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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 December 2021) | Viewed by 49606

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Ângela Sousa

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Guest Editor

CICS-UBI–Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6201-506 Covilhã, Portugal
Interests: separation and purification methodologies; recombinant proteins; therapeutic nucleic acids
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Christiane Pienna Soares

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Guest Editor

Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo State (UNESP), São Paulo, Brazil
Interests: Viral Infections; HPV infection; Cervical cancer; Head and neck cancer; Breast cancer; Cancer immune response; DNA vaccines; Drug delivery systems; Cancer therapy; Molecular biology of DNA viruses

Prof. Dr. Aldo Venuti

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Guest Editor

HPV Unit-UOSD Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy-IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy
Interests: viral infections; HPV infection; cervical cancer; head and neck cancer; skin cancer; rare tumors; DNA vaccines; non-viral vectors; nucleic acid vectors; biopharmaceuticals; drug delivery systems; cancer therapy; molecular biology of DNA viruses
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues

We live on a planet marked by remarkable health disparities. Population migration brings those disparities into contact, increasing infectious and communicable disease epidemiology. In addition, the action mechanism of some infectious agents (such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites) can convert an infected cell into a cancer cell. Consequently, infectious diseases are becoming a huge public health problem, not only due to the impact that a new worldwide outbreak can bring to heath systems and the global economy, but also due to the risk of progression into cancer diseases.

The development of effective and specific vaccines against each infectious agent requires a broad understanding of pathogens’ molecular targets and host’s immune response towards that pathogen, in order to induce the activation and cooperation of multiple components of both the innate and adaptive immune systems. In particular, vaccine formulations able to efficiently stimulate T and B cells are fundamental to adaptive immune responses and offer preventive and therapeutic immunity.

This Special Issue intends to cover recent advances in the design of efficient vaccines against emergent infectious pathogens, focusing on the most adequate vaccine typology (viral or non-viral), manufacturing technologies, delivery systems, adjuvants, administration routes and the respective induced immune responses. Cancer immunotherapy approaches, including preventive and therapeutic vaccines and immune checkpoint inhibitors aiming to stimulate or restore the ability of the immune system to fight cancer, or new strategies of CAR- and T-cell receptor-engineered T cells by genetic modifications to express specific cancer antigens and eradicate those cancer cells are also topics of interest. Finally, oncolytic viruses are emerging as valuable tools to affect tumor growth and they represent another topic of this Special issue.

We sincerely hope that this Special Issue serves as a platform for the exchange of the latest developments in the field of preventive and therapeutic vaccines against infectious diseases and cancer.

Dr. Ângela Maria Almeida de Sousa
Dr. Christiane Pienna Soares
Prof. Dr. Aldo Venuti
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. 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

Infectious diseases
pathogen agents
pathogen induced-cancer
viral vaccines
non-viral vaccines
preventive immunity
therapeutic immunity
cancer immunotherapy
vaccine manufacturing
delivery systems
adjuvants
administration routs

Published Papers (13 papers)

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Editorial

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4 pages, 217 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Vaccines against Infectious Diseases and Cancer

by Ângela Sousa, Christiane P. Soares and Aldo Venuti

Vaccines 2022, 10(5), 648; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10050648 - 20 Apr 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1560

Abstract

We live on a planet marked by remarkable health disparities [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccines against Infectious Diseases and Cancer)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review, Other

13 pages, 3458 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Global Study on the Correlates of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution

by Palash Basak, Tanvir Abir, Abdullah Al Mamun, Noor Raihani Zainol, Mansura Khanam, Md. Rashidul Haque, Abul Hasnat Milton and Kingsley Emwinyore Agho

Vaccines 2022, 10(2), 266; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10020266 - 10 Feb 2022

