Aerosol Inoculation Research Articles

Intranasal M2SR and BM2SR Vaccine Viruses Do Not Shed or Transmit in Ferrets.

Live influenza vaccines are considered to stimulate better overall immune responses but are associated with safety concerns regarding shedding and the potential for transmission or reassortment with wild-type influenza viruses. Intranasal M2SR and BM2SR (M2- and BM2-deficient single replication), intranasal influenza viruses, have shown promise as broadly cross-reactive next-generation influenza vaccines. The replication deficiency, shedding, and transmissibility of M2SR/BM2SR viruses were evaluated in a ferret model. Wild-type influenza A and B control viruses replicated in upper respiratory organs and transmitted to both direct and aerosol contact ferrets, whereas M2SR and BM2SR influenza vaccine viruses were not detected in any tissues or in nasal washes after inoculation and were not recovered from any direct or aerosol contact ferrets. Mice were simultaneously infected with wild-type influenza A and M2SR viruses to assess reassortment potential. Sequence and PCR analyses of the genome recovered from individual virus plaques isolated from lung homogenates identified the origin of the segments as exclusively from the replicating wild-type virus. These results indicate that M2SR and BM2SR influenza vaccine viruses are attenuated, do not shed or transmit, and have a low probability for reassortment after coinfection. Absence of shedding was further demonstrated in nasal swabs taken from subjects who were inoculated with H3N2 M2SR in a previously described Phase 1 clinical study. These results indicate that M2SR/BM2SR viruses have the potential to be used in a broader population range than current live influenza vaccines.

56 Metabolic status of respiratory disease challenged beef steers altered by intranasal Zn and vitamin A treatments

Abstract Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the cattle industry. Increasing the ability of a calf to respond to disease is of interest due to the loss of production during disease. Zinc and vitamin A (VA) are key micronutrients involved in many immunologic processes such as cell signaling and mucosal immunity. Angus crossbred steers [n = 48; body weight (BW) = 333 ± 4.2 kg] were utilized in this 14-d BRD challenge investigating intranasal (IN) treatments of Zn and VA. Steers were split into two groups (n = 24) with identical disease challenge and sample collection schedules. Before disease challenge, steers were housed at the Iowa State University Beef Nutrition farm (BNF). Steers were weighed on d -2 and -1 of viral challenge and trucked for 6 h before delivery to the Iowa State University Animal Resource Station. On d 0, steers were challenged with an aerosol inoculation with 104 TCID50 BRSV followed by 5x108 CFU of Mannheimia haemolytica on d 5. On d 4, steers received IN treatments of Zn (ZN; ZnO nanoparticles), VA (VA), Zn and VA (VA+ZN), or control with no IN treatment (CON). For trace mineral and VA analysis, liver biopsies were collected on d -9 and 20 and plasma collected on d 0, 4 (trace mineral only), 5, 7 and 14. Steers were tested for viral shedding on d 0, 4, 5, 7, 10 and 14. RNA was isolated from bronchioalveolar lavage (BAL) cells (d 0 and 7) for gene expression related to inflammation, VA and trace mineral metabolism. Statistical analysis was completed using the GLIMMIX and MIXED procedures in SAS 9.4. Throughout the study, viral shedding was not affected by intranasal treatment (P ≥ 0.59). There were no group × TRT × day effects for plasma trace minerals (Cu, Zn, Fe) or VA concentrations (P ≥ 0.18). Intranasal VA prevented a decrease in plasma VA on d 5, after which all treatments were similar (P < 0.01). There were no TRT × day effects for plasma Zn and Cu (P ≥ 0.50). Post challenge, liver VA was increased in VA treated steers compared with steers not treated with VA (P = 0.04). Liver Mn tended to be increased post challenge in IN ZN treated steers (P = 0.08). IN Zn treated steers tended to have lesser expression of IL-10 in BAL cells on d 7 post infection (P = 0.07). Local IN supplementation of Zn and VA can have systemic and local affects on respiratory disease challenged steers and may support increased response to disease.

Infection with mpox virus via the genital mucosae increases shedding and transmission in the multimammate rat (Mastomys natalensis).

