Journal Description
Vaccines
Vaccines
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal published monthly online by MDPI. The American Society for Virology (ASV) is affiliated with Vaccines and their members receive a discount on the article processing charges.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), PubMed, PMC, Embase, CAPlus / SciFinder, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q1 (Immunology) / CiteScore - Q1 (Pharmacology (medical))
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 19.2 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.9 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
Impact Factor:
7.8 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
7.4 (2022)
Latest Articles
The D Gene in CDR H3 Determines a Public Class of Human Antibodies to SARS-CoV-2
Vaccines 2024, 12(5), 467; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12050467 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2024
Abstract
Public antibody responses have been found against many infectious agents. Structural convergence of public antibodies is usually determined by immunoglobulin V genes. Recently, a human antibody public class against SARS-CoV-2 was reported, where the D gene (IGHD3-22) encodes a common YYDxxG motif in
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Public antibody responses have been found against many infectious agents. Structural convergence of public antibodies is usually determined by immunoglobulin V genes. Recently, a human antibody public class against SARS-CoV-2 was reported, where the D gene (IGHD3-22) encodes a common YYDxxG motif in heavy-chain complementarity-determining region 3 (CDR H3), which determines specificity for the receptor-binding domain (RBD). In this review, we discuss the isolation, structural characterization, and genetic analyses of this class of antibodies, which have been isolated from various cohorts of COVID-19 convalescents and vaccinees. All eleven YYDxxG antibodies with available structures target the SARS-CoV-2 RBD in a similar binding mode, where the CDR H3 dominates the interaction with antigen. The antibodies target a conserved site on the RBD that does not overlap with the receptor-binding site, but their particular angle of approach results in direct steric hindrance to receptor binding, which enables both neutralization potency and breadth. We also review the properties of CDR H3-dominant antibodies that target other human viruses. Overall, unlike most public antibodies, which are identified by their V gene usage, this newly discovered public class of YYDxxG antibodies is dominated by a D-gene-encoded motif and uncovers further opportunities for germline-targeting vaccine design.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Infectious Diseases: Antibodies and Vaccines)
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Severity of Omicron Subvariants and Vaccine Impact in Catalonia, Spain
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Víctor López de Rioja, Luca Basile, Aida Perramon-Malavez, Érica Martínez-Solanas, Daniel López, Sergio Medina Maestro, Ermengol Coma, Francesc Fina, Clara Prats, Jacobo Mendioroz Peña and Enric Alvarez-Lacalle
Vaccines 2024, 12(5), 466; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12050466 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2024
Abstract
In the current COVID-19 landscape dominated by Omicron subvariants, understanding the timing and efficacy of vaccination against emergent lineages is crucial for planning future vaccination campaigns, yet detailed studies stratified by subvariant, vaccination timing, and age groups are scarce. This retrospective study analyzed
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In the current COVID-19 landscape dominated by Omicron subvariants, understanding the timing and efficacy of vaccination against emergent lineages is crucial for planning future vaccination campaigns, yet detailed studies stratified by subvariant, vaccination timing, and age groups are scarce. This retrospective study analyzed COVID-19 cases from December 2021 to January 2023 in Catalonia, Spain, focusing on vulnerable populations affected by variants BA.1, BA.2, BA.5, and BQ.1 and including two national booster campaigns. Our database includes detailed information such as dates of diagnosis, hospitalization and death, last vaccination, and cause of death, among others. We evaluated the impact of vaccination on disease severity by age, variant, and vaccination status, finding that recent vaccination significantly mitigated severity across all Omicron subvariants, although efficacy waned six months post-vaccination, except for BQ.1, which showed more stable levels. Unvaccinated individuals had higher hospitalization and mortality rates. Our results highlight the importance of periodic vaccination to reduce severe outcomes, which are influenced by variant and vaccination timing. Although the seasonality of COVID-19 is uncertain, our analysis suggests the potential benefit of annual vaccination in populations >60 years old, probably in early fall, if COVID-19 eventually exhibits a major peak similar to other respiratory viruses.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 and Vaccination Strategies in Global Health)
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Open AccessSystematic Review
New Onset and Exacerbation of Autoimmune Bullous Dermatosis Following COVID-19 Vaccination: A Systematic Review
by
Po-Chien Wu, I-Hsin Huang, Ching-Ya Wang and Ching-Chi Chi
Vaccines 2024, 12(5), 465; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12050465 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
Background: Cases of autoimmune bullous dermatosis (AIBD) have been reported following COVID-19 vaccination. Objective: We aimed to provide an overview of clinical characteristics, treatments, and outcomes of AIBDs following COVID-19 vaccination. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and searched the Embase, Cochrane Library,
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Background: Cases of autoimmune bullous dermatosis (AIBD) have been reported following COVID-19 vaccination. Objective: We aimed to provide an overview of clinical characteristics, treatments, and outcomes of AIBDs following COVID-19 vaccination. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and searched the Embase, Cochrane Library, and Medline databases from their inception to 27 March 2024. We included all studies reporting ≥ 1 patient who developed new-onset AIBD or experienced flare of AIBD following at least one dose of any COVID-19 vaccine. Results: We included 98 studies with 229 patients in the new-onset group and 216 in the flare group. Among the new-onset cases, bullous pemphigoid (BP) was the most frequently reported subtype. Notably, mRNA vaccines were commonly associated with the development of AIBD. Regarding the flare group, pemphigus was the most frequently reported subtype, with the mRNA vaccines being the predominant vaccine type. The onset of AIBD ranged from 1 to 123 days post-vaccination, with most patients displaying favorable outcomes and showing improvement or resolution from 1 week to 8 months after treatment initiation. Conclusions: Both new-onset AIBD and exacerbation of pre-existing AIBD may occur following COVID-19 vaccination. Healthcare practitioners should be alert, and post-vaccination monitoring may be essential.
