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Present and Future Vaccinations: Current Strategies and New Perspectives in...
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Present and Future Vaccinations: Current Strategies and New Perspectives in the Fight against Infectious Diseases

A special issue of Vaccines (ISSN 2076-393X). This special issue belongs to the section "Vaccines against Infectious Diseases".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2022) | Viewed by 58910

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Alessio Facciolà

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy
Interests: public health; vaccines; infectious diseases; environmental health
Dr. Giuseppa Visalli

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy
Interests: public health; vaccines; infectious diseases; environmental health

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleague, 

Vaccinations are definitely the most effective preventive tools against infectious diseases, and represent one of the most important achievements in the history of medicine. In about two hundred years, these powerful preventive weapons have allowed for obtaining unexpected goals such as the global eradication of smallpox; the almost total eradication of poliomyelitis; and the significant reduction in most parts of the world of several vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs), such as tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. However, to maintain these goals, vaccination campaigns need to be done more and vaccination offers have to be strengthen and implemented. Moreover, a high rate of vaccination coverage (equal to at least 95% for the most part of vaccinations) needs to be reached and maintained.

Despite the successes of vaccinations, a lot has yet to be done. Most potential new vaccines have an essential composition, sometimes characterized by a low immunogenicity, with the inability to elicit powerful and long-lasting immune responses. Moreover, some considerable infectious diseases, such as HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, have spread all over the world and are still burdened by a high rate of morbidity and mortality, and are not yet covered by an effective vaccine. Therefore, there is the necessity to obtain modern and effective vaccines, by studying new antigens, adjuvants, and innovative delivery systems that will enhance their immunogenicity. This research topic is placed in the context of technological innovations that help scientists with the difficult task of discovering new vaccines able to reduce the burden of infectious diseases.

In this context, nanotechnologies could represent one of the most modern and effective tools for vaccine production. New generation vaccinology has already greatly benefited, and will continue to benefit from the use of nanoparticles used as delivery vehicles and/or immune potentiators. Indeed, nanoparticles can improve not only antigen uptake from APCs, but also immunogenicity and the slow release of antigens. Moreover, most nanoparticles are biodegradable, biocompatible, and have minimal toxicity and, therefore, they can offer a safe and effective alternative to traditional vaccines.

Implementing the current vaccination strategies and focusing on new technologies to develop the vaccines of the future will certainly be the cornerstone in the everlasting fight against infectious diseases.

Dr. Alessio Facciolà
Dr. Giuseppa Visalli
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Vaccines is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Current Vaccination Strategies
  • Future Vaccinations
  • New Antigens
  • New Adjuvants

Published Papers (16 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review, Other

3 pages, 204 KiB  
Editorial
Past and Future of Vaccinations: From Jenner to Nanovaccinology
by Alessio Facciolà and Giuseppa Visalli
Vaccines 2023, 11(2), 384; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/vaccines11020384 - 07 Feb 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 886
Abstract
Undoubtedly, vaccines are the most effective and safe weapons available to public health for the primary prevention of infectious diseases [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Present and Future Vaccinations: Current Strategies and New Perspectives in the Fight against Infectious Diseases)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review, Other