The 2022 mpox virus (MPXV) outbreak was sustained by human-to-human transmission; however, it is currently unclear which factors lead to sustained transmission of MPXV. Here we present Mastomys natalensis as a model for MPXV transmission after intraperitoneal, rectal, vaginal, aerosol and transdermal inoculation with an early 2022 human outbreak isolate (Clade IIb). Virus shedding and tissue replication were route dependent and occurred in the presence of self-resolving localized skin, lung, reproductive tract or rectal lesions. Mucosal inoculation via the rectal, vaginal and aerosol routes led to increased shedding, replication and a pro-inflammatory T cell profile compared with skin inoculation. Contact transmission was higher from rectally inoculated animals. This suggests that transmission might be sustained by increased susceptibility of the anal and genital mucosae for infection and subsequent virus release.

Compartmentalized SARS-CoV-2 Replication in the Upper vs Lower Respiratory Tract After Intranasal Inoculation or Aerosol Exposure.

Nonhuman primate models are essential for the development of vaccines and antivirals against infectious diseases. Rhesus macaques are a widely utilized infection model for SARS-CoV-2. We compared cellular tropism and virus replication in rhesus macaques inoculated with SARS-CoV-2 via the intranasal route or via exposure to aerosols. Intranasal inoculation resulted in replication in the upper respiratory tract with limited involvement in the lower respiratory tract, whereas exposure to aerosols resulted in infection throughout the respiratory tract. In comparison with multiroute inoculation, intranasal and aerosol inoculation resulted in reduced SARS-CoV-2 replication in the respiratory tract.

Subcutaneous Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Administration Induces Innate Training in Monocytes in Preweaned Holstein Calves.

The bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, administered to prevent tuberculosis, is a well-studied inducer of trained immunity in human and mouse monocytes. We have previously demonstrated that aerosol BCG administration induces innate training in calves. The current study aimed to determine whether s.c. BCG administration could induce innate training, identify the cell type involved, and determine whether innate training promoted resistance to bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) infection, a major cause of bovine respiratory disease in preweaned calves. A total of 24 calves were enrolled at 1-3 d of age and blocked by age into two treatment groups (BCG, n = 12; control, n = 12). BCG was given s.c. to preweaned calves. The control calves received PBS. We observed a trained phenotype, demonstrated by enhanced cytokine production in response to invitro stimulation with LPS (TLR-4 agonist) in PBMCs and CD14+ monocytes from the BCG group 2 wk (IL-1β, p = 0.002) and 4 wk (IL-1β, p = 0.005; IL-6, p = 0.013) after BCG administration, respectively. Calves were experimentally infected via aerosol inoculation with BRSV strain 375 at 5 wk after BCG administration and necropsied on day 8 postinfection. There were no differences in disease manifestation between the treatment groups. Restimulation of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cells isolated on day 8 after BRSV infection revealed enhanced IL-1β (p = 0.014) and IL-6 (p = 0.010) production by the BCG group compared with controls. In conclusion, results from our study show that s.c. administration of the BCG vaccine can induce trained immunity in bovine monocytes and influence cytokine production in the lung environment after BRSV infection.

The knowledge-informed development of inhaled aerosol vaccine strategies

Respiratory infectious diseases including tuberculosis (TB), influenza, and COVID-19 account for significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. However, like most of the other human vaccines, the current-generation vaccines against these respiratory infections are administered parenterally via injection into the skin or muscle. As such, most of these human vaccines remain suboptimal in protection (Lavelle et al, 2022). This calls for developing next-generation vaccine strategies which are expected to perform above and beyond the current-generation vaccines.

Aerosol vaccination of chicken pullets with irradiated avian pathogenic Escherichia coli induces a local immunostimulatory effect.

