Search

Primary varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection can cause varicella (chicken pox), which is generally a mild, self-limiting disease; however, VZV infection can also rarely lead to serious complications, such as [...]

From early 2013 through October 2017, a total of 5 outbreaks of avian influenza A(H7N9) virus infection occurred, resulting in 616 human deaths (1). In particular, the fifth wave of [...]

Live recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) expressing the Ebola virus (EBOV) glycoprotein (VSV[DELTA]G/EBOVGP) was evaluated during 2014-2015 as a vaccine to limit the effects of EBOV disease (1). Because of [...]

Diverse coronaviruses The repeated emergence of different pathogenic human coronaviruses over the past 20 years has highlighted the impact of these viruses on public health and the need for a [...], The increasing frequency of pathogenic coronaviruses in the human population has raised public health concerns about possible future pandemics. It is critical to understand whether immune responses to the current circulating coronaviruses provide protection against related viruses or those that may emerge in the future. In this issue of the JCI, Dangi, Palacio, and co-authors detail the extent of coronavirus cross-protection following both vaccination and natural infection and ultimately used murine models to highlight the mechanism behind this heterotypic immunity. This study provides insight into the possibility of a pan-coronavirus vaccine that could protect humans against future coronavirus outbreaks.

The RV144 HIV-vaccine trial, which used ALVAC-HIV and AIDSVAX HIV gp120, clade B and E proteins formulated in alum, resulted in limited but significant (P = 0.04) protection from HIV [...], A recombinant vaccine containing Aventis Pasteur's canarypox vector (ALVAC)-HIV and gp120 alum decreased the risk of HIV acquisition in the RV144 vaccine trial. The substitution of alum with the more immunogenic MF59 adjuvant is under consideration for the next efficacy human trial. We found here that an ALVAC-simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) and gp120 alum (ALVAC-SIV + gp120) equivalent vaccine, but not an ALVAC-SIV + gp120 MF59 vaccine, was efficacious in delaying the onset of [SIV.sub.mac251] in rhesus macaques, despite the higher immunogenicity of the latter adjuvant. Vaccine efficacy was associated with alum-induced, but not with MF59-induced, envelope (Env)-dependent mucosal innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) that produce interleukin (IL)-17, as well as with mucosal IgG to the gp120 variable region 2 (V2) and the expression of 12 genes, ten of which are part of the RAS pathway. The association between RAS activation and vaccine efficacy was also observed in an independent efficacious SIV-vaccine approach. Whether RAS activation, mucosal ILCs and antibodies to V2 are also important hallmarks of HIV-vaccine efficacy in humans will require further studies.

Author(s): David Cyranoski, Smriti Mallapaty Author Affiliations: Scientists relieved as coronavirus vaccine trial restarts -- but question lack of transparency The UK trial of a coronavirus vaccine candidate developed by [...], UK trials of the Oxford and AstraZeneca vaccine have resumed after a brief pause, yet key details of the events involved have not been released. Relief as coronavirus vaccine trial restarts -- but transparency concerns remain UK trials of the Oxford and AstraZeneca vaccine have resumed after a brief pause, yet key details of the events involved have not been released.

OA18.02 P. Goepfert (1); K. Mngadi (2); Z. Moodie (3); N. Grunenberg (3); J.J. Kee (3); K. Seaton (4); G. Tomaras (4); E. Andersen-Nissen (5); O. Dintwe (5); F. Laher [...], Background: The partially efficacious RV144 HIV-1 vaccine trial utilized a gp120 protein boost adjuvanted with alum, whereas the non-efficacious HVTN 702 preventive HIV vaccine utilized a gp120 protein boost adjuvanted with MF59. We compared Env-specific IgG and IgA responses in HVTN 107, a phase 1/2a partially double-blinded clinica trial, utilizing a Clade C ALVAC-HIV prime and 100 mcg gp120 protein boost adjuvanted with alum or MF59 vs. a protein-only boost. Methods: We randomized 132 participants into 4 groups and analyzed Env-specific IgG and IgA binding antibodies at Months 6.5 and 12 (NCT03284710). Results: Robust IgG (96.3% to 100%) and IgA (92% to 93%) responses were seen for all trial arms at the month 6.5 timepoint to gp120 Env proteins contained in the vaccine regimen (ZM96, TV1.C and 1086.C). Compared to all other trial arms, T3 (MF59-adjuvanted co-administration) exhibited significantly greater response rates and magnitudes to vaccine-matched Env proteins at the month 12 time-point. Comparable IgG response rates and magnitudes to vaccine-matched Env proteins were observed between the alum and MF59 prime-boost trial arms. Compared to other groups, T3 exhibited significantly higher IgG response rates to V1V2 panel antigens gp70_B.CaseA_V1V2 (83% vs. 18%-48%, p Conclusions: Env-specific antibody response rates between Alum and MF59-adjuvanted vaccine regimens were similar, including V1V2 IgG response rates that correlated with decreased HIV risk in RV144. On the other hand, co-administration of ALVAC-HIV with gp120 in MF59 induced the highest antibody response rates and magnitudes. Additional studies of vaccine-elicited antibody specificity and function will inform adjuvant-specific induction of potentially protective humoral immune responses.

I AM FORTUNATE to inhabit a slice of Manhattan resting between two of the world's great urban greenspaces: Central Park and its lesser-known counterpart on the Hudson. I tend to [...]

To the Editor: After the substantial decrease in acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in children caused by rotavirus after introduction of 2 rotavirus vaccines (1), norovirus has become the leading cause of [...]

Planners of HIV vaccine trials in developing countries should consider the ethical and social issues of the host country and the behavioral practices of its population. Host countries should be selected in consultation with country scientists and government officials. Subject selection should adequately represent the proportion of women and local minorities in the population. Public education and behavior modification counseling should be conducted even if it may alter the effectiveness of the vaccine. Informed consent must be obtained from all subjects and compensation must not be excessive so that people are coerced into participating in the trial. All materials, measurements and interventions must be sensitive to local and cultural customs. Confidentiality must be maintained to avoid discrimination against volunteers because of their participation. Effective vaccines should be made available free of charge or at reduced prices to the host country., Issue.--Several investigators are preparing to conduct efficacy trials of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) vaccines in the developing world. Failure to adequately address the unique ethical, behavioral, and social issues that surround vaccine testing in that setting will jeopardize the success of these trials and future acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) research in the host nation. Description of the Project.--Twelve investigators from Africa, Asia, North America, and South America reviewed previous experience with HIV trials in developing countries and explored potential solutions to these issues. Conclusions.--Host country scientists, government officials, and media must be actively involved in all aspects of the trials. Minimum prerequisites for conducting the trial include the following: (1) researching vaccines active against developing world HIV isolates; (2) establishing and maintaining an adequate technological infrastructure; (3) assessing the feasibility of recruitment in countries where the existence of HIV may be denied; (4) designing methods to obtain informed consent from each individual subject, rather than exclusively from family members or community elders; (5) creating locally appropriate instruments to measure risk behavior; (6) identifying a behavioral intervention for placebo and treatment groups; (7) making available laboratory methods to distinguish between natural HIV infection and vaccine-induced seropositivity; and (8) guaranteeing that an effective vaccine is available free of charge to the placebo group and at affordable prices to other host country residents.

Author(s): Ewen Callaway Author Affiliations: Coronavirus vaccines: five key questions as trials begin Trials of a potential vaccine against the COVID-19 coronavirus began this week. [see PDF for image] Credit: [...], Some experts warn that accelerated testing will involve some risky trade-offs. Some experts warn that accelerated testing will involve some risky trade-offs.