14 pages, 2252 KiB  
Article
Towards a Future of Personalized Vaccinology: Study on Individual Variables Influencing the Antibody Response to the COVID-19 Vaccine
by Giuseppa Visalli, Antonio Laganà, Daniela Lo Giudice, Sebastiano Calimeri, Daniela Caccamo, Alessandra Trainito, Angela Di Pietro and Alessio Facciolà
Vaccines 2023, 11(2), 217; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/vaccines11020217 - 18 Jan 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1735
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has hugely impacted many different aspects of human health, and vaccination is one of the most effective weapons to manage it. However, many different factors, such as age, gender, comorbidities and lifestyles, play a role in the response to infections [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 pandemic has hugely impacted many different aspects of human health, and vaccination is one of the most effective weapons to manage it. However, many different factors, such as age, gender, comorbidities and lifestyles, play a role in the response to infections and vaccines. We carried out this study to evaluate the potential role played by some individual factors in the production of anti-COVID-19 antibodies in the light of personalized and future vaccinology. We conducted an observational study consisting of a retrospective phase, exploiting previous data about anti-COVID-19 antibody responses, with a prospective phase to investigate individual variables through the use of a questionnaire. The antibody response after the COVID-19 vaccination was inversely related to old age, increased BMI and the number of smoking years, while a positive correlation was found with moderate alcohol consumption and especially with circulating levels of vitamin D, as clearly shown by the multivariate regression analysis. Our study showed that a number of variables are involved in the COVID-19 vaccine antibody response. These findings are very important and can be considered in the light of a future and personalized vaccinology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Present and Future Vaccinations: Current Strategies and New Perspectives in the Fight against Infectious Diseases)
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11 pages, 537 KiB  
Article
Higher COVID-19 Vaccination Rates Are Associated with Lower COVID-19 Mortality: A Global Analysis
by Ilir Hoxha, Riaz Agahi, Altina Bimbashi, Mrika Aliu, Lul Raka, Ilirjana Bajraktari, Petrit Beqiri and Lisa V. Adams
Vaccines 2023, 11(1), 74; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/vaccines11010074 - 28 Dec 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 6949
Abstract
Mass vaccination initiatives are underway worldwide, and a considerable percentage of the world’s population is now vaccinated. This study examined the association of COVID-19 deaths per 1000 cases with a fully vaccinated population. The global median deaths per 1000 cases were 15.68 (IQR [...] Read more.
Mass vaccination initiatives are underway worldwide, and a considerable percentage of the world’s population is now vaccinated. This study examined the association of COVID-19 deaths per 1000 cases with a fully vaccinated population. The global median deaths per 1000 cases were 15.68 (IQR 9.84, 25.87) after 6 months of vaccinations and 11.96 (IQR 6.08, 20.63) after 12 months. Across 164 countries, we found significant variations in vaccination levels of populations, booster doses, and mortality, with higher vaccine coverage and lower mortality in high-income countries. Several regression models were performed to test the association between vaccination and COVID-19 mortality. Control variables were used to account for confounding variables. A 10-percentage-point increase in vaccination was associated with an 18.1% decrease in mortality after 6 months (95%CI, 7.4–28.8%) and a 16.8% decrease after 12 months (95%CI, 6.9–26.7%). A 10-percentage-point increase in booster vaccination rates was associated with a 33.1% decrease in COVID-19 mortality (95%CI, 16.0–50.2%). This relationship is present in most analyses by country income groups with variations in the effect size. Efforts are needed to reduce vaccine hesitancy while ensuring suitable infrastructure and supply to enable all countries to increase their vaccination rates. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Present and Future Vaccinations: Current Strategies and New Perspectives in the Fight against Infectious Diseases)
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12 pages, 2277 KiB  
Article
A Multi-Age-Group Interrupted Time-Series Study for Evaluating the Effectiveness of National Expanded Program on Immunization on Mumps
by Chen Shi, Wen-Hui Liu, Lin Yang, Ze-Lin Yan, Li Li, Zhou-Bin Zhang and Chun-Quan Ou
Vaccines 2022, 10(10), 1587; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/vaccines10101587 - 21 Sep 2022
Viewed by 1486
Abstract
The national Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) in China has covered vaccines for measles, mumps, and rubella, among children aged 18–24 months since September 2008. However, no previous studies have quantified the effectiveness of the EPI on mumps incidence. There are methodological challenges [...] Read more.