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(This article belongs to the Section COVID-19 Vaccines and Vaccination)
Open AccessArticle
Longitudinal Analysis of Humoral and Cellular Immune Response up to 6 Months after SARS-CoV-2 BA.5/BF.7/XBB Breakthrough Infection and BA.5/BF.7-XBB Reinfection
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Xun Wang, Meng Zhang, Kaifeng Wei, Chen Li, Jinghui Yang, Shujun Jiang, Chaoyue Zhao, Xiaoyu Zhao, Rui Qiao, Yuchen Cui, Yanjia Chen, Jiayan Li, Guonan Cai, Changyi Liu, Jizhen Yu, Wenhong Zhang, Faren Xie, Pengfei Wang and Yanliang Zhang
Vaccines 2024, 12(5), 464; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12050464 - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
The rapid mutation of SARS-CoV-2 has led to multiple rounds of large-scale breakthrough infection and reinfection worldwide. However, the dynamic changes of humoral and cellular immunity responses to several subvariants after infection remain unclear. In our study, a 6-month longitudinal immune response evaluation
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The rapid mutation of SARS-CoV-2 has led to multiple rounds of large-scale breakthrough infection and reinfection worldwide. However, the dynamic changes of humoral and cellular immunity responses to several subvariants after infection remain unclear. In our study, a 6-month longitudinal immune response evaluation was conducted on 118 sera and 50 PBMC samples from 49 healthy individuals who experienced BA.5/BF.7/XBB breakthrough infection or BA.5/BF.7-XBB reinfection. By studying antibody response, memory B cell, and IFN-γ secreting CD4+/CD8+ T cell response to several SARS-CoV-2 variants, we observed that each component of immune response exhibited distinct kinetics. Either BA.5/BF.7/XBB breakthrough infection or BA.5/BF.7-XBB reinfection induces relatively high level of binding and neutralizing antibody titers against Omicron subvariants at an early time point, which rapidly decreases over time. Most of the individuals at 6 months post-breakthrough infection completely lost their neutralizing activities against BQ.1.1, CH.1.1, BA.2.86, JN.1 and XBB subvariants. Individuals with BA.5/BF.7-XBB reinfection exhibit immune imprinting shifting and recall pre-existing BA.5/BF.7 neutralization antibodies. In the BA.5 breakthrough infection group, the frequency of BA.5 and XBB.1.16-RBD specific memory B cells, resting memory B cells, and intermediate memory B cells gradually increased over time. On the other hand, the frequency of IFN-γ secreting CD4+/CD8+ T cells induced by WT/BA.5/XBB.1.16 spike trimer remains stable over time. Overall, our research indicates that individuals with breakthrough infection have rapidly declining antibody levels but have a relatively stable cellular immunity that can provide some degree of protection from future exposure to new antigens.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of B Cells and Antibodies against Infectious Diseases)
Open AccessArticle
Enhancing COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake among Tribal Communities: A Case Study on Program Implementation Experiences from Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh States, India
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Ankita Meghani, Manjula Sharma, Tanya Singh, Sourav Ghosh Dastidar, Veena Dhawan, Natasha Kanagat, Anil Gupta, Anumegha Bhatnagar, Kapil Singh, Jessica C. Shearer and Gopal Krishna Soni
Vaccines 2024, 12(5), 463; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12050463 - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
Tribal populations in India have health care challenges marked by limited access due to geographical distance, historical isolation, cultural differences, and low social stratification, and that result in weaker health indicators compared to the general population. During the pandemic, Tribal districts consistently reported
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Tribal populations in India have health care challenges marked by limited access due to geographical distance, historical isolation, cultural differences, and low social stratification, and that result in weaker health indicators compared to the general population. During the pandemic, Tribal districts consistently reported lower COVID-19 vaccination coverage than non-Tribal districts. We assessed the MOMENTUM Routine Immunization Transformation and Equity (the project) strategy, which aimed to increase access to and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines among Tribal populations in Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand using the reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance framework. We designed a qualitative explanatory case study and conducted 90 focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with Tribal populations, community-based nongovernmental organizations that worked with district health authorities to implement the interventions, and other stakeholders such as government and community groups. The active involvement of community leaders, targeted counseling, community gatherings, and door-to-door visits appeared to increase vaccine awareness and assuage concerns about its safety and efficacy. Key adaptations such as conducting evening vaccine awareness activities, holding vaccine sessions at flexible times and sites, and modifying messaging for booster doses appeared to encourage vaccine uptake among Tribal populations. While we used project resources to mitigate financial and supply constraints where they arose, sustaining long-term uptake of project interventions appears dependent on continued funding and ongoing political support.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Inequality in Immunization 2024)