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 7734

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the association between the GDP of various countries and the progress of COVID-19 vaccinations; to explore how the global pattern holds in the continents, and investigate the spatial distribution pattern of COVID-19 vaccination progress for all countries. We have used consolidated data on COVID-19 vaccination and GDP from Our World in Data, an open-access data source. Data analysis and visualization were performed in R-Studio. There was a strong linear association between per capita income and the proportion of people vaccinated in countries with populations of one million or more. GDP per capita accounts for a 50% variation in the vaccination rate across the nations. Our assessments revealed that the global pattern holds in every continent. Rich European and North-American countries are most protected against COVID-19. Less developed African countries barely initiated a vaccination program. There is a significant disparity among Asian countries. The security of wealthier nations (vaccinated their citizens) cannot be guaranteed unless adequate vaccination covers the less affluent countries. Therefore, the global community should undertake initiatives to speed up the COVID-19 vaccination program in all countries of the world, irrespective of their wealth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccines against Infectious Diseases and Cancer)

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10 pages, 251 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reactogenicity of BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine in a Young Working Age Population: A Survey among Medical School Residents, within a Mass Vaccination Campaign, in a Regional Reference Teaching Hospital in Italy

by Alborz Rahmani, Guglielmo Dini, Andrea Orsi, Laura Sticchi, Bianca Bruzzone, Alfredo Montecucco, Luca Pellegrini, Alessia Manca, Alexander Domnich, Angela Battistini, Bruno Kusznir Vitturi, Sonia Zacconi, Nicoletta Debarbieri, Giancarlo Icardi and Paolo Durando

Vaccines 2021, 9(11), 1269; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines9111269 - 03 Nov 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2128

Abstract

Vaccinations are a key prevention measure in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. The BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine (BioNTech/Pfizer), the first to receive authorization, was widely used in the mass vaccination campaign in Italy. Healthcare workers were identified as a priority group for vaccination, but few studies have assessed its reactogenicity among the young working age population. An online survey was conducted to investigate the adverse reactions occurring in the 7 days following the first and second vaccination doses amongst resident doctors of the University of Genoa, employed at the IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino of Genoa, between 11 January and 16 March 2021. A total of 512 resident physicians were invited to participate in the study (female = 53.2%; mean age = 28.9 years), of whom 296 (female = 53.4%, mean age = 28.9 years) and 275 (female = 55.3%, mean age = 29.1 years) completed the survey after their first and second vaccination doses, respectively. In the 7 days following the first dose, most common adverse reactions were local pain (96.3%), fatigue (42.6%), headache (33.8%), arthromyalgia (28.0%), and 5.1% reported fever, while following the second dose, participants reported local pain (93.5%), fatigue (74.9%), headache (57.5%), arthromyalgia (58.2%), and fever (30.9%), with a higher prevalence among females. Systemic (but not local) reactions increased following the second vaccination, reaching severe intensity in 9.8% of participants and causing three or more events of moderate intensity in 23.7% of participants. Adverse reactions preventing regular daily activities could cause absenteeism among workers. These results can be useful to inform populations of young individuals, set expectations, and improve adherence to vaccination campaigns. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccines against Infectious Diseases and Cancer)

17 pages, 18743 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Predictive and Experimental Immunogenicity of Burkholderia Collagen-like Protein 8-Derived Antigens

by Megan E. Grund, Eliza Kramarska, Soo Jeon Choi, Dudley H. McNitt, Christopher P. Klimko, Nathaniel O. Rill, Jennifer L. Dankmeyer, Jennifer L. Shoe, Melissa Hunter, David P. Fetterer, Zander M. Hedrick, Ivan Velez, Sergei S. Biryukov, Christopher K. Cote, Rita Berisio and Slawomir Lukomski

Vaccines 2021, 9(11), 1219; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines9111219 - 20 Oct 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2247

Abstract

Burkholderia pseudomallei is an infectious bacterium of clinical and biodefense concern, and is the causative agent of melioidosis. The mortality rate can reach up to 50% and affects 165,000 people per year; however, there is currently no vaccine available. In this study, we examine the antigen-specific immune response to a vaccine formulated with antigens derived from an outer membrane protein in B. pseudomallei, Bucl8. Here, we employed a number of bioinformatic tools to predict Bucl8-derived epitopes that are non-allergenic and non-toxic, but would elicit an immune response. From these data, we formulated a vaccine based on two extracellular components of Bucl8, the β-barrel loops and extended collagen and non-collagen domains. Outbred CD-1 mice were immunized with vaccine formulations—composed of recombinant proteins or conjugated synthetic peptides with adjuvant—to assess the antigen-specific immune responses in mouse sera and lymphoid organs. We found that mice vaccinated with either Bucl8-derived components generated a robust TH2-skewed antibody response when antigen was combined with the adjuvant AddaVax, while the TH1 response was limited. Mice immunized with synthetic loop peptides had a stronger, more consistent antibody response than recombinant protein antigens, based on higher IgG titers and recognition of bacteria. We then compared peptide-based vaccines in an established C57BL/6 inbred mouse model and observed a similar TH2-skewed response. The resulting formulations will be applied in future studies examining the protection of Bucl8-derived vaccines. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccines against Infectious Diseases and Cancer)

