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9 pages, 525 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Immunogenicity and Predictive Factors Associated with Poor Response after Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Vaccination in Lung Transplant Patients

by Se Ju Lee, Ala Woo, Jung Ah Lee, Yongseop Lee, Ha Eun Kim, Jin Gu Lee, Song Yee Kim, Moo Suk Park and Su Jin Jeong

Vaccines 2024, 12(7), 822; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12070822 - 22 Jul 2024

Viewed by 645

Abstract

Lung transplant patients are more likely to develop severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) compared with the general population and should be vaccinated against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, previous studies have reported reduced vaccination immunogenicity in lung transplantation patients. We [...] Read more.

Lung transplant patients are more likely to develop severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) compared with the general population and should be vaccinated against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, previous studies have reported reduced vaccination immunogenicity in lung transplantation patients. We aimed to investigate the serological response and associated factors after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in this population. Lung transplant patients without a history of contracting coronavirus disease who had received a second or higher dose of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination were enrolled. The anti-SARS-Cov-2 spike and neutralizing antibody levels were measured in blood samples. Firth’s logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the factors associated with non-response after vaccination. Forty-six lung transplant patients were enrolled, of which sixteen (34.8%) showed a serological response to vaccination. All patients who received anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination before transplantation (n = 5) exhibited a serological response. No significant difference was observed in anti-SARS-CoV-2 S antibody or neutralization titers based on the number and timing of vaccination. Firth’s logistic regression showed an association between lower hemoglobin levels (odds ratio, 0.59; confidence interval, 0.35–0.92; p = 0.017) and non-response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Lung transplant patients showed poor serologic responses after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in this pilot study; anemia may be associated with this poor response. Full article

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17 pages, 2264 KiB

Open AccessReview

Challenges for Sustaining Measles Elimination: Post-Verification Large-Scale Import-Related Measles Outbreaks in Mongolia and Cambodia, Resulting in the Loss of Measles Elimination Status

by José Hagan, Otgonbayar Dashpagma, Ork Vichit, Samnang Chham, Sodbayar Demberelsuren, Varja Grabovac, Shafiqul Hossain, Makiko Iijima, Chung-won Lee, Anuzaya Purevdagva, Kayla Mariano, Roger Evans, Yan Zhang and Yoshihiro Takashima

Vaccines 2024, 12(7), 821; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12070821 - 22 Jul 2024

Viewed by 604

Abstract

The Western Pacific Region’s pursuit of measles elimination has seen significant progress and setbacks. Mongolia and Cambodia were the first two middle-income countries in the Western Pacific to be verified as having eliminated measles by the Western Pacific Regional Verification Commission for Measles [...] Read more.

The Western Pacific Region’s pursuit of measles elimination has seen significant progress and setbacks. Mongolia and Cambodia were the first two middle-income countries in the Western Pacific to be verified as having eliminated measles by the Western Pacific Regional Verification Commission for Measles and Rubella Elimination, in March 2014 and 2015, respectively. However, both countries experienced large-scale or prolonged importation-related measles outbreaks shortly afterwards, leading to the re-establishment of endemic transmission. We describe the path to initial elimination in both countries and explore these outbreaks’ characteristics, factors contributing to the loss of elimination status, and implications for broader elimination efforts. Data sources include case-based epidemiological and laboratory surveillance reports, historical immunization coverage, genotype data, and published reports of in-depth outbreak investigations. In Mongolia, a single prolonged and large-scale outbreak revealed a hidden immunity gap among young adults and was driven in part by nosocomial transmission, leading to significant morbidity and mortality and loss of elimination status. Cambodia suffered multiple importations from neighboring endemic countries during the global measles resurgence in 2018–2019, complicated by cross-border mobility and significant nosocomial amplification, and the country was ultimately unable to sufficiently distinguish independent chains of transmission, leading to loss of elimination status. Our findings highlight the importance of broadening population immunity assessments beyond children to include adults and specific high-risk groups. Robust routine immunization programs, supplemented by tailored SIAs, are crucial for preventing and managing outbreaks. Additionally, strong outbreak preparedness plans, rapid response strategies, and cross-border collaboration and the global effort to prevent multiple resurgences and large-scale importation-induced outbreaks are vital for maintaining elimination status. The experiences of Mongolia and Cambodia underscore the challenges of sustaining measles elimination in the face of importation risks, shared borders with endemic countries, healthcare system gaps, and population movements. Strengthening the global coordination and synchronization of measles elimination activities is imperative to protect the gains achieved and prevent future setbacks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A World without Measles and Rubella: Meeting the Regional Elimination Targets on the Path to Global Eradication)

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9 pages, 1175 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimal Timing Regularly Outperforms Higher Coverage in Preventative Measles Supplementary Immunization Campaigns

by Katherine A. Rosenfeld, Kurt Frey and Kevin A. McCarthy

Vaccines 2024, 12(7), 820; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12070820 - 22 Jul 2024

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Abstract

Measles threatens the lives and livelihoods of tens of millions of children and there are countries where routine immunization systems miss enough individuals to create the risk of large outbreaks. To help address this threat, measles supplementary immunization activities are time-limited, coordinated campaigns [...] Read more.

Measles threatens the lives and livelihoods of tens of millions of children and there are countries where routine immunization systems miss enough individuals to create the risk of large outbreaks. To help address this threat, measles supplementary immunization activities are time-limited, coordinated campaigns to immunize en masse a target population. Timing campaigns to be concurrent with building outbreak risk is an important consideration, but current programmatic standards focus on campaigns achieving a high coverage of at least 95%. We show that there is a dramatic trade-off between campaign timeliness and coverage. Optimal timing at coverages as low as 50% for areas with weak routine immunization systems is shown to outperform the current standard, which is delayed by as little as 6 months. Measured coverage alone is revealed as a potentially misleading performance metric. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A World without Measles and Rubella: Meeting the Regional Elimination Targets on the Path to Global Eradication)

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10 pages, 598 KiB

Open AccessArticle

“Anees Has Measles”: Storytelling and Singing to Enhance MMR Vaccination in Child Care Centers Amid Religious Hesitancy

by Therdpong Thongseiratch, Puttichart Khantee, Naphat Jaroenmark, Napatsaree Nuttapasit and Nithida Thonglua

Vaccines 2024, 12(7), 819; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12070819 - 22 Jul 2024

Viewed by 560

Abstract

This study explores the enhancement of MMR vaccination rates in the deep south of Thailand through a culturally tailored intervention that incorporates storytelling and singing, aligning with local cultural and religious values. The “Anees has Measles” intervention, developed with input from community stakeholders [...] Read more.

This study explores the enhancement of MMR vaccination rates in the deep south of Thailand through a culturally tailored intervention that incorporates storytelling and singing, aligning with local cultural and religious values. The “Anees has Measles” intervention, developed with input from community stakeholders including health workers, religious leaders, and parents, featured traditional melodies in its singing activities. The intervention comprised two main components: storytelling sessions and singing activities, both utilizing culturally resonant content and formats to effectively engage the community. Conducted from December 2019 to March 2020 across eight districts in five provinces, the study targeted children aged 18 months to 5 years in government child care centers. Results indicated a substantial increase in MMR vaccination coverage from 44.3% to 72.0% twelve months post-intervention, and further to 77.0% at 48 months post-intervention, representing a significant and sustained improvement (p < 0.001). This marked and continuous increase demonstrates the effectiveness of culturally adapted health education in areas with significant vaccine hesitancy. The findings highlight the importance of integrating culturally and religiously sensitive methods into public health strategies, significantly enhancing vaccine acceptance and coverage in diverse and conservative settings. This approach suggests a broader applicability for similar interventions in comparable contexts globally. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A World without Measles and Rubella: Meeting the Regional Elimination Targets on the Path to Global Eradication)

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17 pages, 2947 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Cross-Sectional Study of Measles-Specific Antibody Levels in Australian Blood Donors—Implications for Measles Post-Elimination Countries

by Kirsten M. Williamson, Helen Faddy, Suellen Nicholson, Vicki Stambos, Veronica Hoad, Michelle Butler, Tambri Housen, Tony Merritt and David N. Durrheim

Vaccines 2024, 12(7), 818; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12070818 - 22 Jul 2024

Viewed by 699

Abstract

Passive immunisation with normal human immunoglobulin (NHIG) is recommended as post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for higher-risk measles contacts where vaccination is contraindicated. However, the concentration of measles-specific antibodies in NHIG depends on antibody levels within pooled donor plasma. There are concerns that measles immunity [...] Read more.

