Recombinant vaccinia viruses as live virus vectors for vaccine antigens: memorandum from a WHO/USPHS/NIBSC meeting.

A scientific workshop sponsored by the World Health Organization, the US Public Health Service, and the National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, London, was held in Bethesda, MD, USA, on 13 and 14 November 1984 to review progress in research relevant to the development of genetically and antigenically modified vaccinia viruses as live vaccines for human and veterinary use. The meeting was followed by an informal consultation convened by WHO to consider the advantages and disadvantages of this approach to vaccine design and production. The needs for further research and the potential role of WHO in coordinating and encouraging international activities in this area were discussed. This report summarizes the proceedings of the scientific workshop and the recommendations made by the WHO consultation.