Open AccessArticle
The Burden of Herpes Zoster on Hospital Admissions: A Retrospective Analysis in the Years of 2015–2021 from the Abruzzo Region, Italy
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Piera Scampoli, Giuseppe Di Martino, Fabrizio Cedrone, Camillo Odio, Pamela Di Giovanni, Ferdinando Romano and Tommaso Staniscia
Vaccines 2024, 12(5), 462; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12050462 - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
(1) Background: Herpes zoster (HZ) is a disease caused by the reactivation of the Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV). Clinical reactivation, herpes zoster, takes place in 10–20% of subjects who contracted the primary infection, with a higher risk of developing zoster increasing proportionally with
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(1) Background: Herpes zoster (HZ) is a disease caused by the reactivation of the Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV). Clinical reactivation, herpes zoster, takes place in 10–20% of subjects who contracted the primary infection, with a higher risk of developing zoster increasing proportionally with age, especially after 50 years of age. HZ is a common clinical problem, particularly among patients aged over 50 years and immunocompromised patients. Immunocompromised patients and adults could present an atypical and more severe course. In addition, they are at greater risk of complications. For this reason, it is important to understand the real burden of the disease and to identify the subjects who are at higher risk of HZ and its complications, also to direct preventive strategies at the right targets. The aim of the present study is to analyze HZ-related hospitalization trends in Abruzzo in the period of 2015–2021. (2) Methods: Data related to hospital admissions were extracted from the hospital discharge records (HDRs) of the whole region, considering all admissions during the years of 2015–2021. The trends in hospital admissions and length of stay were evaluated and analyzed. (3) Results: A total of 768 hospital discharges with a diagnosis of herpes zoster were registered in Abruzzo during the 7-year study period. During the study period, an increasing trend was observed from the year 2015 to the year 2017, ranging from 8.19 cases/100,000 to 11.5 cases/100,000 (APC (Annual percentage change) +20.8%; 95%CI −2.3; 47.6). After the year 2017, a significantly decreasing trend was observed, reaching 5.46 cases/100,000 in the year 2021 (APC −18.4%; 95%CI −31.5; −12.0). Across the entire study period, an average annual percentage change (AAPC) of −7.0% (95%CI −13.0; −1.3) was observed. (4) Conclusions: Despite the trend of a reduction in hospitalizations, this study highlights that HZ continues to have a great impact on public health. So, it is important to update recommendations for the use of the already available HZ vaccine and to implement new strategies to increase awareness of the prevention of the disease.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Varicella and Zoster Vaccination)
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The Bacterial Meningitis Epidemic in Banalia in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2021
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Andre Arsene Bita Fouda, Anderson Latt, Abdoulaye Sinayoko, Franck Fortune Roland Mboussou, Lorenzo Pezzoli, Katya Fernandez, Clement Lingani, Berthe Miwanda, Dorothée Bulemfu, Francis Baelongandi, Patrick Mbenga Likita, Marie-José Kikoo Bora, Marcel Sabiti, Gervais Leon Folefack Tengomo, Eugène Kabambi Kabangu, Guy Kalambayi Kabamba, Issifou Alassani, Muhamed-Kheir Taha, Ado Mpia Bwaka, Charles Shey Wiysonge and Benido Impoumaadd
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Vaccines 2024, 12(5), 461; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12050461 - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Background: The Banalia health zone in the Democratic Republic of Congo reported a meningitis epidemic in 2021 that evolved outside the epidemic season. We assessed the effects of the meningitis epidemic response. Methods: The standard case definition was used to identify cases. Care
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Background: The Banalia health zone in the Democratic Republic of Congo reported a meningitis epidemic in 2021 that evolved outside the epidemic season. We assessed the effects of the meningitis epidemic response. Methods: The standard case definition was used to identify cases. Care was provided to 2651 in-patients, with 8% of them laboratory tested, and reactive vaccination was conducted. To assess the effects of reactive vaccination and treatment with ceftriaxone, a statistical analysis was performed. Results: Overall, 2662 suspected cases of meningitis with 205 deaths were reported. The highest number of cases occurred in the 30–39 years age group (927; 38.5%). Ceftriaxone contributed to preventing deaths with a case fatality rate that decreased from 70.4% before to 7.7% after ceftriaxone was introduced (p = 0.001). Neisseria meningitidis W was isolated, accounting for 47/57 (82%), of which 92% of the strains belonged to the clonal complex 11. Reactive vaccination of individuals in Banalia aged 1–19 years with a meningococcal multivalent conjugate (ACWY) vaccine (Menactra®) coverage of 104.6% resulted in an 82% decline in suspected meningitis cases (incidence rate ratio, 0.18; 95% confidence interval, 0.02–0.80; p = 0.041). Conclusion: Despite late detection (two months) and reactive vaccination four months after crossing the epidemic threshold, interventions implemented in Banalia contributed to the control of the epidemic.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccine Coverage and Safety in Immunization Programs)
