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Vaccines
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Bacterial and Viral Immunity and Vaccination
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Bacterial and Viral Immunity and Vaccination

A special issue of Vaccines (ISSN 2076-393X). This special issue belongs to the section "Vaccines against Infectious Diseases".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2024 | Viewed by 9852

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Martin R. Goodier

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
MRC Unit The Gambia, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
Interests: vaccine immunology; innate immunity; Ebola; Malaria; HIV-1; HCMV

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Bacterial and viral infectious diseases pose an ongoing threat to human health, with significant impacts on the public health sector and economic development of affected populations. Compared to other global regions, low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), including those within Sub-Saharan Africa, generally bear a larger burden of these infectious (and often preventable) diseases. It is important that control of and vaccination against infectious diseases within this region continues. 

Understanding the immunology of bacterial and viral infectious disease pathogens of public health importance in Sub-Saharan Africa and the performance of vaccines against these diseases are the key to informing and driving control strategies. Significant progress has been made in controlling endemic infectious diseases in this region in the recent past, through a combination of increased research and vaccine implementation. However, the endemic disease burden remains high in LMIC; there is reduced efficacy of certain vaccines compared to other regions. Coupled with the rise of emerging and re-emerging diseases, continued research and control efforts are sorely needed. 

This Special Issue aims to present research articles related to the immunology of bacterial and viral pathogens, vaccine immunogenicity, efficacy and effectiveness and factors influencing vaccine performance. Contributions relating to studies or vaccine trials performed in LMIC are also welcome. 

We are also research (or review) articles that discuss: (i) laboratory-based immunology and/or vaccine studies (ii) on bacterial and/or viral pathogens (iii) using qualitative and/or quantitative approaches in (iv) either pediatric and/or adult populations from different global regions, including LMIC. 

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Martin R. Goodier
Guest Editor

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. Vaccines 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