The national Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) in China has covered vaccines for measles, mumps, and rubella, among children aged 18–24 months since September 2008. However, no previous studies have quantified the effectiveness of the EPI on mumps incidence. There are methodological challenges in assessing the effect of an intervention that targets a subpopulation but finally influences the whole population. In this study, monthly data on mumps incidence were collected in Guangzhou, China, during 2005–2019. We proposed a multi-age-group interrupted time-series design, setting the starting time of exerting effect separately for 14 different age groups. A mixed-effects quasi-Poisson regression was applied to analyze the effectiveness of the EPI on mumps incidence, after controlling for long-term and seasonal trends, and meteorological factors. The model also accounted for the first-order autocorrelation within each age group. Between-age-group correlations were expressed using the contact matrix of age groups. We found that 70,682 mumps cases were reported during 2005–2019, with an annual incidence rate of 37.91 cases per 100,000 population. The effect of EPI strengthened over time, resulting in a decrease in the incidence of mumps by 16.6% (EPI-associated excess risk% = −16.6%, 95% CI: −27.0% to −4.7%) in September 2009 to 40.1% (EPI-associated excess risk% = −40.1%, 95% CI: −46.1% to −33.3%) in September 2019. A reverse U-shape pattern was found in age-specific effect estimates, with the largest reduction of 129 cases per 100,000 population (95% CI: 14 to 1173) in those aged 4–5 years. The EPI is effective in reducing the mumps incidence in Guangzhou. The proposed modeling strategy can be applied for simultaneous assessment of the effectiveness of public health interventions across different age groups, with adequate adjustment for within- and between-group correlations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Present and Future Vaccinations: Current Strategies and New Perspectives in the Fight against Infectious Diseases)
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16 pages, 3365 KiB  
Article
CRISPR/Cas9 Editing of Duck Enteritis Virus Genome for the Construction of a Recombinant Vaccine Vector Expressing ompH Gene of Pasteurella multocida in Two Novel Insertion Sites
by Nisachon Apinda, Yongxiu Yao, Yaoyao Zhang, Vishwanatha R. A. P. Reddy, Pengxiang Chang, Venugopal Nair and Nattawooti Sthitmatee
Vaccines 2022, 10(5), 686; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/vaccines10050686 - 27 Apr 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2811
Abstract
Duck enteritis virus (DEV) and Pasteurella multocida, the causative agent of duck plague and fowl cholera, are acute contagious diseases and leading causes of morbidity and mortality in duck. The NHEJ-CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing strategy, accompanied with the Cre–Lox system, have been employed [...] Read more.
Duck enteritis virus (DEV) and Pasteurella multocida, the causative agent of duck plague and fowl cholera, are acute contagious diseases and leading causes of morbidity and mortality in duck. The NHEJ-CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing strategy, accompanied with the Cre–Lox system, have been employed in the present study to show that two new sites at UL55-LORF11 and UL44-44.5 loci in the genome of the attenuated Jansen strain of DEV can be used for the stable expression of the outer membrane protein H (ompH) gene of P. multocida that could be used as a bivalent vaccine candidate with the potential of protecting ducks simultaneously against major viral and bacterial pathogens. The two recombinant viruses, DEV-OmpH-V5-UL55-LORF11 and DEV-OmpH-V5-UL44-44.5, with the insertion of ompH-V5 gene at the UL55-LORF11 and UL44-44.5 loci respectively, showed similar growth kinetics and plaque size, compared to the wildtype virus, confirming that the insertion of the foreign gene into these did not have any detrimental effects on DEV. This is the first time the CRISPR/Cas9 system has been applied to insert a highly immunogenic gene from bacteria into the DEV genome rapidly and efficiently. This approach offers an efficient way to introduce other antigens into the DEV genome for multivalent vector. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Present and Future Vaccinations: Current Strategies and New Perspectives in the Fight against Infectious Diseases)
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8 pages, 1045 KiB  
Communication
Low Neutralizing Antibody Titers against the Mu Variant of SARS-CoV-2 in 31 BNT162b2 Vaccinated Individuals in Colombia
by Diego A. Álvarez-Díaz, Ana Luisa Muñoz, Pilar Tavera-Rodríguez, María T. Herrera-Sepúlveda, Hector Alejandro Ruiz-Moreno, Katherine Laiton-Donato, Carlos Franco-Muñoz, Dioselina Pelaez-Carvajal, Diego Cuellar, Alejandra M. Muñoz-Suarez, Marisol Galindo, Edgar J. Arias-Ramírez and Marcela Mercado-Reyes
Vaccines 2022, 10(2), 180; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/vaccines10020180 - 24 Jan 2022
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3326
Abstract
Global surveillance programs for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are showing the emergence of variants with mutations in the spike protein. Genomic and laboratory surveillance are important to determine if these variants may be more infectious or less susceptible to antiviral [...] Read more.