Passive immunisation with normal human immunoglobulin (NHIG) is recommended as post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for higher-risk measles contacts where vaccination is contraindicated. However, the concentration of measles-specific antibodies in NHIG depends on antibody levels within pooled donor plasma. There are concerns that measles immunity in the Australian population may be declining over time and that blood donors’ levels will progressively decrease, impacting levels required to produce effective NHIG for measles PEP. A cross-sectional study of Australian plasmapheresis donors was performed using an age-stratified, random sample of recovered serum specimens, collected between October and November 2019 (n = 1199). Measles-specific IgG antibodies were quantified by ELISA (Enzygnost anti-measles virus IgG, Siemens), and negative and equivocal specimens (n = 149) also underwent plaque reduction neutralisation testing (PRNT). Mean antibody levels (optical density values) progressively decreased from older to younger birth cohorts, from 2.09 [±0.09, 95% CI] to 0.58 [±0.04, 95% CI] in donors born in 1940–1959 and 1990–2001, respectively (p < 0.0001). This study shows that mean measles-specific IgG levels are significantly lower in younger Australian donors. While current NHIG selection policies target older donors, as younger birth cohorts become an increasingly larger proportion of contributing donors, measles-specific antibody concentrations of NHIG will progressively reduce. We therefore recommend monitoring measles-specific antibody levels in future donors and NHIG products in Australia and other countries that eliminated measles before the birth of their youngest blood donors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A World without Measles and Rubella: Meeting the Regional Elimination Targets on the Path to Global Eradication)

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15 pages, 5425 KiB

Open AccessReview

Measles and Rubella Elimination in the Western Pacific Region in 2013–2022: Lessons Learned from Progress and Achievements Made during Regional and Global Measles Resurgences

by Yoshihiro Takashima, Syeda Kanwal Aslam, Roger Evans, Kayla Mae Mariano, Chung-won Lee, Xiaojun Wang, Varja Grabovac and David N. Durrheim

Vaccines 2024, 12(7), 817; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12070817 - 22 Jul 2024

Viewed by 654

Abstract

Measles is the most contagious communicable disease, causing an estimated 5.5 million cases and more than 30,000 deaths in the Western Pacific Region (WPR) during 2000. Rubella infection in a pregnant woman can be devastating for the foetus, resulting in congenital rubella syndrome [...] Read more.

Measles is the most contagious communicable disease, causing an estimated 5.5 million cases and more than 30,000 deaths in the Western Pacific Region (WPR) during 2000. Rubella infection in a pregnant woman can be devastating for the foetus, resulting in congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) in 90% of rubella infections in early pregnancy. It was estimated that approximately 9000 CRS cases occurred in the WPR in 2010. World Health Organization (WHO) Member States in the WPR decided in 2003 to eliminate measles and in 2014 to eliminate rubella from the region. While the WPR successfully attained historically low measles incidence in 2012, it experienced a region-wide measles resurgence in 2013–2016. During the regional resurgence, WHO and Member States accumulated greater knowledge on the epidemiology of measles and rubella in the WPR and strategies to maintain gains. The implementation of the resulting new regional strategy and plan of action from 2018 has proven that measles and rubella elimination is achievable and sustainable under the pressure of multiple importations of measles virus during the world-wide measles resurgences in 2018–2019. This article discusses this progress and achievements towards achieving the global eradication of measles and rubella. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A World without Measles and Rubella: Meeting the Regional Elimination Targets on the Path to Global Eradication)

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18 pages, 1231 KiB

Open AccessReview

Serosurveillance for Measles and Rubella

by Allison M. Brady, Elina El-Badry, Eriko Padron-Regalado, Nicole A. Escudero González, Daniel L. Joo, Paul A. Rota and Stephen N. Crooke

Vaccines 2024, 12(7), 816; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12070816 - 22 Jul 2024

Viewed by 788

Abstract

Measles and rubella remain global health threats, despite the availability of safe and effective vaccines. Estimates of population immunity are crucial for achieving elimination goals and assessing the impact of vaccination programs, yet conducting well-designed serosurveys can be challenging, especially in resource-limited settings. [...] Read more.

Measles and rubella remain global health threats, despite the availability of safe and effective vaccines. Estimates of population immunity are crucial for achieving elimination goals and assessing the impact of vaccination programs, yet conducting well-designed serosurveys can be challenging, especially in resource-limited settings. In this review, we provide a comprehensive assessment of 130 measles and rubella studies published from January 2014 to January 2024. Methodologies and design aspects of serosurveys varied greatly, including sample size, assay type, and population demographics. Most studies utilized enzyme immunoassays for IgG detection. Sample sizes showed diverse sampling methods but favored convenience sampling despite its limitations. Studies spanned 59 countries, predominantly including adults, and revealed disparities in seroprevalence across demographics, regions, and notably among migrants and women. Age-related declines in antibodies were observed, particularly among infants, and correlations between vaccination status and seropositivity varied. We conclude with an outlook on measles and rubella serosurveillance, emphasizing the need for proper survey design and the advantages of standardized, multiplex serology assays. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A World without Measles and Rubella: Meeting the Regional Elimination Targets on the Path to Global Eradication)

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14 pages, 1503 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relationship between Endotoxin Content in Vaccine Preclinical Formulations and Animal Welfare: An Extensive Study on Historical Data to Set an Informed Threshold

by Federica Baffetta, Raffaella Cecchi, Eva Guerrini, Simona Mangiavacchi, Gilda Sorrentino and Daniela Stranges

Vaccines 2024, 12(7), 815; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12070815 - 22 Jul 2024

Viewed by 957

Abstract

The most widely known pyrogen impurity in vaccines is the Gram-negative bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS). When administered at toxic doses, endotoxin triggers inflammatory responses, which lead to endotoxic shock. The literature on endotoxic content (EC) for preclinical vaccines’ formulations used in animal studies [...] Read more.

The most widely known pyrogen impurity in vaccines is the Gram-negative bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS). When administered at toxic doses, endotoxin triggers inflammatory responses, which lead to endotoxic shock. The literature on endotoxic content (EC) for preclinical vaccines’ formulations used in animal studies is very poor, and the recommended thresholds are solely based on commercial vaccine limits set for humans and are, therefore, not connected to the actual impact of EC on animal welfare for species used in preclinical research studies. An extensive study to evaluate the presence of a potential relationship between endotoxin content in formulations administered to mice (the most common species used in preclinical research studies) and their welfare was conducted to calculate an EC threshold for formulations of candidate vaccines. Three years of historical data, from more than 500 formulations of different antigen types (i.e., proteins, glycoconjugates, OMV/GMMA) injected into more than 5000 mice, was evaluated with two alternative statistical methodologies, both demonstrating that there is no significant relationship between actual endotoxin levels and mouse welfare. The calculation of thresholds was, therefore, performed by consistency versus formulations that demonstrated no impact on animal welfare. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Immune Response and Vaccines: 2nd Edition)

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16 pages, 810 KiB

Open AccessReview

Possible Paths to Measles Eradication: Conceptual Frameworks, Strategies, and Tactics

by Amy K. Winter and William J. Moss

Vaccines 2024, 12(7), 814; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12070814 - 22 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 940

Abstract

Measles elimination refers to the interruption of measles virus transmission in a defined geographic area (e.g., country or region) for 12 months or more, and measles eradication refers to the global interruption of measles virus transmission. Measles eradication was first discussed and debated [...] Read more.

