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Pathogens
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Infectious Diseases and Vaccine Technology Research
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Infectious Diseases and Vaccine Technology Research

A special issue of Pathogens (ISSN 2076-0817). This special issue belongs to the section "Vaccines and Therapeutic Developments".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2024) | Viewed by 20729

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Sunil Kumar Joshi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Former Faculty, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
Interests: pathogens; vaccines; microbiology; rare diseases; immunity & inflammation; allogeneic bone marrow transplantation; military medicine and biothreats
Dr. Rekha Khandia

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, Barkatullah University, Bhopal 462026, India
Interests: pathogens; vaccine candidates; infectious agents; reverse genetics; immunoinformatics; neurodegeneration

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Vaccination is one of the most powerful strategies to conquer infections, particularly viral pathogens. Various viral pathogens, such as SARS-CoV2, Marburg, Ebola, Crimean–Congo Hemorrhagic Fever, Nipah, and Hantavirus, among others, are life-threatening. Various efforts have been made, yet there is a lot to be done. New vaccine compositions are required to elicit a strong and long-lasting immune response. To obtain a robust immune response, different adjuvants, the addition of new antigens, variation in delivery methods, and a system biology approach to make designer vaccines that enhance the efficacy have been attempted. This Special Issue includes the research on recent developments and advancements in vaccine development techniques. Academicians and researchers are invited to contribute a review, original research article, short communication, or perspective on recent approaches or new cutting-edge developments in the field of vaccine development for infectious viral pathogens. Topics of interest include but are not limited to the following: 

  1. Novel vaccine candidate development;
  2. Experimental validation of vaccines in a suitable animal model;
  3. Ethical issues raised related to vaccine trials;
  4. Optimization of vaccine strategies;
  5. Reverse genetics methods to develop vaccine candidates;
  6. Immune response elicitation;
  7. Development of vaccine candidates through a computational approach;
  8. Safety issues and reported negative impacts of specific vaccines. 

All manuscripts will follow standard journal peer-review practices. We look forward to receiving your contributions to the Special Issue.

Dr. Sunil Kumar Joshi
Dr. Rekha Khandia
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Pathogens is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • vaccines
  • immune response
  • infectious diseases
  • bioterrorism
  • select agents
  • pandemic
  • public health
  • immune monitoring
  • innate immunity
  • immunogenicity
  • cross-reactivity
  • immune mimicry
  • T cell epitopes
  • vaccine-related adverse effects
  • immune toxicity

