with improvements aimed at optimizing efficacy and safety. Other
strategies explore alternative proteins such as P66 or VlsE, as well as
specific peptides like BB0172. More innovative approaches involve
nanoparticles, membrane vesicles, and mRNA-based platforms.
Which protects best ?
The results show that several
candidates, particularly those based on OspA or its derivatives, induce
significant protection in animal models. Formulations combining OspA with
membrane vesicles or using multivalent forms appear especially effective.
Some recombinant proteins, such as
P66 and VlsE, as well as the BB0172 peptide, also show encouraging results.
However, not all candidates demonstrate the same level of efficacy,
highlighting the importance of antigen selection and formulation. Overall, vaccination
is associated with a significant reduction in infection rates and improved
protection in the studied animals.
A turning point for Lyme
prevention?
This study highlights the
potential of several vaccine candidates, particularly those based on OspA and
recombinant proteins. New technologies, such as mRNA vaccines and
nanoparticles, also offer promising prospects for improving both the efficacy
and durability of the immune response. Nanoparticles, especially those based on
ferritin, allow better antigen presentation and a more robust immune response,
while membrane vesicles, by mimicking bacterial structure, promote a more
effective response.
However, these results still need
to be confirmed in humans. Future research will need to focus on optimizing
formulations, while safety remains a central concern. Finally, the lack of data
from human clinical trials represents a major obstacle to validating these
vaccine candidates.
In the long term, the development
of an effective vaccine against Lyme disease could represent a major public
health breakthrough, significantly reducing the incidence of this steadily
increasing disease.
Read next : Lyme
disease: towards the return of a vaccine?
About the author – Ana Espino
PhD in Immunology, specialized in Virology
As a scientific writer, Ana is passionate about bridging the gap
between research and real-world impact. With expertise in immunology, virology,
oncology, and clinical studies, she makes complex science clear and accessible.
Her mission: to accelerate knowledge sharing and empower evidence-based
decisions 