Global surveillance programs for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are showing the emergence of variants with mutations in the spike protein. Genomic and laboratory surveillance are important to determine if these variants may be more infectious or less susceptible to antiviral treatments and vaccine-induced antibodies. Three of the most predominant SARS-CoV-2 variants in Colombia during the epidemiological peaks of 2021 were isolated: Mu, a variant of interest; Gamma, a variant of concern; B.1.111, which lacks genetic markers associated with greater virulence. Microneutralization assays were performed by incubating 120 mean tissue culture infectious doses (TCID50) of each SARS-CoV-2 isolate with five two-fold serial dilutions of sera from 31 BNT162b2-vaccinated volunteers. The mean neutralization titer (MN50) was calculated by the Reed–Muench method. At the end of August, Mu represented 49% of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in Colombia, followed by 25% of Gamma. In contrast, B.1.111 became almost undetectable. The evaluation of neutralizing antibodies suggests that patients vaccinated with BNT162b2 generate neutralizing antibody titers against the Mu variant at significantly lower concentrations relative to B.1.111 and Gamma. This study shows the importance of continuing surveillance programs of emerging variants, as well as the need to evaluate the neutralizing antibody response induced by other vaccines. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Present and Future Vaccinations: Current Strategies and New Perspectives in the Fight against Infectious Diseases)
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18 pages, 3308 KiB  
Article
ISCOM-like Nanoparticles Formulated with Quillaja brasiliensis Saponins Are Promising Adjuvants for Seasonal Influenza Vaccines
by Mariana Rivera-Patron, María Moreno, Mariana Baz, Paulo M. Roehe, Samuel P. Cibulski and Fernando Silveira
Vaccines 2021, 9(11), 1350; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/vaccines9111350 - 18 Nov 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3342
Abstract
Vaccination is the most effective public health intervention to prevent influenza infections, which are responsible for an important burden of respiratory illnesses and deaths each year. Currently, licensed influenza vaccines are mostly split inactivated, although in order to achieve higher efficacy rates, some [...] Read more.
Vaccination is the most effective public health intervention to prevent influenza infections, which are responsible for an important burden of respiratory illnesses and deaths each year. Currently, licensed influenza vaccines are mostly split inactivated, although in order to achieve higher efficacy rates, some influenza vaccines contain adjuvants. Although split-inactivated vaccines induce mostly humoral responses, tailoring mucosal and cellular immune responses is crucial for preventing influenza infections. Quillaja brasiliensis saponin-based adjuvants, including ISCOM-like nanoparticles formulated with the QB-90 saponin fraction (IQB90), have been studied in preclinical models for more than a decade and have been demonstrated to induce strong humoral and cellular immune responses towards several viral antigens. Herein, we demonstrate that a split-inactivated IQB90 adjuvanted influenza vaccine triggered a protective immune response, stronger than that induced by a commercial unadjuvanted vaccine, when applied either by the subcutaneous or the intranasal route. Moreover, we reveal that this novel adjuvant confers up to a ten-fold dose-sparing effect, which could be crucial for pandemic preparedness. Last but not least, we assessed the role of caspase-1/11 in the generation of the immune response triggered by the IQB90 adjuvanted influenza vaccine in a mouse model and found that the cellular-mediated immune response triggered by the IQB90-Flu relies, at least in part, on a mechanism involving the casp-1/11 pathway but not the humoral response elicited by this formulation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Present and Future Vaccinations: Current Strategies and New Perspectives in the Fight against Infectious Diseases)
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11 pages, 967 KiB  
Article
Respiratory Syncytial Virus: New Challenges for Molecular Epidemiology Surveillance and Vaccination Strategy in Patients with ILI/SARI
by Fabio Tramuto, Carmelo Massimo Maida, Daniela Di Naro, Giulia Randazzo, Francesco Vitale, Vincenzo Restivo, Claudio Costantino, Emanuele Amodio, Alessandra Casuccio, Giorgio Graziano, Palmira Immordino and Walter Mazzucco
Vaccines 2021, 9(11), 1334; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/vaccines9111334 - 16 Nov 2021
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2623
Abstract
Several respiratory pathogens are responsible for influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe respiratory infections (SARI), among which human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) represents one of the most common aetiologies. We analysed the hRSV prevalence among subjects with ILI or SARI during the five influenza [...] Read more.
Several respiratory pathogens are responsible for influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe respiratory infections (SARI), among which human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) represents one of the most common aetiologies. We analysed the hRSV prevalence among subjects with ILI or SARI during the five influenza seasons before the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Sicily (Italy). Respiratory specimens from ILI outpatients and SARI inpatients were collected in the framework of the Italian Network for the Influenza Surveillance and molecularly tested for hRSV-A and hRSV-B. Overall, 8.1% of patients resulted positive for hRSV. Prevalence peaked in the age-groups <5 years old (range: 17.6–19.1%) and ≥50 years old (range: 4.8–5.1%). While the two subgroups co-circulated throughout the study period, hRSV-B was slightly predominant over hRSV-A, except for the season 2019–2020 when hRSV-A strongly prevailed (82.9%). In the community setting, the distribution of hRSV subgroups was balanced (47.8% vs. 49.7% for hRSV-A and hRSV-B, respectively), while most infections identified in the hospital setting were caused by hRSV-B (69.5%); also, this latter one was more represented among hRSV cases with underlying diseases, as well as among those who developed a respiratory complication. The molecular surveillance of hRSV infections may provide a valuable insight into the epidemiological features of ILI/SARI. Our findings add new evidence to the existing knowledge on viral aetiology of ILI and SARI in support of public health strategies and may help to define high-risk categories that could benefit from currently available and future vaccines. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Present and Future Vaccinations: Current Strategies and New Perspectives in the Fight against Infectious Diseases)