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 1597 KiB  
Article
The Course of COVID-19 and Long COVID: Identifying Risk Factors among Patients Suffering from the Disease before and during the Omicron-Dominant Period
by Mateusz Babicki, Damian Kołat, Żaneta Kałuzińska-Kołat, Joanna Kapusta, Agnieszka Mastalerz-Migas, Piotr Jankowski and Michał Chudzik
Pathogens 2024, 13(3), 267; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13030267 - 20 Mar 2024
Viewed by 1029
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 has acquired many mutations that influence the severity of COVID-19’s course or the risk of developing long COVID. In 2022, the dominant SARS-CoV-2 variant was Omicron. This study aimed to compare the course of COVID-19 in the periods before and during the [...] Read more.
SARS-CoV-2 has acquired many mutations that influence the severity of COVID-19’s course or the risk of developing long COVID. In 2022, the dominant SARS-CoV-2 variant was Omicron. This study aimed to compare the course of COVID-19 in the periods before and during the dominance of the Omicron variant. Risk factors for developing long COVID were also assessed. This study was based on stationary visits of patients after COVID-19 and follow-up assessments after 3 months. Clinical symptoms, comorbidities, and vaccination status were evaluated in 1967 patients. Of the analyzed group, 1308 patients (66.5%) were affected by COVID-19 in the period before the Omicron dominance. The prevalence of long COVID was significantly lower among patients of the Omicron group (47.7% vs. 66.9%, p < 0.001). The risk of long COVID was higher for women (OR: 1.61; 95% CI: 1.31, 1.99]) and asthmatics (OR: 1.46; 95% CI: 1.03, 2.07]). Conclusively, infection during the Omicron-dominant period was linked to a lower risk of developing long COVID. Females are at higher risk of developing long COVID independent of the pandemic period. Individuals affected by COVID-19 in the Omicron-dominant period experience a shorter duration of symptoms and reduced frequency of symptoms, except for coughing, which occurs more often. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Infectious Diseases and Vaccine Technology Research)
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19 pages, 632 KiB  
Article
Mathematical Modelling of the Spatial Distribution of a COVID-19 Outbreak with Vaccination Using Diffusion Equation
by Brice Kammegne, Kayode Oshinubi, Oluwatosin Babasola, Olumuyiwa James Peter, Olumide Babatope Longe, Roseline Bosede Ogunrinde, Emmanuel Olurotimi Titiloye, Roseline Toyin Abah and Jacques Demongeot
Pathogens 2023, 12(1), 88; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12010088 - 05 Jan 2023
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2211
Abstract
The formulation of mathematical models using differential equations has become crucial in predicting the evolution of viral diseases in a population in order to take preventive and curative measures. In December 2019, a novel variety of Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) was identified in Wuhan, Hubei [...] Read more.
The formulation of mathematical models using differential equations has become crucial in predicting the evolution of viral diseases in a population in order to take preventive and curative measures. In December 2019, a novel variety of Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) was identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, which causes a severe and potentially fatal respiratory syndrome. Since then, it has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization and has spread around the globe. A reaction–diffusion system is a mathematical model that describes the evolution of a phenomenon subjected to two processes: a reaction process, in which different substances are transformed, and a diffusion process, which causes their distribution in space. This article provides a mathematical study of the Susceptible, Exposed, Infected, Recovered, and Vaccinated population model of the COVID-19 pandemic using the bias of reaction–diffusion equations. Both local and global asymptotic stability conditions for the equilibria were determined using a Lyapunov function, and the nature of the stability was determined using the Routh–Hurwitz criterion. Furthermore, we consider the conditions for the existence and uniqueness of the model solution and show the spatial distribution of the model compartments when the basic reproduction rate R0<1 and R0>1. Thereafter, we conducted a sensitivity analysis to determine the most sensitive parameters in the proposed model. We demonstrate the model’s effectiveness by performing numerical simulations and investigating the impact of vaccination, together with the significance of spatial distribution parameters in the spread of COVID-19. The findings indicate that reducing contact with an infected person and increasing the proportion of susceptible people who receive high-efficacy vaccination will lessen the burden of COVID-19 in the population. Therefore, we offer to the public health policymakers a better understanding of COVID-19 management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Infectious Diseases and Vaccine Technology Research)
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22 pages, 2987 KiB  
Article
Potential Epha2 Receptor Blockers Involved in Cerebral Malaria from Taraxacum officinale, Tinospora cordifolia, Rosmarinus officinalis and Ocimum basilicum: A Computational Approach
by Mohd Sayeed Shaikh, Fahadul Islam, Parag P. Gargote, Rutuja R. Gaikwad, Kalpana C. Dhupe, Sharuk L. Khan, Falak A. Siddiqui, Ganesh G. Tapadiya, Syed Sarfaraz Ali, Abhijit Dey and Talha Bin Emran
Pathogens 2022, 11(11), 1296; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens11111296 - 04 Nov 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1617
Abstract
Cerebral malaria (CM) is a severe manifestation of parasite infection caused by Plasmodium species. In 2018, there were approximately 228 million malaria cases worldwide, resulting in about 405,000 deaths. Survivors of CM may live with lifelong post-CM consequences apart from an increased risk [...] Read more.
Cerebral malaria (CM) is a severe manifestation of parasite infection caused by Plasmodium species. In 2018, there were approximately 228 million malaria cases worldwide, resulting in about 405,000 deaths. Survivors of CM may live with lifelong post-CM consequences apart from an increased risk of childhood neurodisability. EphA2 receptors have been linked to several neurological disorders and have a vital role in the CM-associated breakdown of the blood–brain barrier. Molecular docking (MD) studies of phytochemicals from Taraxacum officinale, Tinospora cordifolia, Rosmarinus officinalis, Ocimum basilicum, and the native ligand ephrin-A were conducted to identify the potential blockers of the EphA2 receptor. The software program Autodock Vina 1.1.2 in PyRx-Virtual Screening Tool and BIOVIA Discovery Studio visualizer was used for this MD study. The present work showed that blocking the EphA2 receptor by these phytochemicals prevents endothelial cell apoptosis by averting ephrin-A ligand-expressing CD8+ T cell bioadhesion. These phytochemicals showed excellent docking scores and binding affinity, demonstrating hydrogen bond, electrostatic, Pi-sigma, and pi alkyl hydrophobic binding interactions when compared with native ligands at the EphA2 receptor. The comparative MD study using two PDB IDs showed that isocolumbin, carnosol, luteolin, and taraxasterol have better binding affinities (viz. −9.3, −9.0, −9.5, and −9.2 kcal/mol, respectively). Ocimum basilicum phytochemicals showed a lower docking score but more binding interactions than native ligands at the EphA2 receptor for both PDB IDs. This suggests that these phytochemicals may serve as potential drug candidates in the management of CM. We consider that the present MD study provides leads in drug development by targeting the EphA2 receptor in managing CM. The approach is innovative because a role for EphA2 receptors in CM has never been highlighted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Infectious Diseases and Vaccine Technology Research)
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Review