Measles elimination refers to the interruption of measles virus transmission in a defined geographic area (e.g., country or region) for 12 months or more, and measles eradication refers to the global interruption of measles virus transmission. Measles eradication was first discussed and debated in the late 1960’s shortly after the licensure of measles vaccines. Most experts agree that measles meets criteria for disease eradication, but progress toward national and regional measles elimination has slowed. Several paths to measles eradication can be described, including an incremental path through country-wide and regional measles elimination and phased paths through endgame scenarios and strategies. Infectious disease dynamic modeling can help inform measles elimination and eradication strategies, and all paths would be greatly facilitated by innovative technologies such as microarray patches to improve vaccine access and demand, point-of-contact diagnostic tests to facilitate outbreak responses, and point-of-contact IgG tests to identify susceptible populations. A pragmatic approach to measles eradication would identify and realize the necessary preconditions and clearly articulate various endgame scenarios and strategies to achieve measles eradication with an intensified and coordinated global effort in a specified timeframe, i.e., to “go big and go fast”. To encourage and promote deliberation among a broad array of stakeholders, we provide a brief historical background and key considerations for setting a measles eradication goal. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A World without Measles and Rubella: Meeting the Regional Elimination Targets on the Path to Global Eradication)

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14 pages, 538 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Problem with Delaying Measles Elimination

by Natasha S. Crowcroft, Anna A. Minta, Shelly Bolotin, Tania Cernuschi, Archchun Ariyarajah, Sébastien Antoni, Mick N. Mulders, Anindya S. Bose and Patrick M. O’Connor

Vaccines 2024, 12(7), 813; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12070813 - 22 Jul 2024

Viewed by 923

Abstract

Measles is a highly infectious disease leading to high morbidity and mortality impacting people’s lives and economies across the globe. The measles vaccine saves more lives than any other vaccine in the Essential Programme of Immunization and is also the most cost-effective vaccine, [...] Read more.

Measles is a highly infectious disease leading to high morbidity and mortality impacting people’s lives and economies across the globe. The measles vaccine saves more lives than any other vaccine in the Essential Programme of Immunization and is also the most cost-effective vaccine, with an extremely high return on investment. This makes achieving measles elimination through vaccination a key child health intervention, particularly in low-income countries, where the overwhelming majority of measles deaths continue to occur. All countries and regions of the world have committed to achieving measles elimination, yet many have faced challenges securing political commitment at national and global levels and predictable, timely, and flexible support from global donors, and experienced setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic. This has happened against a backdrop of stagnant measles vaccination coverage and declining enthusiasm for vertical programmes, culminating in a World Health Organization Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (WHO SAGE) review of the feasibility of measles eradication in 2019. Sustaining the elimination of measles long term is extremely difficult, and some countries have lost or nearly lost their measles elimination status in the face of ongoing importation of cases from neighbouring or closely connected countries in which elimination had been delayed. Thus, a widening equity gap in measles immunisation coverage creates challenges for all countries, not just those facing the greatest burden of measles morbidity and mortality. Delaying elimination of measles in some countries makes it cumulatively harder for all countries to succeed for three principal reasons: increased inequity in measles immunisation coverage makes outbreaks more likely to happen and to be larger; political will is very difficult to sustain; and immunity may wane to a point that transmission is re-established. New strategies are needed to support countries and regions in their vision for a world without measles, including ways to galvanise domestic, regional and global resources and ignite the political will that is essential to make the vision a reality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A World without Measles and Rubella: Meeting the Regional Elimination Targets on the Path to Global Eradication)

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10 pages, 224 KiB

Open AccessReview

Vaccination Week in the Americas: An Ongoing Initiative to Strengthen and Sustain Measles and Rubella Elimination in the Region

by Alba Maria Ropero, Hannah Kurtis, Lauren Vulanovic, Pamela Bravo-Alcántara, Maite Vera Antelo and Margherita Ghiselli

Vaccines 2024, 12(7), 812; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12070812 - 22 Jul 2024

Viewed by 528

Abstract

Vaccination Week in the Americas (VWA) is a yearly regional initiative that promotes the benefits of vaccination to all persons in the region. In its 22-year history, more than 1.15 billion people have been reached under the framework of VWA across more than [...] Read more.

Vaccination Week in the Americas (VWA) is a yearly regional initiative that promotes the benefits of vaccination to all persons in the region. In its 22-year history, more than 1.15 billion people have been reached under the framework of VWA across more than 40 countries and territories. This review examines multiple PAHO and WHO data points, documents and reports related to measles/rubella vaccination coverage and VWA since its inception. Its goal is to document the impact that the VWA has had in maintaining and accelerating measles and rubella disease elimination, in the context of PAHO’s Disease Elimination Initiative. The results suggest that VWA’s contributions to measles and rubella elimination have been substantial. Every year, VWA promotes (a) renewed political commitment to the immunization program from the highest political authorities of Member States; (b) vaccination operations to close immunity gaps, recover under-vaccinated persons, and reach chronically underserved populations; and (c) the dissemination of messages on the benefits of vaccination through regional and national communications campaigns. VWA will continue to be an important contributor to disease elimination efforts in the Americas, even as new targets are set in response to the evolving epidemiological landscape. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A World without Measles and Rubella: Meeting the Regional Elimination Targets on the Path to Global Eradication)

9 pages, 3277 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Congenital Rubella Syndrome Does Not Increase with Introduction of Rubella-Containing Vaccine

by Kurt Frey

Vaccines 2024, 12(7), 811; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12070811 - 22 Jul 2024

Viewed by 475

Abstract

Rubella infection is typically mild or asymptomatic except when infection occurs during pregnancy. Infection in early pregnancy can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or congenital rubella syndrome. Only individuals that are still susceptible to rubella infection during child-bearing age are vulnerable to this burden. Rubella-containing [...] Read more.

Rubella infection is typically mild or asymptomatic except when infection occurs during pregnancy. Infection in early pregnancy can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or congenital rubella syndrome. Only individuals that are still susceptible to rubella infection during child-bearing age are vulnerable to this burden. Rubella-containing vaccine (RCV) is safe and effective, providing life-long immunity. However, average age-at-infection increases with increasing vaccination coverage, which could potentially lead to increased disease burden if the absolute risk of infection during child-bearing age increases. The dynamics of rubella transmission were explored using EMOD, a software tool for building stochastic, agent-based infection models. Simulations of pre-vaccine, endemic transmission of rubella virus introduced RCV at varying levels of coverage to determine the expected future trajectories of disease burden. Introducing RCV reduces both rubella virus transmission and disease burden for a period of around 15 years. Increased disease burden is only possible more than a decade post-introduction, and only for contexts with persistently high transmission intensity. Low or declining rubella virus transmission intensity is associated with both greater burden without vaccination and greater burden reduction with vaccination. The risk of resurgent burden due to incomplete vaccination only exists for locations with persistently high infectivity, high connectivity, and high fertility. A trade-off between the risk of a small, future burden increase versus a large, immediate burden decrease strongly favors RCV introduction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A World without Measles and Rubella: Meeting the Regional Elimination Targets on the Path to Global Eradication)

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13 pages, 6688 KiB

Open AccessReview

Global Update on Measles Molecular Epidemiology

by Bettina Bankamp, Gimin Kim, Derek Hart, Andrew Beck, Myriam Ben Mamou, Ana Penedos, Yan Zhang, Roger Evans and Paul A. Rota

Vaccines 2024, 12(7), 810; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12070810 - 22 Jul 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 679

Abstract

Molecular surveillance of circulating measles variants serves as a line of evidence for the absence of endemic circulation and provides a means to track chains of transmission. Molecular surveillance for measles (genotyping) is based on the sequence of 450 nucleotides at the end [...] Read more.

