Successful Vaccine Research Articles

Targeting Enterotoxins: Advancing Vaccine Development for Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli ETEC

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is a major cause of diarrheal disease worldwide, particularly in children in low- and middle-income countries. Its ability to rapidly colonize the intestinal tract through diverse colonization factors and toxins underpins its significant public health impact. Despite extensive research and several vaccine candidates reaching clinical trials, no licensed vaccine exists for ETEC. This review explores the temporal and spatial coordination of ETEC virulence factors, focusing on the interplay between adherence mechanisms and toxin production as critical targets for therapeutic intervention. Advancements in molecular biology and host–pathogen interaction studies have uncovered species-specific variations and cross-reactivity between human and animal strains. In particular, the heat-labile (LT) and heat-stable (ST) toxins have provided crucial insights into molecular mechanisms and intestinal disruption. Additional exotoxins, such as EAST-1 and hemolysins, further highlight the multifactorial nature of ETEC pathogenicity. Innovative vaccine strategies, including multiepitope fusion antigens (MEFAs), mRNA-based approaches, and glycoconjugates, aim to enhance broad-spectrum immunity. Novel delivery methods, like intradermal immunization, show promise in eliciting robust immune responses. Successful vaccination against ETEC will offer an effective and affordable solution with the potential to greatly reduce mortality and prevent stunting, representing a highly impactful and cost-efficient solution to a critical global health challenge.

Adjuvant-dependent impacts on vaccine-induced humoral responses and protection in preclinical models of nasal and genital colonization by pathogenic Neisseria.

Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which causes the sexually transmitted infection gonorrhea and Neisseria meningitidis, a leading cause of bacterial meningitis and septicemia, are closely related human-restricted pathogens that inhabit distinct primary mucosal niches. While successful vaccines against invasive meningococcal disease have been available for decades, the rapid rise in antibiotic resistance has led to an urgent need to develop an effective gonococcal vaccine. Several surface antigens are shared among these two pathogens, making cross-species protection an exciting prospect. However, the type of vaccine-mediated immune response required to achieve protection against respiratory versus genital infection remains ill defined. In this study, we utilize well established mouse models of female lower genital tract colonization by N. gonorrhoeae and upper respiratory tract colonization by N. meningitidis to examine the performance of transferrin binding protein B (TbpB) vaccines formulated with immunologically distinct vaccine adjuvants. We demonstrate that vaccine-mediated protection is influenced by the choice of adjuvant, with Th1/2-balanced adjuvants performing optimally against N. gonorrhoeae, and both Th1/2-balanced and Th2-skewing adjuvants leading to a significant reduction in N. meningitidis burden. We further establish a lack of correlation between protection status and the humoral response or bactericidal titre. Combined, this work supports the feasibility for a single vaccine formulation to achieve pan-neisserial coverage.

Interprofessional and Inter-Organisational Collaboration in the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme: Lessons From North Central London.

To discuss inter-organisational collaboration in the context of the successful COVID-19 vaccination programme in North Central London (NCL). An action research study in 2023-2024. Six action research cycles used mixed qualitative methods. Four findings are presented which illustrate inter-organisational collaboration across professional and organisational boundaries: working in the action research group, learning to work as an action research group, working collaboratively in new ways, working outside professional, occupational and organisational silos. These themes are discussed in relation to the literature on interprofessional and inter-organisational collaboration. The COVID-19 vaccination programme offered a way out of the pandemic. Between December 2020 and February 2022, 2.8 M people were vaccinated by the NCL Vaccination team in an example of inter-organisational collaboration between science, health and community. Staff on the vaccination programme worked inter-organisationally in new ways to achieve this. In NCL several thousand local residents joined the NHS to work with healthcare professionals including nurses, nursing associates and students to deliver the programme in new ways which are illustrative of inter-organisational collaboration. No PPI within this study. The implications for the profession and for healthcare organisations of the findings are that, in contrast to traditional ways of working which have been entrenched in silos of professional knowledge and expertise, health professionals are able to work in new ways and find inter-organisational work satisfying. This has implications for patients as it has the potential to improve communication between very different organisations and as the vaccination programme shows, results in successful public health vaccination rates. This study set out to create a public resource for learning (for future pandemics or other works of national effort) to commemorate the collaborative efforts of the diverse vaccination workforce and volunteers involved in the programme. Participation in the COVID-19 vaccination programme had a profound effect on NHS clinical and professional staff, on partners across business and volunteer organisation in North Central London and on volunteers from the public in North Central London. Inter-organisation collaboration has been sustained after the delivery of the vaccination programme in North Central London; innovative ways of working have been introduced in the local community to deliver ongoing vaccinations and wider prevention activities and the partnership between academia and clinical practice. The research findings have had an impact on the research participants and the wider public through the website created as a public resource to commemorate the COVID-19 vaccination programme in North Central London. The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative studies (COREQ) was used as a guide throughout data collection and analysis. The public were involved as participants in this study. They did not participate in the study design.

