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Vaccines Jun 2024Currently, vaccination with influenza vaccines is still an effective strategy to prevent infection by seasonal influenza virus in spite of some drawbacks with them.... (Review)
Review
Currently, vaccination with influenza vaccines is still an effective strategy to prevent infection by seasonal influenza virus in spite of some drawbacks with them. However, due to the rapid evolution of influenza viruses, including seasonal influenza viruses and emerging zoonotic influenza viruses, there is an urgent need to develop broad-spectrum influenza vaccines to cope with the evolution of influenza viruses. Nucleic acid vaccines might meet the requirements well. Nucleic acid vaccines are classified into DNA vaccines and RNA vaccines. Both types induced potent cellular and humoral immune responses, showing great promise for the development of universal influenza vaccines. In this review, the current status of an influenza universal nucleic acid vaccine was summarized.
PubMed: 38932393
DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12060664 -
Vaccines Jun 2024This study explored vaccination hesitancy, diabetes-specific COVID-19 vaccination concerns, and whether they predicted vaccination uptake in people with diabetes....
This study explored vaccination hesitancy, diabetes-specific COVID-19 vaccination concerns, and whether they predicted vaccination uptake in people with diabetes. Quantitative, cross-sectional, and predictive approaches were used. An online survey was conducted with people with diabetes attending four Australian health services, using convenience sampling ( = 842). The survey data collected included clinico-demographic characteristics, COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, and attitudes around COVID-19 vaccine confidence and complacency. Clinico-demographic characteristics that predicted vaccination status, vaccine hesitancy, and vaccine-related attitudes were identified using regression analyses. Most participants received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose. Younger age and type 1 diabetes were associated with lower vaccination status, and they were partially mediated through higher vaccine hesitancy. Younger age and English as a dominant language were associated with higher negative attitudes towards speed of vaccine development. Despite an overall high vaccination rate, general and diabetes-specific COVID-19 vaccine concerns are a barrier to uptake for some people with diabetes, particularly in those who are younger or have type 1 diabetes. A detailed understanding of concerns for particular subgroups can help tailor information to increase vaccine acceptance, particularly in the context of requiring booster doses.
PubMed: 38932391
DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12060662 -
Vaccines Jun 2024Graphene, a two-dimensional material consisting of a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a honeycomb lattice, has shown great potential in various fields, including... (Review)
Review
Graphene, a two-dimensional material consisting of a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a honeycomb lattice, has shown great potential in various fields, including biomedicine. When it comes to vaccine development, graphene can offer several advantages due to its unique properties. Potential applications of graphene in vaccine development include improved vaccine delivery, adjuvant properties, improved vaccine stability, improved immune response, and biosensing capabilities. Although graphene offers many potential benefits in vaccine development, there are also some drawbacks and challenges associated with its use. Although graphene shows promising potential for vaccine development, overcoming the challenges and limitations associated with its use is critical to realizing its full potential in the field of immunization. Further research and development efforts are needed to overcome these drawbacks and take advantage of graphene for improved vaccine formulations. In this review, we focus on the advantages and disadvantages of graphene for vaccine development.
PubMed: 38932389
DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12060660 -
Vaccines Jun 2024The impact of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines on the immunological profiles of pregnant women remains a crucial area of study. This research aims to explore the specific...
BACKGROUND
The impact of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines on the immunological profiles of pregnant women remains a crucial area of study. This research aims to explore the specific immunological changes triggered by these vaccines in this demographic.
METHODS
In a focused investigation, we examined the effects of mRNA COVID-19 vaccination on microRNA expression in pregnant women. Key microRNAs, including miR-451a, miR-23a-3p, and miR-21-5p, were analyzed for expression changes post-vaccination. Additionally, we assessed variations in S1RBD IgG levels and specific cytokines to gauge the broader immunological response.
RESULTS
Post-vaccination, significant expression shifts in the targeted microRNAs were observed. Alongside these changes, we noted alterations in S1RBD IgG and various cytokines, indicating an adapted inflammatory response. Notably, these immunological markers displayed no direct correlation with S1RBD IgG concentrations, suggesting a complex interaction between the vaccine and the immune system in pregnant women.
CONCLUSIONS
Our pilot study provides valuable insights into the nuanced effects of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine on immune dynamics in pregnant women, particularly emphasizing the role of microRNAs. The findings illuminate the intricate interplay between vaccines, microRNAs, and immune responses, enhancing our understanding of these relationships in the context of pregnancy. This research contributes significantly to the growing body of knowledge regarding mRNA COVID-19 vaccines and their specific impact on maternal immunology, offering a foundation for further studies in this vital area.