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β-Catenin in Dendritic Cells Negatively Regulates CD8 T Cell Immune Responses through the Immune Checkpoint Molecule Tim-3
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Chunmei Fu, Jie Wang, Tianle Ma, Congcong Yin, Li Zhou, Björn E. Clausen, Qing-Sheng Mi and Aimin Jiang
Vaccines 2024, 12(5), 460; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12050460 - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated that β-catenin in dendritic cells (DCs) serves as a key mediator in promoting both CD4 and CD8 T cell tolerance, although the mechanisms underlying how β-catenin exerts its functions remain incompletely understood. Here, we report that activation of β-catenin
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Recent studies have demonstrated that β-catenin in dendritic cells (DCs) serves as a key mediator in promoting both CD4 and CD8 T cell tolerance, although the mechanisms underlying how β-catenin exerts its functions remain incompletely understood. Here, we report that activation of β-catenin leads to the up-regulation of inhibitory molecule T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 (Tim-3) in type 1 conventional DCs (cDC1s). Using a cDC1-targeted vaccine model with anti-DEC-205 engineered to express the melanoma antigen human gp100 (anti-DEC-205-hgp100), we demonstrated that CD11c-β-cateninactive mice exhibited impaired cross-priming and memory responses of gp100-specific CD8 T (Pmel-1) cells upon immunization with anti-DEC-205-hgp100. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis revealed that β-catenin in DCs negatively regulated transcription programs for effector function and proliferation of primed Pmel-1 cells, correlating with suppressed CD8 T cell immunity in CD11c-β-cateninactive mice. Further experiments showed that treating CD11c-β-cateninactive mice with an anti-Tim-3 antibody upon anti-DEC-205-hgp100 vaccination led to restored cross-priming and memory responses of gp100-specific CD8 T cells, suggesting that anti-Tim-3 treatment likely synergizes with DC vaccines to improve their efficacy. Indeed, treating B16F10-bearing mice with DC vaccines using anti-DEC-205-hgp100 in combination with anti-Tim-3 treatment resulted in significantly reduced tumor growth compared with treatment with the DC vaccine alone. Taken together, we identified the β-catenin/Tim-3 axis as a potentially novel mechanism to inhibit anti-tumor CD8 T cell immunity and that combination immunotherapy of a DC-targeted vaccine with anti-Tim-3 treatment leads to improved anti-tumor efficacy.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dendritic Cells (DCs) and Cancer Immunotherapy)
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From Detection to Protection: Antibodies and Their Crucial Role in Diagnosing and Combatting SARS-CoV-2
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Anoop Kumar, Prajna Tripathi, Prashant Kumar, Ritu Shekhar and Rajiv Pathak
Vaccines 2024, 12(5), 459; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12050459 - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Understanding the antibody response to SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, is crucial to comprehending disease progression and the significance of vaccine and therapeutic development. The emergence of highly contagious variants poses a significant challenge to humoral immunity, underscoring the necessity of grasping
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Understanding the antibody response to SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, is crucial to comprehending disease progression and the significance of vaccine and therapeutic development. The emergence of highly contagious variants poses a significant challenge to humoral immunity, underscoring the necessity of grasping the intricacies of specific antibodies. This review emphasizes the pivotal role of antibodies in shaping immune responses and their implications for diagnosing, preventing, and treating SARS-CoV-2 infection. It delves into the kinetics and characteristics of the antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 and explores current antibody-based diagnostics, discussing their strengths, clinical utility, and limitations. Furthermore, we underscore the therapeutic potential of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies, discussing various antibody-based therapies such as monoclonal antibodies, polyclonal antibodies, anti-cytokines, convalescent plasma, and hyperimmunoglobulin-based therapies. Moreover, we offer insights into antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, emphasizing the significance of neutralizing antibodies in order to confer immunity to SARS-CoV-2, along with emerging variants of concern (VOCs) and circulating Omicron subvariants. We also highlight challenges in the field, such as the risks of antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, and shed light on the challenges associated with the original antigenic sin (OAS) effect and long COVID. Overall, this review intends to provide valuable insights, which are crucial to advancing sensitive diagnostic tools, identifying efficient antibody-based therapeutics, and developing effective vaccines to combat the evolving threat of SARS-CoV-2 variants on a global scale.