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20 pages, 2529 KiB  
Article
Long-Term Anti-Bacterial Immunity against Systemic Infection by Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Elicited by a GMMA-Based Vaccine
by Fabio Fiorino, Elena Pettini, Oliver Koeberling, Annalisa Ciabattini, Gianni Pozzi, Laura B. Martin and Donata Medaglini
Vaccines 2021, 9(5), 495; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/vaccines9050495 - 12 May 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2969
Abstract
Salmonella Typhimurium (STm) represents the most prevalent cause of invasive non-typhoidal Salmonella (iNTS) disease, and currently no licensed vaccine is available. In this work we characterized the long-term anti-bacterial immunity elicited by a STm vaccine based on Generalized Modules of Membrane Antigens (GMMA) [...] Read more.
Salmonella Typhimurium (STm) represents the most prevalent cause of invasive non-typhoidal Salmonella (iNTS) disease, and currently no licensed vaccine is available. In this work we characterized the long-term anti-bacterial immunity elicited by a STm vaccine based on Generalized Modules of Membrane Antigens (GMMA) delivering O:4,5 antigen, using a murine model of systemic infection. Subcutaneous immunization of mice with STmGMMA/Alhydrogel elicited rapid, high, and persistent antigen-specific serum IgG and IgM responses. The serum was bactericidal in vitro. O:4,5-specific IgG were also detected in fecal samples after immunization and positively correlated with IgG observed in intestinal washes. Long-lived plasma cells and O:4,5-specific memory B cells were detected in spleen and bone marrow. After systemic STm challenge, a significant reduction of bacterial load in blood, spleen, and liver, as well as a reduction of circulating neutrophils and G-CSF glycoprotein was observed in STmGMMA/Alhydrogel immunized mice compared to untreated animals. Taken together, these data support the development of a GMMA-based vaccine for prevention of iNTS disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Present and Future Vaccinations: Current Strategies and New Perspectives in the Fight against Infectious Diseases)
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17 pages, 2606 KiB  
Article
Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate Dehydrogenase Common Peptides of Listeria monocytogenes, Mycobacterium marinum and Streptococcus pneumoniae as Universal Vaccines
by David Salcines-Cuevas, Hector Terán-Navarro, Ricardo Calderón-Gonzalez, Paula Torres-Rodriguez, Raquel Tobes, Manuel Fresno, Jorge Calvo-Montes, I. Concepción Pérez Del Molino-Bernal, Sonsoles Yañez-Diaz and Carmen Alvarez-Dominguez
Vaccines 2021, 9(3), 269; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/vaccines9030269 - 17 Mar 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2428
Abstract
Universal vaccines can be prepared with antigens common to different pathogens. In this regard, the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) is a common virulence factor among pathogenic bacteria of the genera Listeria, Mycobacterium and Streptococcus. Their N-terminal 22 amino acid peptides, GAPDH-L1 (Listeria), [...] Read more.
Universal vaccines can be prepared with antigens common to different pathogens. In this regard, the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) is a common virulence factor among pathogenic bacteria of the genera Listeria, Mycobacterium and Streptococcus. Their N-terminal 22 amino acid peptides, GAPDH-L1 (Listeria), GAPDH-M1 (Mycobacterium) and GAPDH-S1 (Streptococcus), share 95–98.55% sequence homology, biochemical and MHC binding abilities and, therefore, are good candidates for universal vaccine designs. Here, we used dendritic cells (DC) as vaccine platforms to test GAPDH epitopes that conferred protection against Listeria monocytogenes, Mycobacterium marinum or Streptococcus pneumoniae in our search of epitopes for universal vaccines. DC loaded with GAPDH-L1, GAPDH-M1 or GAPDH-S1 peptides show high immunogenicity measured by the cellular DTH responses in mice, lacked toxicity and were capable of cross-protection immunity against mice infections with each one of the pathogens. Vaccine efficiency correlated with high titers of anti-GAPDH-L1 antibodies in sera of vaccinated mice, a Th1 cytokine pattern and high frequencies of GAPDH-L1-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and IFN-γ producers in the spleens. We concluded that GAPDH-L1 peptide was the best epitope for universal vaccines in the Listeria, Mycobacterium or Streptococcus taxonomic groups, whose pathogenic strains caused relevant morbidities in adults and especially in the elderly. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Present and Future Vaccinations: Current Strategies and New Perspectives in the Fight against Infectious Diseases)
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Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research, Other