PubMed: 38932387
DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12060658 -
Vaccines Jun 2024This study focuses on the development and characterization of an intranasal vaccine platform using adjuvanted nanoparticulate delivery of swine influenza A virus...
This study focuses on the development and characterization of an intranasal vaccine platform using adjuvanted nanoparticulate delivery of swine influenza A virus (SwIAV). The vaccine employed whole inactivated H1N2 SwIAV as an antigen and STING-agonist ADU-S100 as an adjuvant, with both surface adsorbed or encapsulated in mannose-chitosan nanoparticles (mChit-NPs). Optimization of mChit-NPs included evaluating size, zeta potential, and cytotoxicity, with a 1:9 mass ratio of antigen to NP demonstrating high loading efficacy and non-cytotoxic properties suitable for intranasal vaccination. In a heterologous H1N1 pig challenge trial, the mChit-NP intranasal vaccine induced cross-reactive sIgA antibodies in the respiratory tract, surpassing those of a commercial SwIAV vaccine. The encapsulated mChit-NP vaccine induced high virus-specific neutralizing antibody and robust cellular immune responses, while the adsorbed vaccine elicited specific high IgG and hemagglutinin inhibition antibodies. Importantly, both the mChit-NP vaccines reduced challenge heterologous viral replication in the nasal cavity higher than commercial swine influenza vaccine. In summary, a novel intranasal mChit-NP vaccine platform activated both the arms of the immune system and is a significant advancement in swine influenza vaccine design, demonstrating its potential effectiveness for pig immunization.
PubMed: 38932376
DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12060647 -
Vaccines Jun 2024In this study, the ability of a CC chemokine (-CC1) adjuvant to enhance the efficacy of a formalin-killed vaccine (WC) in inducing immune responses against in Nile...
In this study, the ability of a CC chemokine (-CC1) adjuvant to enhance the efficacy of a formalin-killed vaccine (WC) in inducing immune responses against in Nile tilapia was investigated through immune-related gene expression analysis, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), transcriptome sequencing, and challenge tests. Significantly higher -specific IgM levels were detected in fish in the WC+CC group than in the WC alone or control groups at 8 days postvaccination (dpv). The WC vaccine group exhibited increased specific IgM levels at 15 dpv, comparable to those of the WC+CC group, with sustained higher levels observed in the latter group at 29 dpv and after challenge with for 14 days. Immune-related gene expression analysis revealed upregulation of all target genes in the control group compared to those in the vaccinated groups, with notable differences between the WC and WC+CC groups at various time intervals. Additionally, transcriptome analysis revealed differential gene expression profiles between the vaccinated (24 and 96 hpv) and control groups, with notable upregulation of immune-related genes in the vaccinated fish. Differential gene expression (DGE) analysis revealed significant upregulation of immunoglobulin and other immune-related genes in the control group compared to those in the vaccinated groups (24 and 96 hpv), with distinct patterns observed between the WC and WC+CC vaccine groups. Finally, challenge with a virulent strain of resulted in significantly higher survival rates for fish in the WC and WC+CC groups compared to fish in the control group, with a notable increase in survival observed in fish in the WC+CC group.
PubMed: 38932370
DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12060641 -
Vaccines Jun 2024Although vaccines address critical public health needs, inter-individual differences in responses are not always considered in their development. Understanding the...
Although vaccines address critical public health needs, inter-individual differences in responses are not always considered in their development. Understanding the underlying basis for these differences is needed to optimize vaccine effectiveness and ultimately improve disease control. In this pilot study, pre- and post-antiviral immunological and gut microbiota features were characterized to examine inter-individual differences in SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine response. Blood and stool samples were collected before administration of the vaccine and at 2-to-4-week intervals after the first dose. A cohort of 14 adults was separated into two groups based on neutralizing antibody levels (high [HN] or low [LN]) at 10 weeks following vaccination. Bivariate correlation analysis was performed to examine associations between gut microbiota, inflammation, and neutralization capacity at that timepoint. These analyses revealed significant differences in gut microbiome composition and inflammation states pre-vaccination, which predicted later viral neutralization capacity, with certain bacterial taxa, such as those in the genus , found at higher abundance in the LN vs HN group that were also negatively correlated with a panel of inflammatory factors such as IL-17, yet positively correlated with plasma levels of the high mobility group box 1 (HMGB-1) protein at pre-vaccination. In particular, we observed a significant inverse relationship (Pearson = -0.54, = 0.03) between HMGB-1 pre-vaccination and neutralization capacity at 10 weeks post-vaccination. Consistent with known roles as mediators of inflammation, our results altogether implicate HMGB-1 and related gut microbial signatures as potential biomarkers in predicting SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine effectiveness measured by the production of viral neutralization antibodies.