In silico design of an epitope-based vaccine ensemble for fasliolopsiasis.

Fasciolopsiasis, a food-borne intestinal disease is most common in Asia and the Indian subcontinent. Pigs are the reservoir host, and fasciolopsiasis is most widespread in locations where pigs are reared and aquatic plants are widely consumed. Human infection has been most commonly documented in China, Bangladesh, Southeast Asia, and parts of India. It predominates in school-age children, and significant worm burdens are not uncommon. The causal organism is Fasciolopsis buski, a giant intestinal fluke that infects humans and causes diarrhoea, fever, ascites, and intestinal blockage. The increasing prevalence of medication resistance and the necessity for an effective vaccination make controlling these diseases challenging. Over the last decade, we have achieved major advances in our understanding of intestinal fluke biology by in-depth interrogation and analysis of evolving F. buski omics datasets. The creation of large omics datasets for F. buski by our group has accelerated the discovery of key molecules involved in intestinal fluke biology, toxicity, and virulence that can be targeted for vaccine development. Finding successful vaccination antigen combinations from these huge number of genes/proteins in the available omics datasets is the key in combating these neglected tropical diseases. In the present study, we developed an in silico workflow to select antigens for composing a chimeric vaccine, which could be a significant technique for developing a fasciolopsiasis vaccine that prevents the parasite from causing serious harm. This chimeric vaccine can now be tested experimentally and compared to other vaccine candidates to determine its potential influence on human health. Although the results are encouraging, additional validation is needed both in vivo and in vitro. Considering the extensive genetic data available for intestinal flukes that has expanded with technological advancements, we may need to reassess our methods and suggest a more sophisticated technique in the future for identifying vaccine molecules.

What Is the Optimal Geometry of Dissolving Microneedle Arrays? A Literature Review.

The application of dissolving microneedle arrays (DMNAs) is an emerging trend in drug and vaccine delivery as an alternative for hypodermic needles or other less convenient drug administration methods. The major benefits include, amongst others, that no trained healthcare personnel is required and that the recipient experiences hardly any pain during administration. However, for a successful drug or vaccine delivery from the DMNA, the microneedles should be inserted intact into the skin. A successful penetration into the upper skin layers may be challenging because of the elastic nature of the skin; therefore, a minimum insertion force is required to overcome the total resistance force of the skin. In addition, the microneedles need to stay intact, which requires a certain mechanical strength, and be able to resist the required insertion force. In addition to the type of material with which the DMNAs are produced, the geometry of the DMNAs will also have a profound effect, not only on the mechanical strength but also on the number of insertions and penetration depth into the skin. In this review, the effects of shape, aspect ratio, length, width of the base, tip diameter and angle, and spacing of DMNAs on the aforementioned effect parameters were evaluated to answer the following question: 'What is the optimal geometry of dissolving microneedle arrays?'.

Barriers and Predictors of Lyme Disease Vaccine Acceptance: A Cross-Sectional Study in Poland.

Lyme disease (LD) is a major public health problem in Europe and the United States, with increasing incidence and not many prevention options. Vaccine hesitancy might be a significant barrier to successful vaccination campaigns having in mind previous vaccine development failures. This study aimed to evaluate the public's perception of LD vaccination in Poland, assess willingness to vaccinate, and identify factors influencing vaccination attitudes. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among parents of children hospitalized at the University Children's Hospital in Bialystok, Poland. The survey consisted of 29 questions regarding demographics, LD knowledge, vaccine attitudes, and perceived risks. Data were collected between January and December 2023 and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics to identify predictors of respondents' positive vaccination attitudes. A total of 503 valid responses were analyzed. Most respondents (72.4%) showed positive attitudes towards vaccination, while 18.5% were neutral and 9.1% were negative. Trust in health experts emerged as an important predictor of vaccination acceptance (OR 22.84; p < 0.001). More than 80% of participants recognized an LD vaccine as necessary, and 64.21% believed it would reduce their concerns about LD. Willingness to vaccinate was influenced by general positive vaccine attitudes, recognized danger of LD, and belief in the vaccine's ability to ease fears. Notably, 40.8% of respondents were uncertain about vaccine risks, with this group tending to be younger, less educated, and expressing lower trust in medical professionals. Public perception of LD in Poland indicates a high acceptance of a potential LD vaccine. Still, addressing vaccine hesitancy remains critical, particularly among undecided or neutral respondents. Building trust in healthcare professionals and addressing safety worries are important to increasing future LD vaccine use.

