What is a subunit vaccine?
Quick Answer
A subunit vaccine uses only specific pieces of a germ, not the whole organism. That makes it focused on the immune target and often easier to tolerate.
The Full Story
Instead of using an entire virus or bacterium, subunit vaccines include only selected antigens, such as proteins or protein fragments. Because they contain fewer components, they cannot cause the disease they target. Some subunit vaccines rely on adjuvants to strengthen the immune response, since small purified pieces may be less stimulating on their own. Hepatitis B vaccines are a well-known example, and newer vaccines for shingles and RSV also use subunit-based approaches. This strategy became especially important as scientists learned to isolate and manufacture specific antigens at scale.
Key Facts
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