Botulinum toxin: Bio Warfare Agent and Vaccine Development

Botulinum toxin is the bio warfare agent that is produced by obligate anaerobic bacteria called C. botulinum. It cause the botulism (Flaccid paralysis) by preventing the secretion of neurotransmitter (acetylcholine) from neurons. There are seven serotypes of botulinum toxin designated A-G, with limited therapies, and no USFDA approved vaccine for botulism. An investigational formalin-inactivated penta-serotype-BoNT/A-E toxoid vaccine was used to vaccinate people who are at high risk of contracting botulism. However, this formalin-inactivated penta-serotype-BoNT/A-E toxoid vaccine was losing potency and was discontinued. This chapter represents the different vaccines being developed to replace the discontinued toxoid vaccine. These vaccines include DNA-based and recombinant protein-based vaccines.