Current progress and challenges in the design and development of a successful COVID-19 vaccine

The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic,caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2),is still a worldwide concern,with little to no sign of a decreasing trend.There is a general consensus that normal life will be hampered until a safe and effective vaccine strategy is available and globally administered.Numerous countries have accelerated the clinical trials process for the development of a successful COVID-19 treatment,with over 200 candidates presently available for testing against SARS-CoV-2.Here,we provide an overview of the COVID-19 vaccine candidates currently in development,discuss the scientific and practical challenges associated with COVID-19 vaccine design,and share the potential strategies that could be exploited for vaccine design success.