The present study investigated the expression of cytokines and cellular changes in chickens following vaccination with irradiated avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) and/or challenge. Four groups of 11-week-old pullets, each consisting of 16 birds were kept separately in isolators before they were sham inoculated (N), challenged only (C), vaccinated (V) or vaccinated and challenged (V+C). Vaccination was performed using irradiated APEC applied via aerosol. For challenge, the homologous strain was administered intratracheally. Birds were sacrificed on 3, 7, 14 and 21 days post challenge (dpc) to examine lesions, organ to body weight ratios and bacterial colonization. Lung and spleen were sampled for investigating gene expression of cytokines mediating inflammation by RT-qPCR and changes in the phenotype of subsets of mononuclear cells by flow cytometry. After re-stimulation of immune cells by co-cultivation with the pathogen, APEC-specific IFN-γ producing cells were determined. Challenged only birds showed more severe pathological and histopathological lesions, a higher probability of bacterial re-isolation and higher organ to body weight ratios compared to vaccinated and challenged birds. In the lung, an upregulation of IL-1β and IL-6 following vaccination and/or challenge at 3 dpc was observed, whereas in the spleen IL-1β was elevated. Changes were observed in macrophages and TCR-γδ+ cells within 7 dpc in spleen and lung of challenged birds. Furthermore, an increase of CD4+ cells in spleen and a rise of Bu-1+ cells in lung were present in vaccinated and challenged birds at 3 dpc. APEC re-stimulated lung and spleen mononuclear cells from only challenged pullets showed a significant increase of IFN-γ+CD8α+ and IFN-γ+TCR-γδ+ cells. Vaccinated and challenged chickens responded with a significant increase of IFN-γ+CD8α+ T cells in the lung and IFN-γ+TCR-γδ+ cells in the spleen. Re-stimulation of lung mononuclear cells from vaccinated birds resulted in a significant increase of both IFN-γ+CD8α+ and IFN-γ+TCR-γδ+ cells. In conclusion, vaccination with irradiated APEC caused enhanced pro-inflammatory response as well as the production of APEC-specific IFN-γ-producing γδ and CD8α T cells, which underlines the immunostimulatory effect of the vaccine in the lung. Hence, our study provides insights into the underlying immune mechanisms that account for the defense against APEC.

Immunization with matrix-, nucleoprotein and neuraminidase protects against H3N2 influenza challenge in pH1N1 pre-exposed pigs

There is an urgent need for influenza vaccines providing broader protection that may decrease the need for annual immunization of the human population. We investigated the efficacy of heterologous prime boost immunization with chimpanzee adenovirus (ChAdOx2) and modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) vectored vaccines, expressing conserved influenza virus nucleoprotein (NP), matrix protein 1 (M1) and neuraminidase (NA) in H1N1pdm09 pre-exposed pigs. We compared the efficacy of intra-nasal, aerosol and intra-muscular vaccine delivery against H3N2 influenza challenge. Aerosol prime boost immunization induced strong local lung T cell and antibody responses and abrogated viral shedding and lung pathology following H3N2 challenge. In contrast, intramuscular immunization induced powerful systemic responses and weak local lung responses but also abolished lung pathology and reduced viral shedding. These results provide valuable insights into the development of a broadly protective influenza vaccine in a highly relevant large animal model and will inform future vaccine and clinical trial design.

In Vitro and In Vivo Phenotypes of Venezuelan, Eastern and Western Equine Encephalitis Viruses Derived from cDNA Clones of Human Isolates.

The Department of Defense recently began an effort to improve and standardize virus challenge materials and efficacy determination strategies for testing therapeutics and vaccines. This includes stabilization of virus genome sequences in cDNA form where appropriate, use of human-derived virus isolates, and noninvasive strategies for determination of challenge virus replication. Eventually, it is desired that these approaches will satisfy the FDA "Animal Rule" for licensure, which substitutes animal efficacy data when human data are unlikely to be available. To this end, we created and examined the virulence phenotype of cDNA clones of prototypic human infection-derived strains of the alphaviruses, Venezuelan (VEEV INH9813), eastern (EEEV V105) and western (WEEV Fleming) equine encephalitis viruses, and created fluorescent and luminescent reporter expression vectors for evaluation of replication characteristics in vitro and in vivo. Sequences of minimally passaged isolates of each virus were used to synthesize full-length cDNA clones along with a T7 transcription promoter-based bacterial propagation vector. Viruses generated from the cDNA clones were compared with other "wild type" strains derived from cDNA clones and GenBank sequences to identify and eliminate putative tissue culture artifacts accumulated in the cell passaged biological stocks. This was followed by examination of aerosol and subcutaneous infection and disease in mouse models. A mutation that increased heparan sulfate binding was identified in the VEEV INH9813 biological isolate sequence and eliminated from the cDNA clone. Viruses derived from the new human isolate cDNA clones showed similar mouse virulence to existing clone-derived viruses after aerosol or subcutaneous inoculation.

Intratracheal inoculation results in Brucella-associated reproductive disease in male mouse and guinea pig models of infection.