  • immunology
  • vaccines
  • virus
  • bacteria
  • Africa

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

13 pages, 1754 KiB  
Article
A Mixture of T-Cell Epitope Peptides Derived from Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus F Protein Conferred Protection in DR1-TCR Tg Mice
by Hong Guo, Yang Song, Hai Li, Hongqiao Hu, Yuqing Shi, Jie Jiang, Jinyuan Guo, Lei Cao, Naiying Mao and Yan Zhang
Vaccines 2024, 12(1), 77; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12010077 - 12 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1201
Abstract
Human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) poses a significant disease burden on global health. To date, two vaccines that primarily induce humoral immunity to prevent HRSV infection have been approved, whereas vaccines that primarily induce T-cell immunity have not yet been well-represented. To address [...] Read more.
Human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) poses a significant disease burden on global health. To date, two vaccines that primarily induce humoral immunity to prevent HRSV infection have been approved, whereas vaccines that primarily induce T-cell immunity have not yet been well-represented. To address this gap, 25 predicted T-cell epitope peptides derived from the HRSV fusion protein with high human leukocyte antigen (HLA) binding potential were synthesized, and their ability to be recognized by PBMC from previously infected HRSV cases was assessed using an ELISpot assay. Finally, nine T-cell epitope peptides were selected, each of which was recognized by at least 20% of different donors’ PBMC as potential vaccine candidates to prevent HRSV infection. The protective efficacy of F-9PV, a combination of nine peptides along with CpG-ODN and aluminum phosphate (Al) adjuvants, was validated in both HLA-humanized mice (DR1-TCR transgenic mice, Tg mice) and wild-type (WT) mice. The results show that F-9PV significantly enhanced protection against viral challenge as evidenced by reductions in viral load and pathological lesions in mice lungs. In addition, F-9PV elicits robust Th1-biased response, thereby mitigating the potential safety risk of Th2-induced respiratory disease during HRSV infection. Compared to WT mice, the F-9PV mice exhibited superior protection and immunogenicity in Tg mice, underscoring the specificity for human HLA. Overall, our results demonstrate that T-cell epitope peptides provide protection against HRSV infection in animal models even in the absence of neutralizing antibodies, indicating the feasibility of developing an HRSV T-cell epitope peptide-based vaccine. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bacterial and Viral Immunity and Vaccination)
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15 pages, 2552 KiB  
Article
Characterization of Rotavirus Strains Responsible for Breakthrough Diarrheal Diseases among Zambian Children Using Whole Genome Sequencing
by Innocent Mwape, Natasha Makabilo Laban, Kennedy Chibesa, Andrew Moono, Suwilanji Silwamba, Moffat Mulemena Malisheni, Caroline Chisenga, Adriace Chauwa, Paul Simusika, Mabvuto Phiri, Michelo Simuyandi, Roma Chilengi, Corena De Beer and David Ojok
Vaccines 2023, 11(12), 1759; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11121759 - 26 Nov 2023
Viewed by 1341
Abstract
The occurrence of rotavirus (RV) infection among vaccinated children in high-burden settings poses a threat to further disease burden reduction. Genetically altered viruses have the potential to evade both natural infection and vaccine-induced immune responses, leading to diarrheal diseases among vaccinated children. Studies [...] Read more.
The occurrence of rotavirus (RV) infection among vaccinated children in high-burden settings poses a threat to further disease burden reduction. Genetically altered viruses have the potential to evade both natural infection and vaccine-induced immune responses, leading to diarrheal diseases among vaccinated children. Studies characterizing RV strains responsible for breakthrough infections in resource-limited countries where RV-associated diarrheal diseases are endemic are limited. We aimed to characterize RV strains detected in fully vaccinated children residing in Zambia using next-generation sequencing. We conducted whole genome sequencing on Illumina MiSeq. Whole genome assembly was performed using Geneious Prime 2023.1.2. A total of 76 diarrheal stool specimens were screened for RV, and 4/76 (5.2%) were RV-positive. Whole genome analysis revealed RVA/Human-wt/ZMB/CIDRZ-RV2088/2020/G1P[4]-I2-R2-C2-M2-A2-N2-T2-E2-H2 and RVA/Human-wt/ZMB/CIDRZ-RV2106/2020/G12P[4]-I1-R2-C2-M2-A2-N1-T2-E1-H2 strains were mono and multiple reassortant (exchanged genes in bold) respectively, whilst RVA/Human-wt/ZMB/CIDRZ-RV2150/2020/G12P[8]-I1-R1-C1-M1-A1-N1-T1-E1-H1 was a typical Wa-like strain. Comparison of VP7 and VP4 antigenic epitope of breakthrough strains and Rotarix strain revealed several amino acid differences. Variations in amino acids in antigenic epitope suggested they played a role in immune evasion of neutralizing antibodies elicited by vaccination. Findings from this study have the potential to inform national RV vaccination strategies and the design of highly efficacious universal RV vaccines. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bacterial and Viral Immunity and Vaccination)
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15 pages, 1272 KiB  
Article
Maternal and Infant Histo-Blood Group Antigen (HBGA) Profiles and Their Influence on Oral Rotavirus Vaccine (RotarixTM) Immunogenicity among Infants in Zambia
by Adriace Chauwa, Samuel Bosomprah, Natasha Makabilo Laban, Bernard Phiri, Mwelwa Chibuye, Obvious Nchimunya Chilyabanyama, Sody Munsaka, Michelo Simuyandi, Innocent Mwape, Cynthia Mubanga, Masuzyo Chirwa Chobe, Caroline Chisenga and Roma Chilengi
Vaccines 2023, 11(8), 1303; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11081303 - 31 Jul 2023
Viewed by 1679
Abstract
Live-attenuated, oral rotavirus vaccines have significantly reduced rotavirus-associated diarrhoea morbidity and infant mortality. However, vaccine immunogenicity is diminished in low-income countries. We investigated whether maternal and infant intrinsic susceptibility to rotavirus infection via histo-blood group antigen (HBGA) profiles influenced rotavirus (ROTARIX®) [...] Read more.
Live-attenuated, oral rotavirus vaccines have significantly reduced rotavirus-associated diarrhoea morbidity and infant mortality. However, vaccine immunogenicity is diminished in low-income countries. We investigated whether maternal and infant intrinsic susceptibility to rotavirus infection via histo-blood group antigen (HBGA) profiles influenced rotavirus (ROTARIX®) vaccine-induced responses in Zambia. We studied 135 mother–infant pairs under a rotavirus vaccine clinical trial, with infants aged 6 to 12 weeks at pre-vaccination up to 12 months old. We determined maternal and infant ABO/H, Lewis, and secretor HBGA phenotypes, and infant FUT2 HBGA genotypes. Vaccine immunogenicity was measured as anti-rotavirus IgA antibody titres. Overall, 34 (31.3%) children were seroconverted at 14 weeks, and no statistically significant difference in seroconversion was observed across the various HBGA profiles in early infant life. We also observed a statistically significant difference in rotavirus-IgA titres across infant HBGA profiles at 12 months, though no statistically significant difference was observed between the study arms. There was no association between maternal HBGA profiles and infant vaccine immunogenicity. Overall, infant HBGAs were associated with RV vaccine immunogenicity at 12 months as opposed to in early infant life. Further investigation into the low efficacy of ROTARIX® and appropriate intervention is key to unlocking the full vaccine benefits for U5 children. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bacterial and Viral Immunity and Vaccination)
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15 pages, 3600 KiB  
Article
Effect of a Novel Trivalent Vaccine Formulation against Acute Lung Injury Caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa
by Keita Inoue, Mao Kinoshita, Kentaro Muranishi, Junya Ohara, Kazuki Sudo, Ken Kawaguchi, Masaru Shimizu, Yoshifumi Naito, Kiyoshi Moriyama and Teiji Sawa
Vaccines 2023, 11(6), 1088; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11061088 - 11 Jun 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1211
Abstract
An effective vaccine against Pseudomonas aeruginosa would benefit people susceptible to severe infection. Vaccination targeting V antigen (PcrV) of the P. aeruginosa type III secretion system is a potential prophylactic strategy for reducing P. aeruginosa-induced acute lung injury and acute mortality. We [...] Read more.
An effective vaccine against Pseudomonas aeruginosa would benefit people susceptible to severe infection. Vaccination targeting V antigen (PcrV) of the P. aeruginosa type III secretion system is a potential prophylactic strategy for reducing P. aeruginosa-induced acute lung injury and acute mortality. We created a recombinant protein (designated POmT) comprising three antigens: full-length PcrV (PcrV#1-#294), the outer membrane domain (#190-342) of OprF (OprF#190-#342), and a non-catalytic mutant of the carboxyl domain (#406-613) of exotoxin A (mToxA#406-#613(E553Δ)). In the combination of PcrV and OprF, mToxA, the efficacy of POmT was compared with that of single-antigen vaccines, two-antigen mixed vaccines, and a three-antigen mixed vaccine in a murine model of P. aeruginosa pneumonia. As a result, the 24 h-survival rates were 79%, 78%, 21%, 7%, and 36% in the POmT, PcrV, OprF, mTox, and alum-alone groups, respectively. Significant improvement in acute lung injury and reduction in acute mortality within 24 h after infection was observed in the POmT and PcrV groups than in the other groups. Overall, the POmT vaccine exhibited efficacy comparable to that of the PcrV vaccine. The future goal is to prove the efficacy of the POmT vaccine against various P. aeruginosa strains. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bacterial and Viral Immunity and Vaccination)
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12 pages, 1114 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of ROTARIX® Booster Dose Vaccination at 9 Months for Safety and Enhanced Anti-Rotavirus Immunity in Zambian Children: A Randomised Controlled Trial
by Natasha Makabilo Laban, Samuel Bosomprah, Michelo Simuyandi, Mwelwa Chibuye, Adriace Chauwa, Masuzyo Chirwa-Chobe, Nsofwa Sukwa, Chikumbutso Chipeta, Rachel Velu, Katanekwa Njekwa, Cynthia Mubanga, Innocent Mwape, Martin Rhys Goodier and Roma Chilengi
Vaccines 2023, 11(2), 346; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11020346 - 03 Feb 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1785
Abstract
Oral rotavirus vaccines show diminished immunogenicity in low-resource settings where rotavirus burden is highest. This study assessed the safety and immune boosting effect of a third dose of oral ROTARIX® (GlaxoSmithKline) vaccine administered at 9 months of age. A total of 214 [...] Read more.
Oral rotavirus vaccines show diminished immunogenicity in low-resource settings where rotavirus burden is highest. This study assessed the safety and immune boosting effect of a third dose of oral ROTARIX® (GlaxoSmithKline) vaccine administered at 9 months of age. A total of 214 infants aged 6 to 12 weeks were randomised to receive two doses of ROTARIX® as per standard schedule with other routine vaccinations or an additional third dose of ROTARIX® administered at 9 months old concomitantly with measles/rubella vaccination. Plasma collected pre-vaccination, 1 month after first- and second-dose vaccination, at 9 months old before receipt of third ROTARIX® dose and/or measles/rubella vaccination, and at 12 months old were assayed for rotavirus-specific IgA (RV-IgA). Geometric mean RV-IgA at 12 months of age and the incidence of clinical adverse events 1 month following administration of the third dose of ROTARIX® among infants in the intervention arm were compared between infants in the two arms. We found no significant difference in RV-IgA titres at 12 months between the two arms. Our findings showed that rotavirus vaccines are immunogenic in Zambian infants but with modest vaccine seroconversion rates in low-income settings. Importantly, however, a third dose of oral ROTARIX® vaccine was shown to be safe when administered concomitantly with measles/rubella vaccine at 9 months of age in Zambia. This speaks to opportunities for enhancing rotavirus vaccine immunity within feasible schedules in the national immunization program. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bacterial and Viral Immunity and Vaccination)
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Review