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16 pages, 3523 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Towards an Ensemble Vaccine against the Pegivirus Using Computational Modelling Approaches and Its Validation through In Silico Cloning and Immune Simulation

by Bowen Zheng, Muhammad Suleman, Zonara Zafar, Syed Shujait Ali, Syed Nouman Nasir, Namra, Zahid Hussain, Muhammad Waseem, Abbas Khan, Fakhrul Hassan, Yanjing Wang and Dongqing Wei

Vaccines 2021, 9(8), 818; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines9080818 - 23 Jul 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2453

Abstract

Pegivirus, HPgV, which was earlier known as Gb virus and hepatitis G virus, is an enveloped, positive-stranded RNA and lymphotropic virus classified into the Flaviviridae family. The transmission routes primarily involve blood products, and infections are worldwide, leading up to 25% of persistent infections. To date, no effective therapeutic means are available to clear Pegivirus infections. Effective vaccine therapeutics is the best alternative to manage this disease and any associated potential pandemic. Thus, whole proteome-based mining of immunogenic peptides, i.e., CTL (cytotoxic T lymphocytes), HTL (helper T lymphocytes), and B cell epitopes, was mapped to design a vaccine ensemble. Our investigation revealed that 29 different epitopes impart a critical role in immune response induction, which was also validated by exploring its physiochemical properties and experimental feasibility. In silico expression and host immune simulation were examined using an agent-based modeling approach and confirmed the induction of both primary and secondary immune factors such as IL, cytokines, and antibodies. The current study warrants further lab experiments to demonstrate its efficacy and safety. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccines against Infectious Diseases and Cancer)

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14 pages, 2372 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Vivo Production of HN Protein Increases the Protection Rates of a Minicircle DNA Vaccine against Genotype VII Newcastle Disease Virus

by Zhannan Wang, Xiaohan Zhao, Ying Wang, Chao Sun, Ming Sun, Xingyun Gao, Futing Jia, Chenxin Shan, Guilian Yang, Jianzhong Wang, Haibin Huang, Chunwei Shi, Wentao Yang, Aidong Qian, Chunfeng Wang and Yanlong Jiang

Vaccines 2021, 9(7), 723; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines9070723 - 02 Jul 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2606

Abstract

The Cre-recombinase mediated in vivo minicircle DNA vaccine platform (CRIM) provided a novel option to replace a traditional DNA vaccine. To further improve the immune response of our CRIM vaccine, we designed a dual promoter expression plasmid named pYL87 which could synthesize short HN protein under a prokaryotic in vivo promoter P_pagC and full length HN protein of genotype VII Newcastle disease virus (NDV) under the previous eukaryotic CMV promoter at the same time. Making use of the self-lysed Salmonella strain as a delivery vesicle, chickens immunized with the pYL87 construction showed an increased serum haemagglutination inhibition antibody response, as well as an increased cell proliferation level and cellular IL-4 and IL-18 cytokines, compared with the previous CRIM vector pYL47. After the virus challenge, the pYL87 vector could provide 80% protection compared to 50% protection against genotype VII NDV in pYL47 immunized chickens, indicating a promising dual promoter strategy used in vaccine design. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccines against Infectious Diseases and Cancer)

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Review

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22 pages, 2039 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Importance of Nanocarrier Design and Composition for an Efficient Nanoparticle-Mediated Transdermal Vaccination

by Rayen Yanara Valdivia-Olivares, Maria Rodriguez-Fernandez, María Javiera Álvarez-Figueroa, Alexis M. Kalergis and José Vicente González-Aramundiz