Molecular surveillance of circulating measles variants serves as a line of evidence for the absence of endemic circulation and provides a means to track chains of transmission. Molecular surveillance for measles (genotyping) is based on the sequence of 450 nucleotides at the end of the nucleoprotein coding region (N450) of the measles genome. Genotyping was established in 1998 and, with over 50,000 sequence submissions to the Measles Nucleotide Surveillance database, has proven to be an effective resource for countries attempting to trace pathways of transmission. This review summarizes the tools used for the molecular surveillance of measles and describes the challenge posed by the decreased number of circulating measles genotypes. The Global Measles and Rubella Laboratory Network addressed this challenge through the development of new tools such as named strains and distinct sequence identifiers that analyze the diversity within the currently circulating genotypes. The advantages and limitations of these approaches are discussed, together with the need to generate additional sequence data including whole genome sequences to ensure the continued utility of strain surveillance for measles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A World without Measles and Rubella: Meeting the Regional Elimination Targets on the Path to Global Eradication)

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16 pages, 764 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Relationship between Immunogenicity and Reactogenicity of Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Using Different Delivery Methods

by Daniel J. Gromer, Brian D. Plikaytis, Michele P. McCullough, Sonia Tandon Wimalasena and Nadine Rouphael

Vaccines 2024, 12(7), 809; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12070809 - 21 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1010

Abstract

Vaccine immunogenicity and reactogenicity depend on recipient and vaccine characteristics. We hypothesized that healthy adults reporting higher reactogenicity from seasonal inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV) developed higher antibody titers compared with those reporting lower reactogenicity. We performed a secondary analysis of a randomized phase [...] Read more.

Vaccine immunogenicity and reactogenicity depend on recipient and vaccine characteristics. We hypothesized that healthy adults reporting higher reactogenicity from seasonal inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV) developed higher antibody titers compared with those reporting lower reactogenicity. We performed a secondary analysis of a randomized phase 1 trial of a trivalent IIV delivered by microneedle patch (MNP) or intramuscular (IM) injection. We created composite reactogenicity scores as exposure variables and used hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) titers as outcome variables. We used mixed-model analysis of variance to estimate geometric mean titers (GMTs) and titer fold change and modified Poisson generalized estimating equations to estimate risk ratios of seroprotection and seroconversion. Estimates of H3N2 GMTs were associated with the Systemic and Local scores among the IM group. Within the IM group, those with high reaction scores had lower baseline H3N2 GMTs and twice the titer fold change by day 28. Those with high Local scores had a greater probability of seroconversion. These results suggest that heightened reactogenicity to IM IIV is related to low baseline humoral immunity to an included antigen. Participants with greater reactogenicity developed greater titer fold change after 4 weeks, although the response magnitude was similar or lower compared with low-reactogenicity participants. Full article

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21 pages, 5582 KiB

Open AccessArticle

HER2-CD3-Fc Bispecific Antibody-Encoding mRNA Delivered by Lipid Nanoparticles Suppresses HER2-Positive Tumor Growth

by Liang Hu, Shiming Zhang, John Sienkiewicz, Hua Zhou, Robert Berahovich, Jinying Sun, Michael Li, Adrian Ocampo, Xianghong Liu, Yanwei Huang, Hizkia Harto, Shirley Xu, Vita Golubovskaya and Lijun Wu

Vaccines 2024, 12(7), 808; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12070808 - 21 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1196

Abstract

The human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is a transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptor and tumor-associated antigen abnormally expressed in various types of cancer, including breast, ovarian, and gastric cancer. HER2 overexpression is highly correlated with increased tumor aggressiveness, poorer prognosis, and shorter [...] Read more.

The human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is a transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptor and tumor-associated antigen abnormally expressed in various types of cancer, including breast, ovarian, and gastric cancer. HER2 overexpression is highly correlated with increased tumor aggressiveness, poorer prognosis, and shorter overall survival. Consequently, multiple HER2-targeted therapies have been developed and approved; however, only a subset of patients benefit from these treatments, and relapses are common. More potent and durable HER2-targeted therapies are desperately needed for patients with HER2-positive cancers. In this study, we developed a lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-based therapy formulated with mRNA encoding a novel HER2-CD3-Fc bispecific antibody (bsAb) for HER2-positive cancers. The LNPs efficiently transfected various types of cells, such as HEK293S, SKOV-3, and A1847, leading to robust and sustained secretion of the HER2-CD3-Fc bsAb with high binding affinity to both HER2 and CD3. The bsAb induced potent T-cell-directed cytotoxicity, along with secretion of IFN-λ, TNF-α, and granzyme B, against various types of HER2-positive tumor cells in vitro, including A549, NCI-H460, SKOV-3, A1847, SKBR3, and MDA-MB-231. The bsAb-mediated antitumor effect is highly specific and strictly dependent on its binding to HER2, as evidenced by the gained resistance of A549 and A1847 her2 knockout cells and the acquired sensitivity of mouse 4T1 cells overexpressing the human HER2 extracellular domain (ECD) or epitope-containing subdomain IV to the bsAb-induced T cell cytotoxicity. The bsAb also relies on its binding to CD3 for T-cell recruitment, as ablation of CD3 binding abolished the bsAb’s ability to elicit antitumor activity. Importantly, intratumoral injection of the HER2-CD3-Fc mRNA-LNPs triggers a strong antitumor response and completely blocks HER2-positive tumor growth in a mouse xenograft model of human ovarian cancer. These results indicate that the novel HER2-CD3-Fc mRNA-LNP-based therapy has the potential to effectively treat HER2-positive cancer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Immunotherapy for Cancers)

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14 pages, 4223 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Central Conserved Peptides of Respiratory Syncytial Virus G Protein Enhance the Immune Response to the RSV F Protein in an Adenovirus Vector Vaccine Candidate

by Pengdi Chai, Yi Shi, Junjie Yu, Xiafei Liu, Dongwei Li, Jinsong Li, Lili Li, Dandi Li and Zhaojun Duan

Vaccines 2024, 12(7), 807; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12070807 - 20 Jul 2024

Viewed by 914

Abstract

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a serious human respiratory pathogen that commonly affects children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals. At present, the design of licensed vaccines focuses on the incorporation of the pre-fusion protein (PreF protein) of RSV, as this protein has the [...] Read more.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a serious human respiratory pathogen that commonly affects children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals. At present, the design of licensed vaccines focuses on the incorporation of the pre-fusion protein (PreF protein) of RSV, as this protein has the ability to induce antibodies that offer a high level of protection. Moreover, the G protein contains the CX3C motif that binds the chemokine receptor CX3CR1 in respiratory epithelial cells, which plays an essential role in viral infection. Therefore, incorporating the G antigen into vaccine design may prove more advantageous for RSV prevention. In this study, we developed a human adenoviral vector-based RSV vaccine containing highly neutralizing immunogens, a modified full-length PreF protein fused with the central conserved peptides of the G protein (Gcc) from both RSV subgroups trimerized via a C-terminal foldon, and evaluated its immune response in mice through intranasal (i.n.) immunization. Our results showed that immunization with Ad5-PreF-Qa-Gcc elicited a balanced Th1/Th2 immune response and robust mucosal immunity with higher neutralizing antibody titers against RSV Long and RSV B1. Importantly, immunization with Ad5-PreF-Qa-Gcc enhanced CD4⁺ CD25⁺ FoxP3⁺ Treg cell response and protected the mice against RSV infection. Our data demonstrate that the combination of Gcc and the PreF antigen is a viable strategy for developing effective RSV vaccines. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Developments in Vaccines against Respiratory Pathogens)