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12 pages, 523 KiB  
Review
Anthrax Vaccines in the 21st Century
by Apostolos P. Georgopoulos and Lisa M. James
Vaccines 2024, 12(2), 159; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12020159 - 03 Feb 2024
Viewed by 1890
Abstract
Vaccination against Bacillus anthracis is the best preventive measure against the development of deadly anthrax disease in the event of exposure to anthrax either as a bioweapon or in its naturally occurring form. Anthrax vaccines, however, have historically been plagued with controversy, particularly [...] Read more.
Vaccination against Bacillus anthracis is the best preventive measure against the development of deadly anthrax disease in the event of exposure to anthrax either as a bioweapon or in its naturally occurring form. Anthrax vaccines, however, have historically been plagued with controversy, particularly related to their safety. Fortunately, recent improvements in anthrax vaccines have been shown to confer protection with reduced short-term safety concerns, although questions about long-term safety remain. Here, we (a) review recent and ongoing advances in anthrax vaccine development, (b) emphasize the need for thorough characterization of current (and future) vaccines, (c) bring to focus the importance of host immunogenetics as the ultimate determinant of successful antibody production and protection, and (d) discuss the need for the systematic, active, and targeted monitoring of vaccine recipients for possible Chronic Multisymptom Illness (CMI). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bacterial and Viral Immunity and Vaccination)
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