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(This article belongs to the Section COVID-19 Vaccines and Vaccination)
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The Impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic on Vaccination Coverage in Latin America and the Caribbean
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Ignacio E. Castro-Aguirre, Dan Alvarez, Marcela Contreras, Silas P. Trumbo, Oscar J. Mujica, Daniel Salas Peraza and Martha Velandia-González
Vaccines 2024, 12(5), 458; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12050458 - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Background: Routine vaccination coverage in Latin America and the Caribbean declined prior to and during the coronavirus pandemic. We assessed the pandemic’s impact on national coverage levels and analyzed whether financial and inequality indicators, immunization policies, and pandemic policies were associated with changes
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Background: Routine vaccination coverage in Latin America and the Caribbean declined prior to and during the coronavirus pandemic. We assessed the pandemic’s impact on national coverage levels and analyzed whether financial and inequality indicators, immunization policies, and pandemic policies were associated with changes in national and regional coverage levels. Methodology: We compared first- and third-dose coverage of diphtheria–pertussis–tetanus-containing vaccine (DTPcv) with predicted coverages using time series forecast modeling for 39 LAC countries and territories. Data were from the PAHO/WHO/UNICEF Joint Reporting Form. A secondary analysis of factors hypothesized to affect coverages during the pandemic was also performed. Results: In total, 31 of 39 countries and territories (79%) had greater-than-predicted declines in DTPcv1 and DTPcv3 coverage during the pandemic, with 9 and 12 of these, respectively, falling outside the 95% confidence interval. Within-country income inequality (i.e., Gini coefficient) was associated with significant declines in DTPcv1 coverage, and cross-country income inequality was associated with declines in DTPcv1 and DTPcv3 coverages. Observed absolute and relative inequality gaps in DTPcv1 and DTPcv3 coverage between extreme country quintiles of income inequality (i.e., Q1 vs. Q5) were accentuated in 2021, as compared with the 2019 observed and 2021 predicted values. We also observed a trend between school closures and greater-than-predicted declines in DTPcv3 coverage that approached statistical significance (p = 0.06). Conclusion: The pandemic exposed vaccination inequities in LAC and significantly impacted coverage levels in many countries. New strategies are needed to reattain high coverage levels.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Inequality in Immunization 2024)
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A Novel Multiepitope Fusion Antigen as a Vaccine Candidate for the Prevention of Enterotoxigenic E. coli-Induced Calf Diarrhea
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Haoyun Zhang, Xinwei Yuan, Yanfei He, Yingyu Chen, Changmin Hu, Jianguo Chen, Lei Zhang, Xi Chen and Aizhen Guo
Vaccines 2024, 12(5), 457; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12050457 - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Calf diarrhea caused by enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) poses an enormous economic challenge in the cattle industry. Fimbriae and enterotoxin are crucial virulence factors and vaccine targets of ETEC. Since these proteins have complicated components with large molecular masses, the development of vaccines
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Calf diarrhea caused by enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) poses an enormous economic challenge in the cattle industry. Fimbriae and enterotoxin are crucial virulence factors and vaccine targets of ETEC. Since these proteins have complicated components with large molecular masses, the development of vaccines by directly expressing these potential targets is cumbersome Therefore, this study aimed to develop a multiepitope fusion antigen designated as MEFA by integrating major epitopes of FanC and Fim41a subunits and a toxoid epitope of STa into the F17G framework. The 3D modeling predicted that the MEFA protein displayed the epitopes from these four antigens on its surface, demonstrating the desired structural characteristics. Then, the MEFA protein was subsequently expressed and purified for mouse immunization. Following that, our homemade ELISA showed that the mouse antiserum had a consistent increase in polyclonal antibody levels with the highest titer of 1:217 to MEFA. Furthermore, the western blot assay demonstrated that this anti-MEFA serum could react with all four antigens. Further, this antiserum exhibited inhibition on ETEC adhesion to HCT-8 cells with inhibitory rates of 92.8%, 84.3%, and 87.9% against F17+, F5+, and F41+ ETEC strains, respectively. Additionally, the stimulatory effect of STa toxin on HCT-8 cells was decreased by approximately 75.3% by anti-MEFA serum. This study demonstrates that the MEFA protein would be an antigen candidate for novel subunit vaccines for preventing ETEC-induced diarrhea in cattle.
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(This article belongs to the Section Veterinary Vaccines)
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A Proof-of-Concept Study to Develop a Peptide-Based Vaccine against Salmon Lice Infestation in Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar L.)
by
Amritha Johny, Pedro Ilardi, Rolf Erik Olsen, Bjørg Egelandsdal and Erik Slinde
Vaccines 2024, 12(5), 456; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12050456 - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
Proteins present in blood samples from Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) infected with salmon lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) were analyzed using liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry. Bioinformatic analyses revealed 1820 proteins, of which 58 were assigned to lice. Among these, peroxiredoxin-2, an
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Proteins present in blood samples from Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) infected with salmon lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) were analyzed using liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry. Bioinformatic analyses revealed 1820 proteins, of which 58 were assigned to lice. Among these, peroxiredoxin-2, an antioxidant protein, was found relevant with respect to blood feeding of the parasite. The three-dimensional structure analysis of the protein revealed a surface amino acid sequence of interest. A 13-amino-acid peptide was selected as a potential antigen due to its predicted solubility, antigenicity, probable non-allergenic, and non-toxic nature. This peroxiredoxin-2-derived peptide was synthesized, combined with a commercially available adjuvant, and used for vaccination. The test vaccine demonstrated a 60–70% protection rate against early-stage Lepeophtheirus salmonis infection in a challenge trial in Norway. Additionally, the vaccine was tested against salmon lice (Caligus rogercresseyi) in Chile, where a remarkable 92% reduction in the number of adult lice was observed. Thus, in combination with the selected adjuvant, the peptide showed antigenic potential, making it a suitable candidate for future vaccine development. The approach described holds promise for the development of peptide vaccines against various ectoparasites feeding on blood or skin secretions of their hosts.