Characteristics of the First Italian Older Adults Vaccinated with an Adjuvanted Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine.

Background and Objectives: Three respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines have been recently made available for older adults. Understanding the principal characteristics of the first vaccine-takers can pave the way for a successful vaccination campaign. The objective of this study was to explore the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the first Italian users of an adjuvanted RSV vaccine and their attitudes towards RSV and vaccination. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 in Liguria (Italy). Individuals aged ≥60 years with no contraindications to the adjuvanted vaccine RSVPreF3 OA were eligible. Following vaccination, subjects filled in a questionnaire, which comprised items on sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, attitudes towards RSV and RSV vaccination and a vaccination trust indicator (VTI). Results: A total of 453 vaccinees completed the survey. Their mean age was 74.9 ± 8.0 years, and 50.6% were males. Nine of ten (89.2%) individuals had ≥1 co-morbidity, of which cardiovascular conditions (70.4%), respiratory diseases (27.6%) and diabetes (18.5%) were the most common. Uptake of the routine vaccines was high: 91.2% and 98.7% received the 2023/2024 season influenza and ≥2 COVID-19 vaccines, respectively. The most common reasons for the current RSV vaccination were general practitioner advice (43.9%), followed by the willingness to be protected against (20.8%) and feelings of being at risk (16.6%) of RSV. The average VTI score was 91.5%, suggesting high trust in vaccines. More positive attitudes towards RSV vaccination were observed (p < 0.01) among subjects who received more COVID-19 vaccine doses, whose reasons for the current RSV vaccination were the willingness to be protected or to be in good health and the feeling of being at risk for RSV. Conclusions: The first Italian users of the novel RSVPreF3 OA vaccine were represented by high-risk individuals with a comparatively high prevalence of co-morbidities, high uptake of the seasonal respiratory vaccines and high trust in immunization.

A discrete choice experiment on Chinese parents' preferences of vaccine schedules against six childhood infectious diseases.

China's Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) provides vaccinations against 12 vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs) at no cost to families. For some VPDs, parents may opt to substitute equivalent non-program vaccines, including combination vaccines, for EPI vaccines; substitute vaccines must be paid for by the family. Although parents have several choices for vaccinating their children, their preferences for vaccines and immunization schedules have not been systematically evaluated. We used a discrete choice experiment to evaluate four attributes of vaccines for routine immunization: number of injections, risk of mild side-effects, out-of-pocket cost, and location of manufacturer (domestic or imported). In a questionnaire-based survey conducted in vaccination clinics, guardians were asked to select their preferred vaccination schedule from five options in ten choice sets with the four attributes. We used a mixed logit model to determine parental preferences for vaccination schedules, relative importance of attributes, and predict the likelihood of successful vaccination under different scenarios. A total of 581 parents from seven provinces and cities in China participated in the survey, and 488 respondents had internally consistent responses and were included in the analysis. The number of injections in the schedule was the most important attribute for predicting uptake, followed by risk of mild side-effects. Preferences varied by region and parental role. Predicted uptake in the preferred vaccination scenario relative to base-case schedule uptake was a 99.55% increase. Number of injections and risk of mild side-effects were the two most important attributes of the routine immunization schedule. Results from this study can help optimize the immunization schedule in China to improve coverage of childhood vaccines.

Hepatitis C Virus-Pediatric and Adult Perspectives in the Current Decade.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infects both pediatric and adult populations and is an important cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. There are differences in the screening and management of HCV between pediatric and adult patients, which have been highlighted in this review. Direct-acting antiviral agents (DAA) have made the cure of HCV possible, and fortunately, these medications are approved down to three years of age. However, treatment in the pediatric population has its own set of challenges. The World Health Organization (WHO) has made a pledge to eliminate HCV as a public health threat by 2030. Despite this, HCV continues to remain a global health burden, leading to cirrhosis as well as hepatocellular carcinoma, and is a reason for liver transplantation in the adult population. Although rare, these complications can also affect the pediatric population. A variety of new technologies t have become available in the current era and can advance our understanding of HCV are discussed. Artificial intelligence, machine learning, liver organoids, and liver-on-chip are some examples of techniques that have the potential to contribute to our understanding of the disease and treatment process in HCV. Despite efforts over several decades, a successful vaccine against HCV has yet to be developed. This would be an important tool to help in worldwide efforts to eliminate the virus.