18 pages, 1162 KiB  
Review
Indirect Dispersion of SARS-CoV-2 Live-Attenuated Vaccine and Its Contribution to Herd Immunity
by Ursino Pacheco-García and Jeanet Serafín-López
Vaccines 2023, 11(3), 655; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/vaccines11030655 - 14 Mar 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2329
Abstract
It has been 34 months since the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pandemic, which causes the COVID-19 disease. In several countries, immunization has reached a proportion near what is required to reach herd immunity. Nevertheless, infections and re-infections have been observed even in [...] Read more.
It has been 34 months since the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pandemic, which causes the COVID-19 disease. In several countries, immunization has reached a proportion near what is required to reach herd immunity. Nevertheless, infections and re-infections have been observed even in vaccinated persons. That is because protection conferred by vaccines is not entirely effective against new virus variants. It is unknown how often booster vaccines will be necessary to maintain a good level of protective immunity. Furthermore, many individuals refuse vaccination, and in developing countries, a large proportion of the population has not yet been vaccinated. Some live-attenuated vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 are being developed. Here, we analyze the indirect dispersion of a live-attenuated virus from vaccinated individuals to their contacts and the contribution that this phenomenon could have to reaching Herd Immunity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Present and Future Vaccinations: Current Strategies and New Perspectives in the Fight against Infectious Diseases)
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26 pages, 748 KiB  
Review
An Overview of Vaccine Adjuvants: Current Evidence and Future Perspectives
by Alessio Facciolà, Giuseppa Visalli, Antonio Laganà and Angela Di Pietro
Vaccines 2022, 10(5), 819; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/vaccines10050819 - 22 May 2022
Cited by 58 | Viewed by 15944
Abstract
Vaccinations are one of the most important preventive tools against infectious diseases. Over time, many different types of vaccines have been developed concerning the antigen component. Adjuvants are essential elements that increase the efficacy of vaccination practises through many different actions, especially acting [...] Read more.
Vaccinations are one of the most important preventive tools against infectious diseases. Over time, many different types of vaccines have been developed concerning the antigen component. Adjuvants are essential elements that increase the efficacy of vaccination practises through many different actions, especially acting as carriers, depots, and stimulators of immune responses. For many years, few adjuvants have been included in vaccines, with aluminium salts being the most commonly used adjuvant. However, recent research has focused its attention on many different new compounds with effective adjuvant properties and improved safety. Modern technologies such as nanotechnologies and molecular biology have forcefully entered the production processes of both antigen and adjuvant components, thereby improving vaccine efficacy. Microparticles, emulsions, and immune stimulators are currently in the spotlight for their huge potential in vaccine production. Although studies have reported some potential side effects of vaccine adjuvants such as the recently recognised ASIA syndrome, the huge worth of vaccines remains unquestionable. Indeed, the recent COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of vaccines, especially in regard to managing future potential pandemics. In this field, research into adjuvants could play a leading role in the production of increasingly effective vaccines. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Present and Future Vaccinations: Current Strategies and New Perspectives in the Fight against Infectious Diseases)
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14 pages, 1928 KiB  
Review
A Systematic Review and a Meta-Analysis of the Yellow Fever Vaccine in the Elderly Population
by Ariane de Jesus Lopes de Abreu, João Roberto Cavalcante, Letícia Wigg de Araújo Lagos, Rosângela Caetano and José Ueleres Braga
Vaccines 2022, 10(5), 711; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/vaccines10050711 - 30 Apr 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2090
Abstract
We conducted a systematic review and a meta-analysis to assess the risk of serious adverse events in the elderly after yellow fever vaccination compared to the non-elderly population. We searched multiple databases and grey literature, and we selected research without language and publication [...] Read more.