Brucella species are considered a significant cause of reproductive pathology in male and female animals. Importantly, Brucella melitensis can induce reproductive disease in humans. Reproductive pathogenesis and evaluation of newly developed countermeasures against brucellosis studies have traditionally utilized female animal models. However, any potential, new intervention for use in humans would need to be evaluated in both sexes. Therefore, animal models for male reproductive brucellosis are desperately needed to understand disease progression. Accordingly, we evaluated guinea pigs and mice using B. melitensis 16 M in an intratracheal model of inoculation at different stages of infection (peracute, acute, and chronic) with an emphasis on determining the effect to the male reproductive organs. Aerosol inoculation resulted in colonization of the reproductive organs (testicle, epididymis, prostate) in both species. Infection peaked during the peracute (1-week post-infection [p.i.]) and acute (2-weeks p.i.) stages of infection in the mouse in spleen, epididymis, prostate, and testicle, but colonization was poorly associated with inflammation. In the guinea pig, peak infection was during the acute stage (4-weeks p.i.) and resulted in inflammation that disrupted spermatogenesis chronically. To determine if vaccine efficacy could be evaluated using these models, males were vaccinated using subcutaneous injection with vaccine candidate 16 MΔvjbR at 109 CFU/100 μl followed by intratracheal challenge with 16 M at 107. Interestingly, vaccination efficacy varied between species and reproductive organs demonstrating the value of evaluating vaccine candidates in multiple models and sexes. Vaccination resulted in a significant reduction in colonization in the mouse, but this could not be correlated with a decrease in inflammation. Due to the ability to evaluate for both colonization and inflammation, guinea pigs seemed the better model not only for assessing host-pathogen interactions but also for future vaccine development efforts.

Rift Valley Fever Virus Infects the Posterior Segment of the Eye and Induces Inflammation in a Rat Model of Ocular Disease.

ABSTRACTPeople infected with the mosquito-borne Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) can suffer from eye-related problems resulting in ongoing vision issues or even permanent blindness. Despite ocular disease being the most frequently reported severe outcome, it is vastly understudied compared to other disease outcomes caused by RVFV. Ocular manifestations of RVFV include blurred vision, uveitis, and retinitis. When an infected individual develops macular or paramacular lesions, there is a 50% chance of permanent vision loss in one or both eyes. The cause of blinding ocular pathology remains unknown in part due to the lack of a tractable animal model. Using 3 relevant exposure routes, both subcutaneous (SC) and aerosol inoculation of Sprague Dawley rats led to RVFV infection of the eye. Surprisingly, direct inoculation of the conjunctiva did not result in successful ocular infection. The posterior segment of the eye, including the optic nerve, choroid, ciliary body, and retina, were all positive for RVFV antigen in SC-infected rats, and live virus was isolated from the eyes. Proinflammatory cytokines and increased leukocyte counts were also found in the eyes of infected rats. Additionally, human ocular cell lines were permissive for Lrp1-dependent RVFV infection. This study experimentally defines viral tropism of RVFV in the posterior segment of the rat eye and characterizes virally-mediated ocular inflammation, providing a foundation for evaluation of vaccines and therapeutics to protect against adverse ocular outcomes.IMPORTANCE Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) infection leads to eye damage in humans in up to 10% of reported cases. Permanent blindness occurs in 50% of individuals with significant retinal scarring. Despite the prevalence and severity of this outcome, very little is known about the mechanisms of pathogenesis. We addressed this gap by developing a rodent model of ocular disease. Subcutaneous infection of Sprague Dawley rats resulted in infection of the uvea, retina, and optic nerve along with the induction of inflammation within the posterior eye. Infection of human ocular cells induced inflammatory responses and required host entry factors for RVFV infection similar to rodents. This work provides evidence of how RVFV infects the eye, and this information can be applied to help mitigate the devastating outcomes of RVF ocular disease through vaccines or treatments.