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Open AccessArticle
Advax-SM™-Adjuvanted COBRA (H1/H3) Hemagglutinin Influenza Vaccines
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Pedro L. Sanchez, Greiciely Andre, Anna Antipov, Nikolai Petrovsky and Ted M. Ross
Vaccines 2024, 12(5), 455; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12050455 - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
Adjuvants enhance immune responses stimulated by vaccines. To date, many seasonal influenza vaccines are not formulated with an adjuvant. In the present study, the adjuvant Advax-SM™ was combined with next generation, broadly reactive influenza hemagglutinin (HA) vaccines that were designed using a computationally
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Adjuvants enhance immune responses stimulated by vaccines. To date, many seasonal influenza vaccines are not formulated with an adjuvant. In the present study, the adjuvant Advax-SM™ was combined with next generation, broadly reactive influenza hemagglutinin (HA) vaccines that were designed using a computationally optimized broadly reactive antigen (COBRA) methodology. Advax-SM™ is a novel adjuvant comprising inulin polysaccharide and CpG55.2, a TLR9 agonist. COBRA HA vaccines were combined with Advax-SM™ or a comparator squalene emulsion (SE) adjuvant and administered to mice intramuscularly. Mice vaccinated with Advax-SM™ adjuvanted COBRA HA vaccines had increased serum levels of anti-influenza IgG and IgA, high hemagglutination inhibition activity against a panel of H1N1 and H3N2 influenza viruses, and increased anti-influenza antibody secreting cells isolated from spleens. COBRA HA plus Advax-SM™ immunized mice were protected against both morbidity and mortality following viral challenge and, at postmortem, had no detectable lung viral titers or lung inflammation. Overall, the Advax-SM™-adjuvanted COBRA HA formulation provided effective protection against drifted H1N1 and H3N2 influenza viruses.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Influenza Virus Vaccines)
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Evolving Altruistic Attitudes towards Vaccination Post COVID-19 Pandemic: A Comparative Analysis across Age Groups
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Verena Barbieri, Christian J. Wiedermann, Stefano Lombardo, Giuliano Piccoliori, Timon Gärtner and Adolf Engl
Vaccines 2024, 12(5), 454; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12050454 - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
Altruism plays an essential role in promoting vaccine uptake, an issue that came to the fore during the COVID-19 pandemic through discussions of herd immunity and altruistic motivations. In response, the primary objective of this cross-sectional survey was to explore how altruistic attitudes
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Altruism plays an essential role in promoting vaccine uptake, an issue that came to the fore during the COVID-19 pandemic through discussions of herd immunity and altruistic motivations. In response, the primary objective of this cross-sectional survey was to explore how altruistic attitudes have evolved in the post-pandemic era and to assess their effectiveness in motivating vaccination behavior in different age groups. The study aimed to elucidate changes in altruistic motivations for vaccination and their implications for public health strategies. Using a representative sample of the adult population of South Tyrol, Italy, including 1388 participants, altruism was assessed in 2023 with the scales of the Elderly Care Research Center (ECRC) and the International Personality Item Pool (IPIP) subscale of the version 5F30F-R1. Its association with demographic variables, vaccination attitudes and personal beliefs in two age groups (18–69 years, 70+ years) was analyzed. The results reveal distinct predictors of altruism across these scales and age groups, suggesting a shift in altruistic attitudes towards vaccination when comparing data from a similar survey conducted in 2021 with the 2023 results. Consequently, the use of altruism scales for different age groups is warranted. This study highlights the need for further research in this field. It concludes that while promoting altruistic behavior to increase vaccine uptake appears to be effective primarily among the younger population, emphasizing personal safety is more appropriate for encouraging vaccination among older individuals.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance and Uptake: Insights from Behavioural and Social Sciences)
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COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness among Patients with Psoriatic Disease: A Population-Based Study
by
Tal Gazitt, Lihi Eder, Walid Saliba, Nili Stein, Ilan Feldhamer, Arnon Dov Cohen and Devy Zisman
Vaccines 2024, 12(5), 453; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12050453 - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
Limited information is available on the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination in patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (psoriatic disease (PsD)). The objective of our research was to assess the effectiveness of mRNA COVID-19 vaccination in preventing SARS-CoV-2 positivity and severe infection in a
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Limited information is available on the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination in patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (psoriatic disease (PsD)). The objective of our research was to assess the effectiveness of mRNA COVID-19 vaccination in preventing SARS-CoV-2 positivity and severe infection in a cohort of patients with PsD and the association of immunosuppressants on SARS-CoV-2 infection-related outcomes from December 2020 to December 2021. Vaccine effectiveness was assessed in a matched nested case control study using conditional logistic regression adjusted for demographics, comorbidities and immunosuppressant use. Study outcomes included SARS-CoV-2 positivity and severe COVID-19 (moderate-to-severe COVID-19-related hospitalizations or death). At least one dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine was associated with reduced risk of SARS-CoV-2 positivity and severe COVID-19 (OR = 0.41 (95% CI, 0.38–0.43) and OR = 0.15 (95% CI, 0.11–0.20), respectively). A more significant effect was found among patients who received three vaccines doses compared with those who did not receive any (OR (for positive SARS-CoV-2) = 0.13 (95% CI, 0.12–0.15) and OR (for severe disease) = 0.02 (0.01–0.05)). Etanercept and methotrexate were associated with higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 positivity (1.58 (1.19–2.10), p = 0.001 and 1.25 (1.03–1.51), p = 0.03, respectively). In conclusion, our results show that mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are effective in reducing both infection and severe COVID-19-related outcomes.