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16 pages, 1206 KiB

Open AccessArticle

“That Was an Eye Opener for Me”: Mixed-Methods Outcomes Educating Texas Community Health Workers on HPV Vaccination Using Project ECHO^®

by Shaylen Foley, Ashleigh Flowers, Tralisa Hall, Matthew T. Jansen and Michelle Burcin

Vaccines 2024, 12(7), 806; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12070806 - 20 Jul 2024

Viewed by 607

Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is known to cause six different types of cancer. HPV vaccination can prevent over 90% of these cancers. Community health workers (CHWs) have the potential to drive HPV vaccination demand through education and navigation by addressing vaccine hesitancy and dis/misinformation [...] Read more.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is known to cause six different types of cancer. HPV vaccination can prevent over 90% of these cancers. Community health workers (CHWs) have the potential to drive HPV vaccination demand through education and navigation by addressing vaccine hesitancy and dis/misinformation and by reaching non-English speaking, vulnerable, or rural populations. Despite their possible reach, there is limited research on HPV vaccination education programs for CHWs. In 2020–2021, the American Cancer Society (ACS) HPV Cancer Free Texas (HPVCFT) Project implemented the eight-session Mission: HPVCFT Vaccination ECHO–CHW Program ten times. This manuscript details the program’s implementation processes and outcomes. The program used the Project ECHO model and was offered in both English and Spanish. One hundred and forty-six Texan CHWs completed pre- and post-training surveys. The participants demonstrated significant HPV vaccination knowledge increases and desirable shifts in their foundational HPV vaccination beliefs, including the belief that the HPV vaccine is for cancer prevention. The participants also reported increased confidence in communicating about the HPV vaccine in the community. Improving knowledge, beliefs, and confidence in HPV vaccination is the first step in addressing concerns and increasing uptake. Future research and interventions are needed to better understand how CHWs can be more systematically linked to vaccination opportunities or provided with clearer paths for directing patients to providers that vaccinate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting HPV Vaccination in Diverse Populations)

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12 pages, 1773 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Development of a Multivalent Capripoxvirus-Vectored Vaccine Candidate to Protect against Sheeppox, Goatpox, Peste des Petits Ruminants, and Rift Valley Fever

by Hani Boshra, Graham A. D. Blyth, Thang Truong, Andrea Kroeker, Pravesh Kara, Arshad Mather, David Wallace and Shawn Babiuk

Vaccines 2024, 12(7), 805; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12070805 - 20 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1636

Abstract

Capripoxviruses are the causative agents of sheeppox, goatpox, and lumpy skin disease (LSD) in cattle, which cause economic losses to the livestock industry in Africa and Asia. Capripoxviruses are currently controlled using several live attenuated vaccines. It was previously demonstrated that a lumpy [...] Read more.

Capripoxviruses are the causative agents of sheeppox, goatpox, and lumpy skin disease (LSD) in cattle, which cause economic losses to the livestock industry in Africa and Asia. Capripoxviruses are currently controlled using several live attenuated vaccines. It was previously demonstrated that a lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) field isolate from Warmbaths (WB) South Africa, ORF 005 (IL-10) gene-deleted virus (LSDV WB005KO), was able to protect sheep and goats against sheeppox and goatpox. Subsequently, genes encoding the protective antigens for peste des petits ruminants (PPR) and Rift Valley fever (RVF) viruses have been inserted in the LSDV WB005KO construct in three different antigen forms (native, secreted, and fusion). These three multivalent vaccine candidates were evaluated for protection against PPR using a single immunization of 10⁴ TCID₅₀ in sheep. The vaccine candidates with the native and secreted antigens protected sheep against PPR clinical disease and decreased viral shedding, as detected using real-time RT-PCR in oral and nasal swabs. An anamnestic antibody response, measured using PPR virus-neutralizing antibody response production, was observed in sheep following infection. The vaccine candidates with the antigens expressed in their native form were evaluated for protection against RVF using a single immunization with doses of 10⁴ or 10⁵ TCID₅₀ in sheep and goats. Following RVF virus infection, sheep and goats were protected against clinical disease and no viremia was detected in serum compared to control animals, where viremia was detected one day following infection. Sheep and goats developed RVFV-neutralizing antibodies prior to infection, and the antibody responses increased following infection. These results demonstrate that an LSD virus-vectored vaccine candidate can be used in sheep and goats to protect against multiple viral infections. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Virus Infection, Immunity and Vaccines)

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11 pages, 660 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hepatitis B Reactivation and Vaccination Effectiveness after Solid Organ Transplantation: A Matched Case-Control Study

by Yongseop Lee, Jaeeun Seong, Sangmin Ahn, Min Han, Jung Ah Lee, Jung Ho Kim, Jin Young Ahn, Nam Su Ku, Jun Yong Choi, Joon-Sup Yeom, Beom Kyung Kim and Su Jin Jeong

Vaccines 2024, 12(7), 804; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12070804 - 19 Jul 2024

Viewed by 689

Abstract

Solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients are at significant risk of hepatitis B (HB) virus (HBV) reactivation (HBVr). Despite the clinical significance of HBVr after solid organ transplantation, data on the risk factors for HBVr and vaccine effectiveness in SOT recipients with resolved HBV [...] Read more.

Solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients are at significant risk of hepatitis B (HB) virus (HBV) reactivation (HBVr). Despite the clinical significance of HBVr after solid organ transplantation, data on the risk factors for HBVr and vaccine effectiveness in SOT recipients with resolved HBV infection are limited. This study evaluated the risk factors for HBVr and the seroconversion rates after HBV vaccination in SOT recipients. Patients who had undergone solid organ transplantation and those with a resolved HBV infection were identified. We matched patients who experienced post-transplantation HBVr with those who did not. We also explored the characteristics and seroconversion rates of HBV-vaccinated patients following transplantation. In total, 1299 SOT recipients were identified as having a resolved HBV infection at the time of transplantation. Thirty-nine patients experienced HBVr. Pre-transplant HB surface antibodies (anti-HBs) positivity and allograft rejection within 3 months after transplantation were independently associated with HBVr. Among the 17 HBV-vaccinated patients, 14 (82.4%) received three or fewer vaccine doses, and 13 (76.5%) had seroconversion with positive anti-HBs results. Pre-transplant anti-HBs(−) status and allograft rejection were risk factors for HBVr in SOT recipients with a resolved HBV infection, and HBV vaccination after transplantation resulted in a high rate of anti-HBs seroconversion. HBV vaccination after transplantation should be considered to reduce the HBVr risk. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Hepatitis Virus Vaccines)

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14 pages, 1410 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Overview of the Implementation of the First Year of Immunization against Human Papillomavirus across Different Administrative Units in Serbia and Montenegro

by Mirjana Štrbac, Milko Joksimović, Vladimir Vuković, Mioljub Ristić, Goranka Lončarević, Milena Kanazir, Nataša Nikolić, Tatjana Pustahija, Smiljana Rajčević, Stefan Ljubičić, Marko Koprivica, Dragan Laušević and Vladimir Petrović

Vaccines 2024, 12(7), 803; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12070803 - 19 Jul 2024

Viewed by 677

Abstract

Despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccination, uptake of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination remains low worldwide. We aimed to analyze the coverage of HPV immunization during the first year of the immunization program and the sociodemographic characteristics across different administrative units [...] Read more.

Despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccination, uptake of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination remains low worldwide. We aimed to analyze the coverage of HPV immunization during the first year of the immunization program and the sociodemographic characteristics across different administrative units in Serbia and Montenegro. Coverage of HPV vaccination in Serbia for females aged 9–14 and 15–19 years was 5.5% and 5.9%, respectively. The coverage rate of immunization against HPV in Montenegro for girls aged 9–14 years was 22.1%. Within Serbia, only one administrative region (Moravica) had HPV immunization coverage in girls 9–19 years old above 10%, 11 districts had coverage from 5 to 10%, while 13 districts had coverage below 5%. As per Montenegro, two administrative units, Cetinje and Berane, reported the highest coverage, with 39% and 36.4% of vaccinated eligible girls, respectively. When we explored the coverage of HPV immunization among girls aged 9–19 years across different regions in Serbia, we observed that the level of coverage did not correlate with the number of pediatricians or with the population density. In Montenegro, we observed a similar situation. On the other hand, we noticed a statistically significant moderate negative correlation (r = −0.446; p = 0.026) between HPV immunization coverage and the percentage of illiterate women in the administrative units. Comparing the coverage between the two countries we found that the higher coverage in Montenegro corresponded with a smaller number of female populations aged 9–14 years, with higher average net monthly income, with smaller population density and smaller number of pediatricians, among divorced persons, and among those without formal education or incompletely primary education. Taking into account the experiences in Montenegro, increasing immunization coverage in Serbia could be achieved through a more vigorous educational campaign targeting schools, the general population, and healthcare workers as well as by additionally incentivizing those engaged in these activities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Research on Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection and Vaccination)

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14 pages, 861 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reactogenicity Differences between Adjuvanted, Protein-Based and Messenger Ribonucleic Acid (mRNA)-Based COVID-19 Vaccines

by Matthew D. Rousculp, Kelly Hollis, Ryan Ziemiecki, Dawn Odom, Anthony M. Marchese, Mitra Montazeri, Shardul Odak, Laurin Jackson, Hadi Beyhaghi and Seth Toback

Vaccines 2024, 12(7), 802; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12070802 - 19 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1700

Abstract

Participants in studies investigating COVID-19 vaccines commonly report reactogenicity events, and concerns about side effects may lead to a reluctance to receive updated COVID-19 vaccinations. A real-world, post hoc analysis, observational 2019nCoV-406 study was conducted to examine reactogenicity within the first 2 days [...] Read more.

Participants in studies investigating COVID-19 vaccines commonly report reactogenicity events, and concerns about side effects may lead to a reluctance to receive updated COVID-19 vaccinations. A real-world, post hoc analysis, observational 2019nCoV-406 study was conducted to examine reactogenicity within the first 2 days after vaccination with either a protein-based vaccine (NVX-CoV2373) or an mRNA vaccine (BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273) in individuals who previously completed a primary series. Propensity score adjustments were conducted to address potential confounding. The analysis included 1130 participants who received a booster dose of NVX-CoV2373 (n = 303) or an mRNA vaccine (n = 827) during the study period. Within the first 2 days after vaccination, solicited systemic reactogenicity events (adjusted) were reported in 60.5% of participants who received NVX-CoV2373 compared with 84.3% of participants who received an mRNA vaccine; moreover, 33.9% and 61.4%, respectively, reported ≥3 systemic reactogenicity symptoms. The adjusted mean (95% CI) number of systemic symptoms was 1.8 (1.6–2.0) and 3.2 (3.0–3.4), respectively. Local reactogenicity events (adjusted) were reported in 73.4% and 91.7% of participants who received NVX-CoV2373 and mRNA vaccines, respectively; the adjusted mean (95% CI) number of local symptoms was 1.5 (1.33–1.61) and 2.4 (2.31–2.52), respectively. These results support the use of adjuvanted, protein-based NVX-CoV2373 as an immunization option with lower reactogenicity than mRNAs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Knowledge, Attitudes, Beliefs and Hesitancy towards COVID-19 Vaccination and Booster Doses)

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20 pages, 1904 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hybrid Immunity Protects against Antibody Fading after SARS-CoV-2mRNA Vaccination in Kidney Transplant Recipients, Dialysis Patients, and Medical Personnel: 9 Months Data from the Prospective, Observational Dia-Vacc Study

by Julian Stumpf, Torsten Siepmann, Jörg Schwöbel, Claudia Karger, Tom H. Lindner, Robert Faulhaber-Walter, Torsten Langer, Katja Escher, Kirsten Anding-Rost, Harald Seidel, Jan Hüther, Frank Pistrosch, Heike Martin, Jens Schewe, Thomas Stehr, Frank Meistring, Alexander Paliege, Daniel Schneider, Anne Steglich, Florian Gembardt, Friederike Kessel, Hannah Kröger, Patrick Arndt, Jan Sradnick, Kerstin Frank, Anna Klimova, René Mauer, Ingo Roeder, Torsten Tonn and Christian Hugo Show full author list Hide full author list

Vaccines 2024, 12(7), 801; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12070801 - 19 Jul 2024

Viewed by 720

Abstract

(1) Background: Compared to medical personnel, SARS-CoV-2mRNA vaccination-related positive immunity rates, levels, and preservation over time in dialysis and kidney transplant patients are reduced. We hypothesized that COVID-19 pre-exposure influences both vaccination-dependent immunity development and preservation in a group-dependent manner. (2) Methods: We [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Compared to medical personnel, SARS-CoV-2mRNA vaccination-related positive immunity rates, levels, and preservation over time in dialysis and kidney transplant patients are reduced. We hypothesized that COVID-19 pre-exposure influences both vaccination-dependent immunity development and preservation in a group-dependent manner. (2) Methods: We evaluated 2- and 9-month follow-up data in our observational Dia-Vacc study, exploring specific cellular (interferon-γ release assay = IGRA) and/or humoral immune responses (IgA/IgG/RBD antibodies) after two SARS-CoV-2mRNA vaccinations in 2630 participants, including medical personnel (301-MP), dialysis patients (1841-DP), and kidney transplant recipients (488-KTR). Study participants were also separated into COVID-19 pre-exposure (hybrid immunity) positive (n = 407) versus negative (n = 2223) groups. (3) Results: COVID-19 pre-exposure improved most vaccination-related positive immunity rates in KTR and DP at 2 months but not in MP, where rates reached almost 100% independent of hybrid immunity. In the COVID-19-negative study, patients’ immunity faded between two and nine months, evaluated via the percentage of patients with an RBD antibody decrease >50%, and was markedly group- (MP-17.8%, DP-52.2%, and KTR-38.6%) and vaccine type-dependent. In contrast, in all patient groups with COVID-19, pre-exposure RBD antibody decreases of >50% were similarly rare (MP-4.3%, DP-7.2%, and KTR-0%) but still vaccine type-dependent, with numerically reduced numbers in mRNA-1273- versus BNT162b2mRNA-treated patients. Multivariable regression analysis of RBD antibody changes between two and nine months by interval scale categorization confirmed COVID-19 pre-exposure as a factor in inhibiting strong RBD Ab fading. COVID-19 pre-exposure in MP and DP also numerically reduced T-cell immunity fading. In DP, symptomatic (versus asymptomatic) COVID-19 pre-exposure was identified as a factor in reducing strong RBD Ab fading after vaccination. (4) Conclusions: After mRNA vaccination, immunity positivity rates in DP and KTR but not MP, as well as immunity preservation in MP/DP/KTR, are markedly improved via prior COVID-19 infection. In DP, prior symptomatic compared to asymptomatic COVID-19 disease was particularly effective in blocking immunity fading after mRNA vaccination. Full article

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17 pages, 3096 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Large-Scale Field Trials of an Eimeria Vaccine Induce Positive Effects on the Production Index of Broilers

by Binh T. Nguyen, Dongjean Yim, Rochelle A. Flores, Seung Yun Lee, Woo H. Kim, Seung-Hwan Jung, Sangkyu Kim and Wongi Min

Vaccines 2024, 12(7), 800; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12070800 - 19 Jul 2024

Viewed by 681

Abstract

Live coccidiosis vaccines have mainly been used to reduce Eimeria species infection, which is considered the most economically important disease in the poultry industry. Evaluation data on vaccine effectiveness through large-scale field experiments are lacking, especially in broilers. Thus, the effectiveness of a [...] Read more.