We conducted a systematic review and a meta-analysis to assess the risk of serious adverse events in the elderly after yellow fever vaccination compared to the non-elderly population. We searched multiple databases and grey literature, and we selected research without language and publication date restrictions. Studies were analyzed in a descriptive way and meta-analyzed and expressed in terms of prevalence ratio and risk ratio with a 95% confidence interval, depending on the degree of heterogeneity found. A total of 18 studies were included and 11 were meta-analyzed. The results obtained through the meta-analysis showed a risk of serious adverse events after yellow fever vaccination three times higher for the elderly when compared to the non-elderly population and five times higher for persons > 70 years. In relation to adverse event types, viscerotropic disease associated with the yellow fever vaccine had a risk that was six times higher when compared to the population < 60 years. The evidence found supports that the vaccine indication in individuals > 60 years of age should be based on a careful analysis of individual benefit-risk assessments. The results found suggest a higher risk of events for individuals > 70 years, especially for viscerotropic and neurotropic disease associated with YFV contraindicating the use of the YFV in this age group. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Present and Future Vaccinations: Current Strategies and New Perspectives in the Fight against Infectious Diseases)
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20 pages, 374 KiB  
Review
Current Take on Systemic Sclerosis Patients’ Vaccination Recommendations
by Giuseppe Murdaca, Giovanni Noberasco, Dario Olobardi, Claudio Lunardi, Matteo Maule, Lorenzo Delfino, Massimo Triggiani, Chiara Cardamone, Devis Benfaremo, Gianluca Moroncini, Angelo Vacca, Nicola Susca, Sebastiano Gangemi, Paola Quattrocchi, Laura Sticchi, Giancarlo Icardi and Andrea Orsi
Vaccines 2021, 9(12), 1426; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/vaccines9121426 - 02 Dec 2021
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3225
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic disease. The prevalence of SSc ranges from 7 to 700 cases per million worldwide. Due to multiple organ involvement and constant inflammatory state, this group of patients presents an increased risk of infectious diseases. [...] Read more.
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic disease. The prevalence of SSc ranges from 7 to 700 cases per million worldwide. Due to multiple organ involvement and constant inflammatory state, this group of patients presents an increased risk of infectious diseases. This paper aimed to gather the up-to-date evidence on vaccination strategies for patients with SSc and to be a useful tool for the prevention and management of infectious diseases. The authors conducted a scoping review in which each paragraph presents data on a specific vaccine’s safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy. The work deals with the following topics: SARS-CoV-2, seasonal influenza, S. pneumoniae, HAV, HBV, HZV, N. meningitidis, H. influenzae, HPV, and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Present and Future Vaccinations: Current Strategies and New Perspectives in the Fight against Infectious Diseases)
11 pages, 235 KiB  
Review
Prevention of Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection with Vaccines: State of the Art
by Susanna Esposito, Giulia Chiopris, Giulia Messina, Tiziana D’Alvano, Serafina Perrone and Nicola Principi
Vaccines 2021, 9(5), 523; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/vaccines9050523 - 19 May 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2730
Abstract
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common cause of congenital infection and non-genetic sensorineural hearing loss in childhood. Up to 2% of neonates, with the highest percentages found in developing countries, are congenitally infected with CMV. At birth, most of these infants are asymptomatic. [...] Read more.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common cause of congenital infection and non-genetic sensorineural hearing loss in childhood. Up to 2% of neonates, with the highest percentages found in developing countries, are congenitally infected with CMV. At birth, most of these infants are asymptomatic. However, approximately 10% have signs and symptoms of the disease, and 40–60% of symptomatic neonates will later develop permanent neurologic sequelae. To reduce congenital CMV (cCMV) infection, a vaccine able to prevent primary infection is essential. In this narrative review, actual ongoing research about the development of a CMV vaccine is discussed. The progressive increase in knowledge on the ways in which the host’s immune system and CMV relate has made it possible to clarify that the development of a vaccine that is certainly capable of reducing the risk of cCMV infection, and preventing both primary and nonprimary infections is extremely difficult. Many of the ways in which the virus evades the immune system and causes cCMV infection are not yet fully understood, especially in cases of nonprimary infection. Moreover, the schedule that should be recommended and that subjects must be vaccinated to obtain the greatest effect have not been precisely defined. Further studies are needed before the problem of cCMV infection and its related challenges can be totally solved. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Present and Future Vaccinations: Current Strategies and New Perspectives in the Fight against Infectious Diseases)