Vaccines 2021, 9(12), 1420; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines9121420 - 01 Dec 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3400

Abstract

The World Health Organization estimates that the pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus claimed more than 3 million lives in 2020 alone. This situation has highlighted the importance of vaccination programs and the urgency of working on new technologies that allow an efficient, safe, and effective immunization. From this perspective, nanomedicine has provided novel tools for the design of the new generation of vaccines. Among the challenges of the new vaccine generations is the search for alternative routes of antigen delivery due to costs, risks, need for trained personnel, and low acceptance in the population associated with the parenteral route. Along these lines, transdermal immunization has been raised as a promising alternative for antigen delivery and vaccination based on a large absorption surface and an abundance of immune system cells. These features contribute to a high barrier capacity and high immunological efficiency for transdermal immunization. However, the stratum corneum barrier constitutes a significant challenge for generating new pharmaceutical forms for transdermal antigen delivery. This review addresses the biological bases for transdermal immunomodulation and the technological advances in the field of nanomedicine, from the passage of antigens facilitated by devices to cross the stratum corneum, to the design of nanosystems, with an emphasis on the importance of design and composition towards the new generation of needle-free nanometric transdermal systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccines against Infectious Diseases and Cancer)

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11 pages, 1181 KiB

Open AccessReview

Human Papilloma Virus Vaccination: Focus on the Italian Situation

by Giovanni Gabutti, Erica d’Anchera, Francesco De Motoli, Marta Savio and Armando Stefanati

Vaccines 2021, 9(12), 1374; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines9121374 - 23 Nov 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3447

Abstract

Human papilloma virus (HPV) is a viral agent whose transmission occurs mainly by sexual means. It causes different pathological conditions in both males and females, ranging from benign pathologies up to cancers. The introduction of vaccination has certainly had a major impact in terms of reducing the incidence of both HPV infections and diseases but in the European Union and the European Economic Area (EU/EEA) there are still about more than 13,000 deaths due to cervical cancer each year. To date in Europe and in Italy there are three vaccines available (bi-, tetra-, and nonvalent vaccines). The vaccination campaign started irregularly in Europe and Italy in 2007, with pre-adolescent girls as the primary target. Later, other cohorts were introduced such as 12-year-old boys, additional cohorts of >25-year-old women, women who already underwent cervical surgery and other subjects entitled to free vaccination. The COVID-19 pandemic has strongly impacted on public health services, particularly on vaccinations that, especially during the first pandemic phase, have been often delayed and/or canceled. The most affected vaccinations by the pandemic have been the non-mandatory ones, particularly those addressing the adolescent and adult population, such as immunization against papillomavirus. To date the achievement of the coverage target set by the Italian National Immunization Plan (NIP) has not yet been achieved. The aim of this work is to summarize the current situation in Italy and to discuss the strategies that have been implemented to increase overall vaccination coverage rates. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccines against Infectious Diseases and Cancer)

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28 pages, 1806 KiB

Open AccessReview

Self-Replicating RNA Viruses for Vaccine Development against Infectious Diseases and Cancer

by Kenneth Lundstrom

Vaccines 2021, 9(10), 1187; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines9101187 - 15 Oct 2021

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 6846

Abstract

Alphaviruses, flaviviruses, measles viruses and rhabdoviruses are enveloped single-stranded RNA viruses, which have been engineered for recombinant protein expression and vaccine development. Due to the presence of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity, subgenomic RNA can replicate close to 10⁶ copies per cell for translation in the cytoplasm providing extreme transgene expression levels, which is why they are named self-replicating RNA viruses. Expression of surface proteins of pathogens causing infectious disease and tumor antigens provide the basis for vaccine development against infectious diseases and cancer. Self-replicating RNA viral vectors can be administered as replicon RNA at significantly lower doses than conventional mRNA, recombinant particles, or DNA plasmids. Self-replicating RNA viral vectors have been applied for vaccine development against influenza virus, HIV, hepatitis B virus, human papilloma virus, Ebola virus, etc., showing robust immune response and protection in animal models. Recently, paramyxovirus and rhabdovirus vector-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccines as well as RNA vaccines based on self-amplifying alphaviruses have been evaluated in clinical settings. Vaccines against various cancers such as brain, breast, lung, ovarian, prostate cancer and melanoma have also been developed. Clinical trials have shown good safety and target-specific immune responses. Ervebo, the VSV-based vaccine against Ebola virus disease has been approved for human use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccines against Infectious Diseases and Cancer)