Phenotypic characteristics and protective efficacy of an attenuated Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae vaccine by aerosol administration

With the improvement of large-scale breeding in pig farms, conventional head-by-head immunization has disadvantages with low efficiency and high cost. Considering that most pathogens leading to pulmonary diseases circulate from the respiratory mucosa, immunization through the respiratory tract route has been a highly attractive vaccine delivery strategy. In this study, to develop an effective Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (Mhp) aerosol vaccine, a customized ultrasonic atomizer was developed. The aerodynamic diameter, activity, and content of the Mhp aerosol vaccine were measured. In addition, piglets were immunized with the Mhp aerosol vaccine, and the immunity of the animal challenge protection test was evaluated. At the end of nebulization, the mass median aerodynamic diameters (MMAD) and geometric standard deviation (GSD) of the aerosol were 2.98 ± 0.02 μm and 1.51 ± 0.02, respectively. Moreover, 10 min after nebulization, the MMAD and GSD of the aerosol were 2.76 ± 0.02 μm and 1.51 ± 0.01, respectively, which were hardly changed. Compared with theoretical value, the actual titer of aerosol vaccines presented in 50% color changing unit (CCU50) after nebulization decreased 0.6. The shape, size, and uniformity of collected aerosols are relatively stable. The proportion of Mhp in aerosol produced by vaccine stock solution and 10 times diluted vaccine solution was 76.52% and 58.82%, respectively, and the average number of Mhp in a single aerosol was 3.06 and 1.51, respectively. In addition, the aerosol vaccine antigen particles could be transported to the lower respiratory tract, a local mucosal immune response was induced in piglets. The vaccine colonized the respiratory tract and significantly decline the lung lesion index after aerosol vaccination. In conclusion, an effective aerosol vaccine against Mhp infection was developed. And this is the first effective assessment for Mhp live vaccine with aerosolization against infection in piglets.

Innate training induced by subcutaneous BCG administration in pre-weaned calves

Abstract Innate immunity, initially thought to lack immunological memory, has been shown to have the capacity to be trained or to mount a heightened immune response towards an unrelated second challenge. The Bacillus Calmette Guerin vaccine, administered to prevent human and bovine tuberculosis, is one treatment that can induce innate immune memory. Here we evaluated the efficacy of BCG-induced innate training on the outcome of a respiratory virus challenge in pre-weaned calves. Groups of calves were given BCG Danish strain subcutaneously (or PBS as control). PBMCs and CD14+ monocytes were re-stimulated in-vitro with E. coli LPS (1μg/mL) or Pam3CSK4 (10μg/mL) at 2- and 4-weeks post-BCG respectively, and pro-inflammatory cytokine production was measured by ELISA. Calves were challenged via aerosol inoculation with BRSV at five weeks post-BCG. PBMCs from BCG calves showed enhanced IL-1b production upon in-vitro stimulation with LPS, and CD14+ monocytes from BCG calves showed increased IL-1b and IL-6 secretion. Alveolar macrophages from BCG calves showed enhanced cytokine production when re-stimulated with LPS. No significant changes were observed in clinical scores or viral burden between groups post BRSV challenge. Subcutaneous BCG administration can train bovine innate immune cells to exhibit a “memory-like” phenotype. Current efforts are focused on the characterization of epigenetic reprogramming in trained innate immune cells. Supported by grants from USDA, NIFA. R01 HD099104-01

Influence of Aerosol Delivered BCG Vaccination on Immunological and Disease Parameters Following SARS-CoV-2 Challenge in Rhesus Macaques.

The tuberculosis vaccine, Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG), also affords protection against non-tuberculous diseases attributable to heterologous immune mechanisms such as trained innate immunity, activation of non-conventional T-cells, and cross-reactive adaptive immunity. Aerosol vaccine delivery can target immune responses toward the primary site of infection for a respiratory pathogen. Therefore, we hypothesised that aerosol delivery of BCG would enhance cross-protective action against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and be a deployable intervention against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Immune parameters were monitored in vaccinated and unvaccinated rhesus macaques for 28 days following aerosol BCG vaccination. High-dose SARS-CoV-2 challenge was applied by intranasal and intrabronchial instillation and animals culled 6–8 days later for assessment of viral, disease, and immunological parameters. Mycobacteria-specific cell-mediated immune responses were detected following aerosol BCG vaccination, but SARS-CoV-2-specific cellular- and antibody-mediated immunity was only measured following challenge. Early secretion of cytokine and chemokine markers associated with the innate cellular and adaptive antiviral immune response was detected following SARS-CoV-2 challenge in vaccinated animals, at concentrations that exceeded titres measured in unvaccinated macaques. Classical CD14+ monocytes and Vδ2 γδ T-cells quantified by whole-blood immunophenotyping increased rapidly in vaccinated animals following SARS-CoV-2 challenge, indicating a priming of innate immune cells and non-conventional T-cell populations. However, viral RNA quantified in nasal and pharyngeal swabs, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), and tissue samples collected at necropsy was equivalent in vaccinated and unvaccinated animals, and in-life CT imaging and histopathology scoring applied to pulmonary tissue sections indicated that the disease induced by SARS-CoV-2 challenge was comparable between vaccinated and unvaccinated groups. Hence, aerosol BCG vaccination did not induce, or enhance the induction of, SARS-CoV-2 cross-reactive adaptive cellular or humoral immunity, although an influence of BCG vaccination on the subsequent immune response to SARS-CoV-2 challenge was apparent in immune signatures indicative of trained innate immune mechanisms and primed unconventional T-cell populations. Nevertheless, aerosol BCG vaccination did not enhance the initial clearance of virus, nor reduce the occurrence of early disease pathology after high dose SARS-CoV-2 challenge. However, the heterologous immune mechanisms primed by BCG vaccination could contribute to the moderation of COVID-19 disease severity in more susceptible species following natural infection.