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(This article belongs to the Section COVID-19 Vaccines and Vaccination)
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BCG Vaccination-Associated Lower HbA1c and Increased CD25 Expression on CD8+ T Cells in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes in Ghana
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Wilfred Aniagyei, Sumaya Mohayideen, Osei Sarfo-Kantanka, Sarah Bittner, Monika M. Vivekanandan, Joseph F. Arthur, Agnes O. Boateng, Augustine Yeboah, Hubert S. Ahor, Shadrack O. Asibey, Elizabeth Owusu, Diran Herebian, Maximilian Huttasch, Volker Burkart, Robert Wagner, Michael Roden, Ernest Adankwah, Dorcas O. Owusu, Ertan Mayatepek, Marc Jacobsen, Richard O. Phillips and Julia Seyfarthadd
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Vaccines 2024, 12(5), 452; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12050452 - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
BCG vaccination affects other diseases beyond tuberculosis by unknown—potentially immunomodulatory—mechanisms. Recent studies have shown that BCG vaccination administered during overt type 1 diabetes (T1D) improved glycemic control and affected immune and metabolic parameters. Here, we comprehensively characterized Ghanaian T1D patients with or without
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BCG vaccination affects other diseases beyond tuberculosis by unknown—potentially immunomodulatory—mechanisms. Recent studies have shown that BCG vaccination administered during overt type 1 diabetes (T1D) improved glycemic control and affected immune and metabolic parameters. Here, we comprehensively characterized Ghanaian T1D patients with or without routine neonatal BCG vaccination to identify vaccine-associated alterations. Ghanaian long-term T1D patients (n = 108) and matched healthy controls (n = 214) were evaluated for disease-related clinical, metabolic, and immunophenotypic parameters and compared based on their neonatal BCG vaccination status. The majority of study participants were BCG-vaccinated at birth and no differences in vaccination rates were detected between the study groups. Notably, glycemic control metrics, i.e., HbA1c and IDAA1c, showed significantly lower levels in BCG-vaccinated as compared to unvaccinated patients. Immunophenotype comparisons identified higher expression of the T cell activation marker CD25 on CD8+ T cells from BCG-vaccinated T1D patients. Correlation analysis identified a negative correlation between HbA1c levels and CD25 expression on CD8+ T cells. In addition, we observed fractional increases in glycolysis metabolites (phosphoenolpyruvate and 2/3-phosphoglycerate) in BCG-vaccinated T1D patients. These results suggest that neonatal BCG vaccination is associated with better glycemic control and increased activation of CD8+ T cells in T1D patients.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Immunity and Vaccination against Bacterial Infections)
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Immunogenicity and Protective Efficacy of Psoralen-Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine in Nonhuman Primates
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John W. Sanders, Daniel Ewing, Appavu K. Sundaram, Christopher Scott Gamble, Maria Blevins, Zhaodong Liang, Leigh Ann Sanders, David A. Ornelles, Peifang Sun, Klara Lenart, Hendrik Feuerstein, Karin Loré, Nikolai Petrovsky, Maya Williams and Kevin R. Porter
Vaccines 2024, 12(5), 451; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12050451 - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
COVID-19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has significantly impacted public health and the economy worldwide. Most of the currently licensed COVID-19 vaccines act by inhibiting the receptor-binding function of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. The constant emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants
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COVID-19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has significantly impacted public health and the economy worldwide. Most of the currently licensed COVID-19 vaccines act by inhibiting the receptor-binding function of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. The constant emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants resulting from mutations in the receptor-binding domain (RBD) leads to vaccine immune evasion and underscores the importance of broadly acting COVID-19 vaccines. Inactivated whole virus vaccines can elicit broader immune responses to multiple epitopes of several antigens and help overcome such immune evasions. We prepared a psoralen-inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (SARS-CoV-2 PsIV) and evaluated its immunogenicity and efficacy in nonhuman primates (NHPs) when administered with the Advax-CpG adjuvant. We also evaluated the SARS-CoV-2 PsIV as a booster shot in animals vaccinated with a DNA vaccine that can express the full-length spike protein. The Advax-CpG-adjuvanted SARS-CoV-2 PsIV elicited a dose-dependent neutralizing antibody response in the NHPs, as measured using a serum microneutralization assay against the SARS-CoV-2 Washington strain and the Delta variant. The animals vaccinated with the DNA vaccine followed by a boosting dose of the SARS-CoV-2 PsIV exhibited the highest neutralizing antibody responses and were able to quickly clear infection after an intranasal challenge with the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant. Overall, the data show that the Advax-CpG-adjuvanted SARS-CoV-2 PsIV, either by itself or as a booster shot following nucleic acid (NA) vaccines, has the potential to protect against emerging variants.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID Vaccines: Design, Development, and Immune Response Studies)
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Prospective and Cross-Sectional Factors Predicting Caregiver Motivation to Vaccinate Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder against COVID-19: A Follow-Up Study
by
Tai-Ling Liu, Ray C. Hsiao, Wen-Jiun Chou and Cheng-Fang Yen
Vaccines 2024, 12(5), 450; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12050450 - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
Adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have higher risks of contracting COVID-19 and worse outcomes compared with adolescents without ADHD. The most effective method of preventing infection is vaccination. This follow-up study explored the prospective and cross-sectional factors influencing caregiver willingness to vaccinate children