Live coccidiosis vaccines have mainly been used to reduce Eimeria species infection, which is considered the most economically important disease in the poultry industry. Evaluation data on vaccine effectiveness through large-scale field experiments are lacking, especially in broilers. Thus, the effectiveness of a commercial coccidiosis vaccine was evaluated in approximately 900,000 chicks reared on three open-broiler farms where coccidiosis is prevalent. The vaccine’s effectiveness after vaccination of 1-day-old chicks was monitored using three parameters (lesion score, fecal oocyst shedding, and production index, PI) in nine trials performed three times on each farm. Lesion scores were confirmed in three different areas of the intestine because the vaccine contained four Eimeria species. The average lesion scores were 0.36 to 0.64 in the duodenal region, 0.30 to 0.39 in the jejuno-ileal region, and 0.18 to 0.39 in the cecal region. The average fecal oocyst shedding rate ranged from 19,766 to 100,100 oocysts per gram, showing large variations depending on farms and buildings within the farm. Compared with the PI of the previous 9–10 trials on each farm, the PI increased by 2.45 to 23.55. Because of the potential for perturbation of the fecal microbiota by live coccidiosis vaccines, the fecal microbiota was investigated using 16S rRNA microbial profiling. Although the β-diversity was significantly different in distribution and relative abundance among farms (PERMANOVA, pseudo-F = 4.863, p = 0.009), a Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis found no significant bacterial invasion of the epithelial cell pathway across farms. This large-scale field trial of a live Eimeria vaccine indicates that coccidiosis vaccines can have meaningful effects on the poultry industry and could be used as an alternative to the prophylactic use of anticoccidial drugs under field conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccines for Chicken)

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15 pages, 1673 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of COVID-19 Vaccination on Mortality and Clinical Outcomes in Hemodialysis Patients

by Rihong Hu, Jiazhen Yin, Tingfei He, Yuxuan Zhu, Ye Li, Jinchi Gao, Xiaomin Ye, Lidan Hu and Yayu Li

Vaccines 2024, 12(7), 799; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12070799 - 19 Jul 2024

Viewed by 835

Abstract

This study analyzed 550 hemodialysis patients, 469 unvaccinated and 81 vaccinated against COVID-19, to assess the impact on infection rates, mortality, and clinical/laboratory parameters. Gender distribution was similar (p = 0.209), but the vaccinated group’s median age was significantly lower (p [...] Read more.

This study analyzed 550 hemodialysis patients, 469 unvaccinated and 81 vaccinated against COVID-19, to assess the impact on infection rates, mortality, and clinical/laboratory parameters. Gender distribution was similar (p = 0.209), but the vaccinated group’s median age was significantly lower (p = 0.005). Hospitalization rates showed no significant difference (p = 0.987), while mortality was lower in the vaccinated group (p = 0.041). Only uric acid levels were significantly higher in the vaccinated group (p = 0.009); other parameters, including creatinine and B-type natriuretic peptide, showed no significant differences. Age was an independent predictor of mortality (HR = 1.07, p < 0.001). Peak mortality occurred in December 2022 and January 2023, predominantly among unvaccinated patients. Although vaccination lowered mortality, it did not significantly affect long-term survival rates (p = 0.308). Logistic regression identified age and dialysis duration as significant mortality factors. Monthly death counts indicated higher mortality among unvaccinated patients during peak pandemic months, suggesting that vaccination provides some protection, though no significant long-term survival benefit was found. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Safety and Immune Responses of Vaccines)

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10 pages, 212 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Physicians’ Attitudes and Practice Regarding Vaccination during Pregnancy in Turkey

by Ateş Kara, Hasan Tezer, Ergin Çiftçi and İhsan Ateş

Vaccines 2024, 12(7), 798; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12070798 - 18 Jul 2024

Viewed by 515

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of family physicians (FPs), pediatricians (PPs), and obstetricians and gynecologists (OGs) regarding vaccine administration during pregnancy in Turkey as factors that contribute to decision-making. The survey was distributed among FPs, OGs, and PPs, [...] Read more.

This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of family physicians (FPs), pediatricians (PPs), and obstetricians and gynecologists (OGs) regarding vaccine administration during pregnancy in Turkey as factors that contribute to decision-making. The survey was distributed among FPs, OGs, and PPs, and participants were asked to rate their knowledge on specific topics using a five-point scale ranging from “Not Effective” to “Effective”. The tetanus and diphtheria (Td) vaccine was highly recommended by 94.9% of physicians and considered very effective. Among the physicians surveyed, 80% of PPs and 66.0% of OGs were aware of the disease burden of pertussis. We also found that 74.5% of FPs and 77.2% of PPs believed they needed more information about vaccination during pregnancy. All physicians surveyed agreed or strongly agreed that explaining the disease risks and benefits of vaccination increases the vaccine acceptance rate. The results of this survey study indicate that the knowledge and awareness of physicians need to be improved to increase vaccination rates during pregnancy in Turkey, and it is essential to incorporate influenza and tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (TdaP) vaccines into the standard maternal immunization schedule for newborns. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Vaccine Efficacy and Safety)

23 pages, 2223 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Macropinocytosis Is the Principal Uptake Mechanism of Antigen-Presenting Cells for Allergen-Specific Virus-like Nanoparticles

by Armin Kraus, Bernhard Kratzer, Al Nasar Ahmed Sehgal, Doris Trapin, Matarr Khan, Nicole Boucheron and Winfried F. Pickl

Vaccines 2024, 12(7), 797; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12070797 - 18 Jul 2024

Viewed by 648

Abstract

Virus-like nanoparticles (VNP) are regarded as efficient vaccination platforms and have proven to be useful for the non-anaphylactogenic delivery of allergen-specific immunotherapy in preclinical models previously. Herein, we sought to determine the mode of VNP uptake by antigen presenting cells (APC). Accordingly, we [...] Read more.

Virus-like nanoparticles (VNP) are regarded as efficient vaccination platforms and have proven to be useful for the non-anaphylactogenic delivery of allergen-specific immunotherapy in preclinical models previously. Herein, we sought to determine the mode of VNP uptake by antigen presenting cells (APC). Accordingly, we screened a collection of substances known to inhibit different uptake pathways by APC. The human leukemia monocytic cell line THP-1 and the murine dendritic cell line DC 2.4 were examined for the uptake of fluorescently labelled VNP in the presence or absence of inhibitors. The inhibitory effect of candidate substances that blocked VNP uptake in APC lines was subsequently evaluated in studies with primary APC present in splenocyte and lung cell homogenates in vitro and upon intratracheal application of VNP in vivo. The uptake of allergen-specific VNP in vitro and in vivo was mainly observed by macrophages and CD103⁺ dendritic cells and was sensitive to inhibitors that block macropinocytosis, such as hyperosmolarity induced by sucrose or the polyphenol compound Rottlerin at low micromolar concentrations but not by other inhibitors. Also, T-cell proliferation induced by allergen-specific VNP was significantly reduced by both substances. In contrast, substances that stimulate macropinocytosis, such as Heparin and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), increased VNP-uptake and may, thus, help modulate allergen-specific T-cell responses. We have identified macropinocytosis as the principal uptake mechanism of APC for allergen-specific VNP in vitro and in vivo, paving the way for further improvement of VNP-based therapies, especially those that can be used for tolerance induction in allergy, in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue (Virus-Like) Particles as Platforms for Vaccine Delivery and Modulation of Immune Cell Function)

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11 pages, 303 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Perceptions and Barriers: A Health Belief Model-Based Analysis of Seasonal Influenza Vaccination among High-Risk Healthcare Workers in China

by Yalan Peng, Yantong Wang, Wenzhi Huang, Ji Lin, Qinghui Zeng, Yi Chen and Fu Qiao

Vaccines 2024, 12(7), 796; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12070796 - 18 Jul 2024

Viewed by 601

Abstract

The annual seasonal influenza vaccination rate among high-risk healthcare workers (HCWs) has fallen below expectations, underscoring the importance of exploring the impact of perception on vaccination behavior. An online survey, grounded in the Health Belief Model (HBM), was administered to high-risk healthcare workers [...] Read more.