Effective or Not? The Crisis Communication in Social Media Indonesia COVID-19 Team Affect Behavioural Intentions to Get Vaccination with Big Data Analysis

The COVID-19 epidemic, the most significant economic crisis to hit the planet in the previous fifty years of human history, is about to occur in 2020, and it saw an equally dire state of affairs in Indonesia's economy as elsewhere. To overcome this crisis, the government marketed the immunization program as a "game changer" for achieving herd immunity and the country's economic revival. Unfortunately, the vaccinations continue to have a low uptake. To avert this, a special committee must be formed to ensure a successful vaccination program to try and carry out various vaccine campaigns to gain full public awareness, one of which is through social media. This research used a mixed methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative research techniques, mainly applied to social science theories and transformative paradigms. This research aims to measure the effectiveness of the COVID-19 team's crisis communication in delivering vaccine campaigns on social media, especially on Twitter, belonging to KPCPEN, a government-made group tasked with carrying out Indonesia's economy. The results show that greater crisis responsibility and response lead to higher behavioural intentions to vaccinate among netizens. Twitter data collection shows that netizens give positive tone tweets about booster vaccinations directed by the government. This is also supported by various communication strategy steps formed by the government so that people know about getting vaccines. Future research could compare remote communities that have difficulty accessing information from the government and measure the effectiveness of how it affects them. Keywords: Indonesia vaccination, COVID-19, economic recovery, big data, social media.

Deletion of gE in Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Leads to Increased Extracellular Virus Production and Augmented Interferon Alpha Production by Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells.

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) in humans and pseudorabies virus (PRV) in pigs are both alphaherpesviruses. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) make part of the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and are specialized in producing large amounts of antiviral type I interferon (IFN-I). IFN-I production by PBMCs in response to both HSV-1 and PRV can be virtually exclusively attributed to pDCs. Recently, we discovered that cells infected with gEnull PRV trigger increased production of IFNalpha by porcine PBMCs/pDCs compared with cells infected with wild-type (WT) PRV. This increased IFNalpha response correlates with increased extracellular virus production triggered by gEnull PRV compared with WT PRV. The gE protein and some of its currently described functions are conserved in different alphaherpesviruses, including PRV and HSV-1. In the current study, we report that cells infected with gEnull HSV-1 trigger increased IFNalpha production by human PBMCs and increased extracellular virus production compared with WT HSV-1. Hence, these recently described functions of PRV gE are conserved in HSV-1 gE. Since the increased extracellular virus production and IFNalpha response have also been reported for successful (gEnull) PRV vaccines, the current findings may have important consequences for the rational design of HSV vaccines.

Understanding Fish Immunity and Innovative Vaccination Approaches in Aquaculture

Fish possess a unique immune system that, while somewhat similar to mammals, exhibits distinct characteristics. This review paper explains the complexities of fish immunity, highlighting the innate and adaptive immune responses that protect against various pathogens, including bacteria (Aeromonas spp, Flavobacterium columnare, Mycobacterium marinum, Streptococcus iniae, Edwardsiella tarda, Pseudomonas aeruginosa etc), viruses (Infectious Hematopoietic Necrosis Virus (IHNV), Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia Virus (VHSV) etc.), fungi and parasites (Dioctophyma renale etc). Host-pathogen interactions are dynamic and critical for understanding the immune evasion strategies employed by pathogens, such as antigenic variation, molecular mimicry and biofilm formation. Vaccination is crucial in aquaculture, enhancing fish immunity against diseases through various vaccines, including inactivated, live, subunit, and nucleic acid vaccines. Various delivery methods are employed to maximize immunogenic responses, such as injection, immersion, and oral administration. Additionally, advancements in science and technology have led to innovative techniques to increase vaccine efficacy, including nanoparticle delivery and microencapsulation. Successful vaccination strategies have been adapted to combat significant fish pathogens, demonstrating the potential for enhancing disease resistance in aquaculture. This comprehensive overview underscores the importance of understanding fish immune systems and developing effective vaccination strategies to ensure fish health and sustainability in aquaculture practices.