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Adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have higher risks of contracting COVID-19 and worse outcomes compared with adolescents without ADHD. The most effective method of preventing infection is vaccination. This follow-up study explored the prospective and cross-sectional factors influencing caregiver willingness to vaccinate children with ADHD against COVID-19. Baseline data on caregiver demographics, affiliate stigma, parenting stress, emotional difficulties, beliefs regarding the causes of ADHD, and ADHD symptoms were collected prior to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Taiwan. At follow-up, the study assessed caregiver willingness to vaccinate children with ADHD, the challenges caregivers faced in parenting during the pandemic, and ADHD symptoms. The results revealed that caregiver age at baseline was positively associated with a willingness to vaccinate children against COVID-19 at follow-up. By contrast, the belief that ADHD resulted from failures in parental discipline at baseline was negatively associated with caregiver willingness to vaccinate. Parenting challenges were also negatively associated with caregiver willingness to vaccinate. Therefore, the age of caregivers, beliefs about the causes of ADHD, and parenting challenges during the pandemic should be considered when developing interventions to enhance caregiver willingness to vaccinate children with ADHD.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance and Uptake: Insights from Behavioural and Social Sciences)
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Polymeric Caffeic Acid Acts as an Antigen Delivery Carrier for Mucosal Vaccine Formulation by Forming a Complex with an Antigenic Protein
by
Rui Tada, Yuzuho Nagai, Miki Ogasawara, Momoko Saito, Akihiro Ohshima, Daisuke Yamanaka, Jun Kunisawa, Yoshiyuki Adachi and Yoichi Negishi
Vaccines 2024, 12(5), 449; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12050449 - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
The development of mucosal vaccines, which can generate antigen-specific immune responses in both the systemic and mucosal compartments, has been recognized as an effective strategy for combating infectious diseases caused by pathogenic microbes. Our recent research has focused on creating a nasal vaccine
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The development of mucosal vaccines, which can generate antigen-specific immune responses in both the systemic and mucosal compartments, has been recognized as an effective strategy for combating infectious diseases caused by pathogenic microbes. Our recent research has focused on creating a nasal vaccine system in mice using enzymatically polymerized caffeic acid (pCA). However, we do not yet understand the molecular mechanisms by which pCA stimulates antigen-specific mucosal immune responses. In this study, we hypothesized that pCA might activate mucosal immunity at the site of administration based on our previous findings that pCA possesses immune-activating properties. However, contrary to our initial hypothesis, the intranasal administration of pCA did not enhance the expression of various genes involved in mucosal immune responses, including the enhancement of IgA responses. Therefore, we investigated whether pCA forms a complex with antigenic proteins and enhances antigen delivery to mucosal dendritic cells located in the lamina propria beneath the mucosal epithelial layer. Data from gel filtration chromatography indicated that pCA forms a complex with the antigenic protein ovalbumin (OVA). Furthermore, we examined the promotion of OVA delivery to nasal mucosal dendritic cells (mDCs) after the intranasal administration of pCA in combination with OVA and found that OVA uptake by mDCs was increased. Therefore, the data from gel filtration chromatography and flow cytometry imply that pCA enhances antigen-specific antibody production in both mucosal and systemic compartments by serving as an antigen-delivery vehicle.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance in Nanoparticles as Vaccine Adjuvants)
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Development of a Candidate TMV Epitope Display Vaccine against SARS-CoV-2
by
Kelvin Phiri and Larry Grill
Vaccines 2024, 12(5), 448; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12050448 - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
Essential in halting the COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2, it is crucial to have stable, effective, and easy-to-manufacture vaccines. We developed a potential vaccine using a tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) epitope display model presenting peptides derived from the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. The TMV-epitope
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Essential in halting the COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2, it is crucial to have stable, effective, and easy-to-manufacture vaccines. We developed a potential vaccine using a tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) epitope display model presenting peptides derived from the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. The TMV-epitope fusions in laboratory tests demonstrated binding to the SARS-CoV-2 polyclonal antibodies. The fusion constructs maintained critical epitopes of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, and two in particular spanned regions of the receptor-binding domain that have mutated in the more recent SARS-CoV-2 variants. This would allow for the rapid modification of vaccines in response to changes in circulating variants. The TMV-peptide fusion constructs also remained stable for over 28 days when stored at temperatures between −20 and 37 °C, an ideal property when targeting developing countries. Immunogenicity studies conducted on BALB/c mice elicited robust antibody responses against SARS-CoV-2. A strong IFNγ response was also observed in immunized mice. Three of the six TMV-peptide fusion constructs produced virus-neutralizing titers, as measured with a pseudovirus neutralization assay. These TMV-peptide fusion constructs can be combined to make a multivalent vaccine that could be adapted to meet changing virus variants. These findings demonstrate the development of a stable COVID-19 vaccine candidate by combining SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-derived peptides presented on the surface of a TMV nanoparticle.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID Vaccines: Design, Development, and Immune Response Studies)
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