Aerosol delivery, but not intramuscular injection, of adenovirus-vectored tuberculosis vaccine induces respiratory-mucosal immunity in humans.

BackgroundAdenovirus-vectored (Ad-vectored) vaccines are typically administered via i.m. injection to humans and are incapable of inducing respiratory mucosal immunity. However, aerosol delivery of Ad-vectored vaccines remains poorly characterized, and its ability to induce mucosal immunity in humans is unknown. This phase Ib trial evaluated the safety and immunogenicity of human serotype-5 Ad-vectored tuberculosis (TB) vaccine (AdHu5Ag85A) delivered to humans via inhaled aerosol or i.m. injection.MethodsThirty-one healthy, previously BCG-vaccinated adults were enrolled. AdHu5Ag85A was administered by single-dose aerosol using Aeroneb Solo Nebulizer or by i.m. injection. The study consisted of the low-dose (LD) aerosol, high-dose (HD) aerosol, and i.m. groups. The adverse events were assessed at various times after vaccination. Immunogenicity data were collected from the peripheral blood and bronchoalveolar lavage samples at baseline, as well as at select time points after vaccination.ResultsThe nebulized aerosol droplets were < 5.39 μm in size. Both LD and HD of AdHu5Ag85A administered by aerosol inhalation and i.m. injection were safe and well tolerated. Both aerosol doses, particularly LD, but not i.m., vaccination markedly induced airway tissue–resident memory CD4+ and CD8+ T cells of polyfunctionality. While as expected, i.m. vaccination induced Ag85A-specific T cell responses in the blood, the LD aerosol vaccination also elicited such T cells in the blood. Furthermore, the LD aerosol vaccination induced persisting transcriptional changes in alveolar macrophages.ConclusionInhaled aerosol delivery of Ad-vectored vaccine is a safe and superior way to elicit respiratory mucosal immunity. This study warrants further development of aerosol vaccine strategies against respiratory pathogens, including TB and COVID-19.Trial registrationClinicalTrial.gov, NCT02337270.FundingThe Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR) and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada funded this work.

Nanocarriers-Assisted Needle-Free Vaccine Delivery Through Oral and Intranasal Transmucosal Routes: A Novel Therapeutic Conduit.

Drug delivery using oral route is the most popular, convenient, safest and least expensive approach. It includes oral transmucosal delivery of bioactive compounds as the mucosal cavity offers an intriguing approach for systemic drug distribution. Owing to the dense vascular architecture and high blood flow, oral mucosal layers are easily permeable and can be an ideal site for drug administration. Recently, the transmucosal route is being investigated for other therapeutic candidates such as vaccines for their efficient delivery. Vaccines have the potential to trigger immune reactions and can act as both prophylactic and therapeutic conduit to a variety of diseases. Administration of vaccines using transmucosal route offers multiple advantages, the most important one being the needle-free (non-invasive) delivery. Development of needle-free devices are the most recent and pioneering breakthrough in the delivery of drugs and vaccines, enabling patients to avoid needles, reducing anxiety, pain and fear as well as improving compliance. Oral, nasal and aerosol vaccination is a novel immunization approach that utilizes a nanocarrier to administer the vaccine. Nanocarriers improve the bioavailability and serve as adjuvants to elicit a stronger immune response, resulting in increased effectiveness of vaccination. Drugs and vaccines with lower penetration abilities can also be delivered transmucosally while maintaining their biological function. The development of micro/nanocarriers for transmucosal delivery of macromolecules, vaccines and other substances is currently drawing much attention and a number of studies were performed recently. This comprehensive review is aimed to summarize the most recent investigations on needle-free and non-invasive approaches for the delivery of vaccines using oral transmucosal route, their strengths and associated challenges. The oral transmucosal vaccine delivery by nanocarriers is the most upcoming advancement in efficient vaccine delivery and this review would help further research and trials in this field.