Global Epidemiology of Meningococcal Disease-Causing Serogroups Before and After the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Narrative Review.

Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is associated with high morbidity and mortality and predominantly caused by five Neisseria meningitidis serogroups (A/B/C/W/Y). Polysaccharide conjugate vaccines induce T-cell-dependent immune responses, are immunogenic in infants and adults, and reduce carriage, and vaccination of age groups associated with high-carriage can provide indirect protection in the unvaccinated (herd immunity). Successful vaccination programs must be tailored to local epidemiology, which varies geographically, temporally, and by age and serogroup. Serogroup A IMD once predominated globally, but has largely disappeared following mass vaccination programs. Serogroup B was a predominant cause of IMD in many global regions from 2010 to 2018, typically affecting younger age groups. Spread of serogroup C clonal complex-11 IMD in the 1990s prompted implementation of MenC vaccine programs in many countries, resulting in declines in prevalence. Serogroup C still caused>20% of global IMD through the mid-2010s. Serogroup W became a significant contributor to global IMD after Hajj pilgrimage outbreaks in 2000; subsequent increases of endemic disease and outbreaks were reported pre-pandemic in many regions. Serogroup Y emerged in the 1990s as a significant cause of IMD throughout various regions and prevalence had increased or stabilized from 2010 to 2018. Serogroup X is uncommon outside the African meningitis belt, and its prevalence has declined since before the COVID-19 pandemic. Global IMD declines during the pandemic were followed by resurgences generally caused by serogroups that were prevalent pre-pandemic and affecting mainly unvaccinated age groups (particularly adolescents/young adults). Recent IMD epidemiology underscores the importance of vaccinating at-risk age groups against regionally prevalent serogroups; for example, the anti-serogroup X component of the recently prequalified MenACWXY vaccine is likely to provide limited protection outside the African meningitis belt. In other regions, comprehensive vaccination against MenB and MenACWY, which could be streamlined by the recently approved MenABCWY vaccine, seems more appropriate.

A novel pan-epitope based nanovaccine self-assembled with CpG enhances immune responses against flavivirus

BackgroundFlavivirus is a highly prevalent and outbreak-prone disease, affecting billions of individuals annually and posing substantial public health challenges. Vaccination is critical to reducing the global impact of flavivirus infections, making the development of a safe and effective vaccine a top priority. The self-assembled pan-epitope vaccine presents key advantages for improving immunogenicity and safety without relying on external vectors or adding immunomodulatory elements, both of which are essential for successful vaccine development.ResultsIn this study, the pan-epitope peptide TBT was combined with adjuvant CpG to form the TBT-CpG nanovaccine (TBT-CpG NaVs), which was found to be spherical, uniform in shape, and demonstrated strong serum stability. In vitro studies showed that the TBT-CpG NaVs were efficiently taken up and internalized by bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs). Flow cytometry and transcriptomic analysis indicated that the antigens were effectively presented to antigen-presenting cells (APCs) via the MHC II pathway, which facilitated BMDCs maturation and promoted the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6. In vivo studies confirmed that TBT-CpG NaVs enhanced antigen-specific IgG levels, significantly increased IFN-γ and IL-4 expression in spleen cells, and offered protective effects against Dengue virus (DENV) and Zika virus (ZIKV) infections. Safety evaluations revealed no hepatotoxicity and no significant organ damage in immunized mice.ConclusionThe self-assembled candidate nanovaccine TBT-CpG NaVs effectively activates BMDCs and triggers a targeted immune response, providing antiviral effects against DENV and ZIKV. This vaccine demonstrates good immunogenicity and safety, establishing a promising foundation and a new strategy for the development of safe and effective vaccines.Graphical

Bioinformatics designing of an mRNA vaccine for Mokola virus (MOKV) using immunoinformatics as a secure strategy for successful vaccine development

