Tuberculosis Vaccines address one of the most persistent global infectious disease challenges by aiming to prevent infection, reduce disease severity, and interrupt transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Despite existing vaccination programs, tuberculosis continues to affect millions worldwide, driven by complex immune evasion strategies and social determinants of health. This session explores how advances in immunology guide the development of next-generation tuberculosis vaccines and strengthen long-term disease control.

Tuberculosis presents unique immunological challenges due to its ability to establish latent infection and persist within host cells. Protective immunity requires coordinated cellular responses, particularly involving macrophages and T lymphocytes, rather than antibody-mediated mechanisms alone. These complexities are frequently examined at leading Vaccine Conferences, where researchers evaluate immune correlates of protection and strategies to enhance durable cellular immunity. This session highlights how understanding host–pathogen interaction shapes rational vaccine design for tuberculosis.

A central focus of this session is TB vaccine development, which encompasses efforts to improve existing vaccines and create novel platforms capable of preventing pulmonary disease and transmission. Approaches under investigation include subunit vaccines, viral vectors, and adjuvanted formulations designed to enhance cellular immune activation. This session examines how antigen selection, delivery routes, and immune memory influence vaccine performance across different populations and epidemiological settings.

Tuberculosis vaccine research also intersects with public health implementation challenges. Variability in exposure risk, co-infection with HIV, and differences in immune status complicate evaluation of vaccine effectiveness. The session addresses how clinical trials, immunogenicity studies, and real-world evidence inform policy decisions and program planning. Consideration is given to equitable access, integration with existing TB control measures, and the role of vaccination in high-burden regions.

By integrating immunological insight with translational research and population-level strategies, tuberculosis vaccine development supports broader goals of disease elimination. Participants engaging with this session will gain insight into immune mechanisms relevant to tuberculosis, emerging vaccine technologies, and the challenges of translating scientific advances into sustainable public health impact.