PubMed: 38932366
DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12060637 -
Vaccines Jun 2024Inactivated and live attenuated vaccines are the mainstays of preventing viral poultry diseases. However, the development of recombinant DNA technology in recent years... (Review)
Review
Inactivated and live attenuated vaccines are the mainstays of preventing viral poultry diseases. However, the development of recombinant DNA technology in recent years has enabled the generation of recombinant virus vector vaccines, which have the advantages of preventing multiple diseases simultaneously and simplifying the vaccination schedule. More importantly, some can induce a protective immune response in the presence of maternal antibodies and offer long-term immune protection. These advantages compensate for the shortcomings of traditional vaccines. This review describes the construction and characterization of primarily poultry vaccine vectors, including fowl poxvirus (FPV), fowl adenovirus (FAdV), Newcastle disease virus (NDV), Marek's disease virus (MDV), and herpesvirus of turkey (HVT). In addition, the pathogens targeted and the immunoprotective effect of different poultry recombinant virus vector vaccines are also presented. Finally, this review discusses the challenges in developing vector vaccines and proposes strategies for improving immune efficacy.
PubMed: 38932359
DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12060630 -
Vaccines Jun 2024There are few data on the real-world effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines and boosting in Africa, which experienced widespread SARS-CoV-2 infection before vaccine...
There are few data on the real-world effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines and boosting in Africa, which experienced widespread SARS-CoV-2 infection before vaccine availability. We assessed the association between vaccination and severe COVID-19 in the Western Cape, South Africa, in an observational cohort study of >2 million adults during 2020-2022. We described SARS-CoV-2 testing, COVID-19 outcomes, and vaccine uptake over time. We used multivariable cox models to estimate the association of BNT162b2 and Ad26.COV2.S vaccination with COVID-19-related hospitalization and death, adjusting for demographic characteristics, underlying health conditions, socioeconomic status proxies, and healthcare utilization. We found that by the end of 2022, 41% of surviving adults had completed vaccination and 8% had received a booster dose. Recent vaccination was associated with notable reductions in severe COVID-19 during periods dominated by Delta, and Omicron BA.1/2 and BA.4/5 (sub)lineages. During the latest Omicron BA.4/5 wave, within 3 months of vaccination or boosting, BNT162b2 and Ad26.COV2.S were each 84% effective against death (95% CIs: 57-94 and 49-95, respectively). However, distinct reductions of effectiveness occurred at longer times post completing or boosting vaccination. Results highlight the importance of continued emphasis on COVID-19 vaccination and boosting for those at high risk of severe COVID-19, even in settings with widespread infection-induced immunity.
PubMed: 38932357
DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12060628 -
Vaccines Jun 2024Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan , remains a major public health challenge affecting millions in Latin America and worldwide. Although significant progress has...
Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan , remains a major public health challenge affecting millions in Latin America and worldwide. Although significant progress has been made in vector control, no vaccine exists to prevent infection or mitigate disease pathogenesis. We developed a rationally designed chimeric protein vaccine, N-Tc52/TSkb20, incorporating immunodominant epitopes from two antigens, the amino-terminal portion of Tc52 and the TSkb20 epitope derived from trans-sialidase. The objectives of this study were to construct and characterize the antigen and evaluate its protective potential in an immunoprophylactic murine model of infection. The N-Tc52/TSkb20 protein was recombinantly expressed in and its identity was confirmed using mass spectrometry and Western blotting. Immunization with the chimeric protein significantly controlled parasitemia and reduced the heart, colon, and skeletal muscle parasite burdens compared to non-vaccinated mice. Protection was superior to vaccination with the individual parental antigen components. Mechanistically, the vaccine induced potent CD8+ T-cell and IFNγ responses against the incorporated epitopes and a protective IgG antibody profile. A relatively low IL-10 response favored early parasite control. These results validate the promising multi-epitope approach and support the continued development of this type of rational vaccine design strategy against Chagas disease.
PubMed: 38932350
DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12060621