Other

12 pages, 7313 KiB  
Systematic Review
Adult Hepatitis B Virus Vaccination Coverage in China from 2011 to 2021: A Systematic Review
by Xinxin Bai, Lu Chen, Xinyao Liu, Yujia Tong, Lu Wang, Minru Zhou, Yanming Li and Guangyu Hu
Vaccines 2022, 10(6), 900; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/vaccines10060900 - 06 Jun 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2186
Abstract
Background: The most effective way to prevent hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is vaccination. Synthesized data on vaccination coverage in adults against hepatitis B in China are scarce. We aimed to estimate the hepatitis B vaccination rate in adults in China. Methods: We [...] Read more.
Background: The most effective way to prevent hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is vaccination. Synthesized data on vaccination coverage in adults against hepatitis B in China are scarce. We aimed to estimate the hepatitis B vaccination rate in adults in China. Methods: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang, and Sinomed databases for observational studies published between 1 January 2011 and 1 October 2021. Data were extracted using a standardized form to estimate the pooled vaccination coverage rate and 95% confidence intervals (CI) based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Subgroup analysis was employed to explore heterogeneity. This study is registered in PROSPERO, CRD42021293175. Results: We identified 5128 records, of which 21 articles that included 34,6571 adults. The pooled coverage rate and 95% confidence intervals were 26.27% and 22.73–29.82%, respectively. The pooled coverage rates were 22.06% (95% CI: 15.35–28.78%), 33.81% (95% CI: 28.77–38.85%) and 23.50% (95% CI: 17.37–29.64%) in eastern China, central China and western China, respectively. Furthermore, males had a pooled hepatitis B vaccination coverage rate of 23.47% (95% CI: 15.61–31.33%), whereas, in females, the coverage rate was 26.60% (95% CI: 18.73–34.47%). The pooled hepatitis B vaccination coverage rate in the age group younger than 40 years was 36.93% (95% CI: 28.35–45.50%), while in the ≥40-year-old group, the pooled hepatitis B vaccination coverage rate was 17.09% (95% CI: 10.18–24.00%). The pooled hepatitis B vaccination coverage rate in urban areas (40.29%, 95% CI: 20.91–59.67%) was higher than in rural areas (16.54%, 95% CI: 7.80–25.29%). The average weighted, pooled hepatitis B vaccination coverage rate was 26.53% (20.25–32.81%) in 2011–2015 and 26.12% (22.04–30.20%) in 2016–2021. Conclusions: This systematic review provides the hepatitis B vaccination coverage rate of adults in China (26.27%). The low prevalence of vaccine-mediated immunity among adults in China underscores the urgent need for targeted immunization strategies for vulnerable Chinese adults to ensure progress toward the target of eliminating hepatitis B by 2030. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Present and Future Vaccinations: Current Strategies and New Perspectives in the Fight against Infectious Diseases)
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