Development of an aerogenous Escherichia coli infection model in adult broiler breeders

Escherichia coli constitutes an immense challenge to the poultry industry due to its devastating effect on productivity, mortality, and carcass condemnations. To aid future studies on disease mechanisms and interventions, an aerogenous infection model was established in adult broiler breeders. Hens (n = 120) were randomly allocated into six groups receiving either aerosolised E. coli or vehicle, or intratracheal E. coli or vehicle. Replication of aerosol inoculation was performed on distinct days. Alternating euthanasia time points were predetermined in order to evaluate the progression of the disease. All animals were thoroughly necropsied, and bacteriological samples were collected as well as tissues for histopathology. Birds inoculated with E. coli exhibited clinical signs and developed characteristic gross and histopathological lesions of colibacillosis, including splenic fibrinoid necrosis, folliculitis, polyserositis and impaction of parabronchi with fibrinoheterophilic exudate and necrotic debris, as well as positive in situ localisation of intralesional E. coli by immunohistochemistry. This study presents a successful development of a discriminative colibacillosis model through aerosol inoculation of adult broiler breeders. Gross and histopathological lesions characteristic of colibacillosis were established in two independent experiments.

Coxiella burnetii infections in mice: Immunological responses to contemporary genotypes found in the US

ABSTRACT Coxiella burnetii is an obligate intracellular bacterium that causes the human disease Q fever, which can manifest as an acute flu-like illness or a long-term chronic illness, such as endocarditis. Three genotypes (ST8, ST16, and ST20) of Coxiella burnetii are commonly found in the contemporary US and are associated with specific animal hosts. Although all three genotypes have been isolated from humans with Q fever, studies comparing virulence between C. burnetii sequence types have been rare. Here, groups of mice were infected via aerosol inoculation with isolates derived from cow’s milk, environmental, animal, and human samples. Mice were monitored for weight loss and blood samples were takenweekly. Animals were euthanized at 2- and 12-weeks post-infection, and bacterial burden was determined for tissues by real-time PCR. The levels of anti-Coxiella antibodies and selected inflammatory cytokines were determined for serum samples. Weight loss and splenomegaly were observed in mice infected with ST20 and ST16 isolates but were absent in the mice infected with ST8 isolates. Bacterial concentrations in the tissues were lower in the ST8 isolates at 2 weeks post-infection relative to all other isolates. ST16 and ST20 isolates induced robust antibody and cytokine responses, while ST8 isolates produced significantly lower anti-C. burnetii titers early in the infection but saw increased titers in some animals several weeks post-infection. The data suggest that the ST8 isolates are less virulent in this mouse model, as they produce less robust antibody responses that are slow to develop, relative to the ST16 and ST20 isolates.

SARS-CoV-2 disease severity and transmission efficiency is increased for airborne compared to fomite exposure in Syrian hamsters

Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is driven by contact, fomite, and airborne transmission. The relative contribution of different transmission routes remains subject to debate. Here, we show Syrian hamsters are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection through intranasal, aerosol and fomite exposure. Different routes of exposure present with distinct disease manifestations. Intranasal and aerosol inoculation causes severe respiratory pathology, higher virus loads and increased weight loss. In contrast, fomite exposure leads to milder disease manifestation characterized by an anti-inflammatory immune state and delayed shedding pattern. Whereas the overall magnitude of respiratory virus shedding is not linked to disease severity, the onset of shedding is. Early shedding is linked to an increase in disease severity. Airborne transmission is more efficient than fomite transmission and dependent on the direction of the airflow. Carefully characterized SARS-CoV-2 transmission models will be crucial to assess potential changes in transmission and pathogenic potential in the light of the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 evolution.

Efficiency of the irs-19 aerosol vaccine in children with relapsing diseases of upper respiratory tract

The use of the IRS-19 aerosol vaccine results in decreasing of the rate of the infectious diseases of otorhinolaryngologic organs in children suffering from adenoids, sinusitis, complications of acute respiratory diseases.