The Mokola Virus belongs to the family Rhabdoviridae and is genotype 3 of the Lyssavirus genera. A small number of cases of animal and human encephalomyelitis, mainly scattered over sub-Saharan Africa, have been linked to the Mokola Virus (MOKV). Currently there is no vaccine to protect against MOKV infection in people or animals. It has been proven that rabies vaccination does not confer immunity against MOKV infection, even though MOKV and the rabies virus are related. Using immunoinformatics approaches, this study designed an mRNA vaccine that can protect against all the five glycoproteins of the Mokola virus. NCBI was used to obtain the viral sequences, which were then screened for antigenicity, allergenicity, toxicity, B-cell epitopes, CD8 + T lymphocytes (CTL), and CD4 + T lymphocytes (HTL). These epitopes were used in the construction of the vaccine. Some extra co-translational residues were added to the mRNA vaccine construct. Its molecular weight is 129.19083 kDa, and its estimated pI is 8.58. It interacts rather steadily and with limited deformability with TLR 3, among other human innate immune receptors. Overall, the results show that the produced candidate vaccine is non-allergen, non-toxic, and can elicit T–cell and B–cell immune responses. These findings can further be subjected to in-vivo and in-vitro techniques for validation.

Arboviral Diseases: A Rising Global Health Burden

Arboviruses, transmitted to humans through arthropod vectors like mosquitoes and ticks, pose a significant global health threat. The emergence and re-emergence of arboviral diseases, including Dengue, Zika, Chikungunya, and West Nile Virus, continue to challenge healthcare systems worldwide. Vaccination is a cornerstone of arbovirus control, and this review explores the current landscape and future perspectives of new vaccines against arboviruses. The diversity of arboviruses, including multiple serotypes and genotypes, presents a major hurdle for vaccine development. Novel vaccine platforms, such as mRNA vaccines and viral vectors, hold promise for rapid response and broad protection. Advances in structural biology provide insights into conserved viral epitopes, offering potential targets for universal arbovirus vaccines. Moreover, integrated approaches combining vaccination with vector control and surveillance strategies are crucial for breaking the transmission cycle. A one health approach that considers human, animal, and environmental health can enhance arbovirus surveillance and control. Behavioural interventions and community engagement play a pivotal role in improving vaccine acceptance and coverage. Understanding human behaviour and perceptions is essential for successful vaccination campaigns. Global collaboration and resource allocation are paramount in advancing arbovirus vaccine research and development. Partnerships between governments, academia, and industry are needed to address this multifaceted challenge. In conclusion, while arboviruses continue to threaten public health, innovative approaches, interdisciplinary efforts, and international cooperation offer hope for the development of effective vaccines against these elusive pathogens. A concerted global effort is essential to mitigate the impact of arboviral diseases and protect vulnerable populations.

Rescuing pathogen-specific memory B-cell from PBMC of prior Zika virus-infected individuals

Immunological memory, a fundamental immune system mechanism, is instrumental in long-term protection. Successful vaccines can elicit and sustain immunological memory against pathogens for the long term. Memory B cells (MBC) are key players in secondary responses due to their longevity and rapid differentiation into high-affinity antibody-secreting cells upon second antigen exposure. However, the availability of circulating MBCs is limited. Here we describe a protocol, which presents a straightforward and practical method for activating and expanding Zika virus (ZIKV) specific MBC. PBMCs collected from individuals who had been infected with ZIKV two years prior were cultured by supplementing with IL-2 and R848, a TLR-7/8 agonist, and then pulsed with inactivated virus. After seven days, this stimulation led to a notable rise in virus-specific functional MBC, as evidenced by a significant increase in the production of anti-ZIKV IgG. Importantly, the ZIKV pulse did not induce changes in the PBMC culture of individuals without a history of ZIKV infection. These findings demonstrate that virus-specific MBC can be expanded in vitro, even using PBMC cultures from individuals infected years before. Therefore, our protocol is a practical and effective tool for studies that require a larger number of human MBCs from previously infected individuals that are functional and specific to the pathogen under investigation.

Vaccine equity implementation: exploring factors influencing COVID-19 vaccine delivery in the Philippines from an equity lens