The annual seasonal influenza vaccination rate among high-risk healthcare workers (HCWs) has fallen below expectations, underscoring the importance of exploring the impact of perception on vaccination behavior. An online survey, grounded in the Health Belief Model (HBM), was administered to high-risk healthcare workers at West China Hospital. The data analysis encompassed descriptive statistics, logistic regression for univariate analysis, and path regression for multivariate analysis. A total of 1845 healthcare workers completed the survey, with an acceptance rate of 83.90% (95% CI, 82.20–85.60%). Path analysis revealed significant correlations between vaccination acceptance and perceived susceptibility (β = 0.142), perceived benefits (β = 0.129), perceived barriers (β = 0.075), exposure to vaccination advertisements (β = 0.115), and knowledge about seasonal influenza (β = 0.051). Vaccination education efforts should prioritize elucidating the risks associated with the disease and emphasizing the benefits of vaccination. Furthermore, leveraging advertising proves to be an effective strategy for promotion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Acceptance and Hesitancy in Vaccine Uptake)

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25 pages, 4372 KiB

Open AccessReview

SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines: The Advantage of Mucosal Vaccine Delivery and Local Immunity

by Joshua Tobias, Peter Steinberger, Joy Wilkinson, Gloria Klais, Michael Kundi and Ursula Wiedermann

Vaccines 2024, 12(7), 795; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12070795 - 18 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1729

Abstract

Immunity against respiratory pathogens is often short-term, and, consequently, there is an unmet need for the effective prevention of such infections. One such infectious disease is coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), which is caused by the novel Beta coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 that emerged around the [...] Read more.

Immunity against respiratory pathogens is often short-term, and, consequently, there is an unmet need for the effective prevention of such infections. One such infectious disease is coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), which is caused by the novel Beta coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 that emerged around the end of 2019. The World Health Organization declared the illness a pandemic on 11 March 2020, and since then it has killed or sickened millions of people globally. The development of COVID-19 systemic vaccines, which impressively led to a significant reduction in disease severity, hospitalization, and mortality, contained the pandemic’s expansion. However, these vaccines have not been able to stop the virus from spreading because of the restricted development of mucosal immunity. As a result, breakthrough infections have frequently occurred, and new strains of the virus have been emerging. Furthermore, SARS-CoV-2 will likely continue to circulate and, like the influenza virus, co-exist with humans. The upper respiratory tract and nasal cavity are the primary sites of SARS-CoV-2 infection and, thus, a mucosal/nasal vaccination to induce a mucosal response and stop the virus’ transmission is warranted. In this review, we present the status of the systemic vaccines, both the approved mucosal vaccines and those under evaluation in clinical trials. Furthermore, we present our approach of a B-cell peptide-based vaccination applied by a prime-boost schedule to elicit both systemic and mucosal immunity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of B Cells and Antibodies against Infectious Diseases)

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15 pages, 4667 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Intranasally Inoculated SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Combined with Mucoadhesive Polymer Induces Broad and Long-Lasting Immunity

by Tomoko Honda, Sakiko Toyama, Yusuke Matsumoto, Takahiro Sanada, Fumihiko Yasui, Aya Koseki, Risa Kono, Naoki Yamamoto, Takashi Kamishita, Natsumi Kodake, Takashi Miyazaki and Michinori Kohara

Vaccines 2024, 12(7), 794; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12070794 - 18 Jul 2024

Viewed by 893

Abstract

Current mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 effectively induce systemic and cell-mediated immunity and prevent severe disease. However, they do not induce mucosal immunity that targets the primary route of respiratory infection, and their protective effects wane after a few months. Intranasal vaccines have some [...] Read more.

Current mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 effectively induce systemic and cell-mediated immunity and prevent severe disease. However, they do not induce mucosal immunity that targets the primary route of respiratory infection, and their protective effects wane after a few months. Intranasal vaccines have some advantages, including their non-invasiveness and the additional ability to activate mucosal immunity. In this study, we aimed to explore the effectiveness of an intranasally inoculated spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 mixed with a carboxy-vinyl polymer (S–CVP), a viscous agent. Intranasally inoculated S–CVP strongly induced antigen-specific IgG, including neutralizing antibodies, in the mucosal epithelium and serum and cellular immunity compared to the spike protein mixed with aluminum potassium sulfate. Furthermore, IgA production was detected only with S–CVP vaccination. S–CVP-inoculation in mice significantly suppressed the viral load and inflammation in the lung and protected mice against SARS-CoV-2 challenges, including an early circulating strain and the Omicron BA.1 variant in a manner dependent on CD8⁺ cells and monocytes/neutrophils. Surprisingly, high antibody responses and protective effects against multiple variants of SARS-CoV-2, including Omicron BA.5, persisted for at least 15 months after the S–CVP immunization. Hence, we propose intranasal inoculation with S–CVP as a promising vaccine strategy against SARS-CoV-2. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section COVID-19 Vaccines and Vaccination)

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13 pages, 2847 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Immunizing Mice with Influenza Virus-like Particles Expressing the Leishmania amazonensis Promastigote Surface Antigen Alleviates Inflammation in Footpad

by Gi-Deok Eom, Ki Back Chu, Keon-Woong Yoon, Jie Mao, Sung Soo Kim and Fu-Shi Quan

Vaccines 2024, 12(7), 793; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12070793 - 18 Jul 2024

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Abstract

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a tropical disease endemic in many parts of the world. Characteristic clinical manifestations of CL include the formation of ulcerative skin lesions that can inflict life-long disability if left untreated. Although drugs are available, they are unaffordable and out [...] Read more.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a tropical disease endemic in many parts of the world. Characteristic clinical manifestations of CL include the formation of ulcerative skin lesions that can inflict life-long disability if left untreated. Although drugs are available, they are unaffordable and out of reach for individuals who need them the most. Developing a highly cost-efficient CL vaccine could address this problem but such a vaccine remains unavailable. Here, we developed a chimeric influenza virus-like particle expressing the Leishmania amazonensis promastigote surface antigen (LaPSA-VLP). LaPSA-VLPs were self-assembled in Spodoptera frugiperda insect cell lines using the baculovirus expression system. After characterizing the vaccines and confirming successful VLP assembly, BALB/c mice were immunized with these vaccines for efficacy assessment. Sera acquired from mice upon subcutaneous immunization with the LaPSA-VLP specifically interacted with the L. amazonensis soluble total antigens. LaPSA-VLP-immunized mice elicited significantly greater quantities of parasite-specific IgG from the spleens, popliteal lymph nodes, and footpads than unimmunized mice. LaPSA-VLP immunization also enhanced the proliferation of B cell populations in the spleens of mice and significantly lessened the CL symptoms, notably the footpad swelling and IFN-γ-mediated inflammatory response. Overall, immunizing mice with the LaPSA-VLPs prevented mice from developing severe CL symptoms, signifying their developmental potential. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccines for Leishmaniasis and the Implications of Their Development—Second Edition)

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Vaccines, Volume 12, Issue 7 (July 2024) – 123 articles

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