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27 pages, 3745 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nanovaccines against Animal Pathogens: The Latest Findings

by Carmen Teresa Celis-Giraldo, Julio López-Abán, Antonio Muro, Manuel Alfonso Patarroyo and Raúl Manzano-Román

Vaccines 2021, 9(9), 988; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines9090988 - 04 Sep 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4232

Abstract

Nowadays, safe and efficacious vaccines represent powerful and cost-effective tools for global health and economic growth. In the veterinary field, these are undoubtedly key tools for improving productivity and fighting zoonoses. However, cases of persistent infections, rapidly evolving pathogens having high variability or emerging/re-emerging pathogens for which no effective vaccines have been developed point out the continuing need for new vaccine alternatives to control outbreaks. Most licensed vaccines have been successfully used for many years now; however, they have intrinsic limitations, such as variable efficacy, adverse effects, and some shortcomings. More effective adjuvants and novel delivery systems may foster real vaccine effectiveness and timely implementation. Emerging vaccine technologies involving nanoparticles such as self-assembling proteins, virus-like particles, liposomes, virosomes, and polymeric nanoparticles offer novel, safe, and high-potential approaches to address many vaccine development-related challenges. Nanotechnology is accelerating the evolution of vaccines because nanomaterials having encapsulation ability and very advantageous properties due to their size and surface area serve as effective vehicles for antigen delivery and immunostimulatory agents. This review discusses the requirements for an effective, broad-coverage-elicited immune response, the main nanoplatforms for producing it, and the latest nanovaccine applications for fighting animal pathogens. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccines against Infectious Diseases and Cancer)

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Other

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9 pages, 792 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Antibody Persistence 6 Months Post-Vaccination with BNT162b2 among Health Care Workers

by Flaminia Campo, Aldo Venuti, Fulvia Pimpinelli, Elva Abril, Giovanni Blandino, Laura Conti, Armando De Virgilio, Federico De Marco, Vincenzo Di Noia, Enea Gino Di Domenico, Simona Di Martino, Fabrizio Ensoli, Diana Giannarelli, Chiara Mandoj, Francesco Mazzola, Silvia Moretto, Gerardo Petruzzi, Fabrizio Petrone, Barbara Pichi, Martina Pontone, Antonello Vidiri, Branka Vujovic, Giulia Piaggio, Eleonora Sperandio, Valentina Rosati, Francesco Cognetti, Aldo Morrone, Gennaro Ciliberto and Raul Pellini Show full author list Hide full author list

Vaccines 2021, 9(10), 1125; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines9101125 - 03 Oct 2021

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 2993

Abstract

Background: We present immunogenicity data 6 months after the first dose of BNT162b2 in correlation with age, gender, BMI, comorbidities and previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods: An immunogenicity evaluation was carried out among health care workers (HCW) vaccinated at the Istituti Fisioterapici Ospitalieri (IFO). All HCW were asked to be vaccine by the national vaccine campaign at the beginning of 2021. Serum samples were collected on day 1 just prior to the first dose of the vaccine and on day 21 just prior to the second vaccination dose. Thereafter sera samples were collected 28, 49, 84 and 168 days after the first dose of BNT162b2. Quantitative measurement of IgG antibodies against S1/S2 antigens of SARS-CoV-2 was performed with a commercial chemiluminescent immunoassay. Results: Two hundred seventy-four HWCs were analyzed, 175 women (63.9%) and 99 men (36.1%). The maximum antibody geometric mean concentration (AbGMC) was reached at T2 (299.89 AU/mL; 95% CI: 263.53–339.52) with a significant increase compared to baseline (p < 0.0001). Thereafter, a progressive decrease was observed. At T5, a median decrease of 59.6% in COVID-19 negative, and of 67.8% in COVID-19 positive individuals were identified with respect to the highest antibody response. At T1, age and previous COVID-19 were associated with differences in antibody response, while at T2 and T3 differences in immune response were associated with age, gender and previous COVID-19. At T4 and T5, only COVID-19 positive participants demonstrated a greater antibody response, whereas no other variables seemed to influence antibody levels. Conclusions: Overall our study clearly shows antibody persistence at 6 months, albeit with a certain decline. Thus, the use of this vaccine in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic is supported by our results that in turn open debate about the need for further boosts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccines against Infectious Diseases and Cancer)