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15 pages, 1257 KiB  
Review
Self-Amplifying RNA Vaccine Candidates: Alternative Platforms for mRNA Vaccine Development
by Christin Schmidt and Barbara S. Schnierle
Pathogens 2023, 12(1), 138; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12010138 - 13 Jan 2023
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 12087
Abstract
The present use of mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 has shown for the first time the potential of mRNA vaccines for infectious diseases. Here we will summarize the current knowledge about improved mRNA vaccines, i.e., the self-amplifying mRNA (saRNA) vaccines. This approach may enhance [...] Read more.
The present use of mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 has shown for the first time the potential of mRNA vaccines for infectious diseases. Here we will summarize the current knowledge about improved mRNA vaccines, i.e., the self-amplifying mRNA (saRNA) vaccines. This approach may enhance antigen expression by amplification of the antigen-encoding RNA. RNA design, RNA delivery, and the innate immune responses induced by RNA will be reviewed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Infectious Diseases and Vaccine Technology Research)
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15 pages, 1736 KiB  
Review
Nurturing Deep Tech to Solve Social Problems: Learning from COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine Development
by Ryo Okuyama
Pathogens 2022, 11(12), 1469; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens11121469 - 05 Dec 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2571
Abstract
In mRNA vaccines against COVID-19, a new technology that had never been used for approved drugs was applied and succeeded in rapid clinical use. The development and application of new technologies are critical to solving emerging public health problems therefore it is important [...] Read more.
In mRNA vaccines against COVID-19, a new technology that had never been used for approved drugs was applied and succeeded in rapid clinical use. The development and application of new technologies are critical to solving emerging public health problems therefore it is important to understand which factors enabled the rapid development of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. This review discusses administrative and technological aspects of rapid vaccine development. In the technological aspects, I carefully examined the technology and clinical development histories of BioNTech and Moderna by searching their publication, patent application and clinical trials. Compared to the case of Japanese company that has not succeeded in the rapid development of mRNA vaccine, years of in-depth technology research and clinical development experience with other diseases and viruses were found to have enhanced BioNTech and Moderna’s technological readiness and contributed to rapid vaccine development against COVID-19 in addition to government administrative support. An aspect of the investments that supported the long-term research and development of mRNA vaccines is also discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Infectious Diseases and Vaccine Technology Research)
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