BackgroundDuring the early phase of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, low and middle-income countries (LMICs) were facing challenges in achieving equitable vaccine delivery. Few studies have contextualized global vaccine distributive injustice into national-specific contexts to understand its impact on vaccine delivery from an equity perspective. We aimed to investigate factors influencing equitable COVID-19 vaccine delivery in the Philippines and to provide recommendations to enhance equitable vaccine delivery in LMICs to prepare for future health emergencies.MethodsThe Health Equity Implementation Framework was employed to guide this qualitative study. We recruited participants using purposeful and snowballing sampling strategies. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants in person, online, or over the phone. A reflective thematic analysis approach was employed to analyze data.ResultsWe recruited 38 participants including seven high-level stakeholders from the public and private sectors, 14 health workers, and 17 community members in the province of Negros Occidental, Philippines. Equitable delivery of COVID-19 vaccines was influenced by an interplay of multiple factors operating in different domains. Contextually, the rapidly evolving nature of the COVID-19 virus, ongoing scientific advancements, and international negotiations directed national-level vaccine policies. Political commitment and support were recognized as crucial drivers for successful vaccine delivery, with a strong emphasis on health information framing and communication and adherence to human rights principles. The vulnerability of the health system significantly impacted the timely and effective distribution of vaccines. Furthermore, the geographical characteristics of the Philippines presented unique logistical challenges to vaccine delivery. At the recipient domain, individual perceptions of vaccines, shaped by their socioeconomic status, exposure to (mis)information, social influence, and entrenched religious beliefs, played a major role in their vaccine decisions and thus vaccine coverage regionally. Additionally, vaccine characteristics and operational challenges related to its distribution also impacted fair allocation.ConclusionsThe findings highlight the urgent need for LMICs to strengthen their health system resilience and sustainability and use multilevel strategies to build public trust to improve vaccine uptake and coverage. Moreover, each LMIC must be attentive to its unique contextual factors to develop tailored implementation strategies to promote equitable vaccine distribution.

Recent Advances in Therapeutic Approaches Against Ebola Virus Infection.

Ebola virus (EBOV) is a genus of negative-strand RNA viruses belonging to the family Filoviradae that was first described in 1976 in the present-day Democratic Republic of the Congo. It has intermittently affected substantial human populations in West Africa and presents itself as a global health menace due to the high mortality rate of patients, high transmission rate, difficult patient management, and the emergence of complicated autoimmune disease-like conditions post-infection. EBOV or other EBOV-like species as a biochemical weapon pose a significant risk; hence, the need to develop both prophylactic and therapeutic medications to combat the virus is unquestionable. In this review work, we have compiled the literature pertaining to transmission, pathogenesis, immune response, and diagnosis of EBOV infection. We included detailed structural details of EBOV along with all the available therapeutics against EBOV disease. We have also highlighted current developments and recent advances in therapeutic approaches against Ebola virus disease (EVD). The development of preventive vaccines against the virus is proving to be a successful effort as of now; however, problems concerning logistics, product stability, multi- dosing, and patient tracking are prominent in West Africa. Monoclonal antibodies that target EBOV proteins have also been developed and approved in the clinic; however, no small drug molecules that target these viral proteins have cleared clinical trials. An understanding of clinically approved vaccines and their shortcomings also serves an important purpose for researchers in vaccine design in choosing the right vector, antigen, and particular physicochemical properties that are critical for the vaccine's success against the virus across the world. Our work brings together a comprehensive review of all available prophylactic and therapeutic medications developed and under development against the EBOV, which will serve as a guide for researchers in pursuing the most promising drug discovery strategies against the EBOV and also explore novel mechanisms of fighting against EBOV infection.

Evaluation of COVID-19 Vaccination Status among University’s Students, Academic and Nonacademic Staff in Mosul, Iraq

Abstract Background: The future frontline combatants in the fight against pandemics will be academic and nonacademic employees and health science students. A successful vaccination program requires an understanding of the factors that influence coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine acceptance. Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the influences on COVID-19 vaccination among the health sciences faculty and staff at Al-Noor University College, Mosul, Iraq. Materials and Methods: The study was a self-administered cross-sectional online survey that included employers and Al-Noor University College health sciences students. The individuals’ important information was gathered through the survey, which covered sociodemographic traits, COVID-19 infection, and vaccinations. To identify the COVID-19 vaccination variables, Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 26 was used. Results: Most of the participants 77%, however, are single. More than 75% of participants were between the ages of 18 and 25 years; the majority were university students. Only 6% of participants held a doctor of philosophy, whereas 91% of participants were healthy. More than 80% of participants had vaccinations, with the Pfizer vaccine being the most common. Age groups and COVID-19 infection, immunizations, vaccine types, infection after vaccination, vaccination frequencies, COVID-19 infection frequencies, and period of infection were found to be significantly correlated. Conclusion: The health department may spread information about the COVID-19 vaccination to raise people’s impressions of their knowledge in light of the study’s findings. People could use anxiety-reduction strategies like mindfulness during the lockdown to assist them in maintaining composure and to help them analyze their coping skills concerning their vaccine confidence.