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9 pages, 707 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

COVID-19 Vaccines in Cancer Patients. Seropositivity and Safety. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Luigi Cavanna, Chiara Citterio and Ilaria Toscani

Vaccines 2021, 9(9), 1048; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines9091048 - 20 Sep 2021

Cited by 37 | Viewed by 4610

Abstract

Patients with cancer are among the most vulnerable groups of the COVID-19 pandemic, whereas vaccinations can represent a cornerstone in overcoming the pandemic itself. However, cancer patients were excluded from clinical trials for COVID-19 vaccinations, and thus the data on the immunogenicity and safety of COVID-19 vaccines in cancer patients are limited. In this systematic review, we assessed the seroconversion rate and the safety of COVID-19 vaccinations in cancer patients. We searched a bibliographic database up until 31 July 2021. Utilizing inclusion criteria, six studies were selected and analyzed for this meta-analysis. This included 621 cancer patients and 256 controls. Results show that patients with solid tumors show adequate antibody responses (>90%), though the antibody titers were significantly lower than those of healthy controls. Similarly, a significantly lower rate of seroconversion was registered in patients with hematologic malignances. The vaccines showed a good safety profile; no grade 3–4 adverse events were registered. This review demonstrates generally high immunogenicity from COVID-19 vaccines in patients with cancer, with better results for solid tumors than hematological malignances, and with a good safety profile. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccines against Infectious Diseases and Cancer)

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8 pages, 265 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Early Onset of SARS-COV-2 Antibodies after First Dose of BNT162b2: Correlation with Age, Gender and BMI

by Raul Pellini, Aldo Venuti, Fulvia Pimpinelli, Elva Abril, Giovanni Blandino, Flaminia Campo, Laura Conti, Armando De Virgilio, Federico De Marco, Enea Gino Di Domenico, Ornella Di Bella, Simona Di Martino, Fabrizio Ensoli, Diana Giannarelli, Chiara Mandoj, Valentina Manciocco, Paolo Marchesi, Francesco Mazzola, Silvia Moretto, Gerardo Petruzzi, Fabrizio Petrone, Barbara Pichi, Martina Pontone, Jacopo Zocchi, Antonello Vidiri, Branka Vujovic, Giulia Piaggio, Aldo Morrone and Gennaro Ciliberto Show full author list Hide full author list

Vaccines 2021, 9(7), 685; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines9070685 - 22 Jun 2021

Cited by 39 | Viewed by 3291

Abstract

Background: The first goal of the study was to analyse the antibody titre 21 days after the first dose of the BNT162b2 vaccine in a group of 252 healthcare workers (HCW). The second goal was to analyse how the antibody titre changes in correlation with age, gender and body mass index (BMI). Methods: Participants had a nasopharyngeal swab for SARS-CoV-2 and were assessed for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies at baseline and 21 days after the BNT162b2 priming dose. Results: First dose of BNT162b2 activated immune responses in 98% of the participants. Five HWC had no increase in antibody titre 21 days after the first dose. Antibody titre was greater in young (<38 years) vs. older participants (<38 vs. 47–56 p = 0.002; <38 vs. >56 p = 0.001). Higher antibody levels were detected in underweight vs. pre-obesity group (p = 0.026) and in normal-weight vs. pre-obesity group (p = 0.007). This association was confirmed after adjusting for age (p = 0.0001) and gender (p = 0.00001). Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that a single dose of BNT162b2 activates the immune response, and being young and normal-weight correlate positively with this response. Larger specifically designed clinical trials are needed to validate these results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccines against Infectious Diseases and Cancer)

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