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Vaccines
Special Issues
Vaccines and Antibody-Based Therapeutics Against Infectious Disease
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Vaccines and Antibody-Based Therapeutics Against Infectious Disease

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2025 | Viewed by 6161

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Suman Kundu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
Interests: infectious disease; host immune response; vaccine and diagnostics development; targeting cellular signal molecules; transcription factors; immune regulation and immunotherapeutics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Infectious diseases remain a global challenge due to their continual resurgence and persistence, impacting humans and agriculture. It is important to prevent these diseases and epidemics. Although there have been recent advances in preventive therapeutics, there is still a need to develop vaccines and antibody-based therapeutic disease interventions. New approaches are needed, whether prophylactic or therapeutic, to advance the field and achieve better outcomes.

This Special Issue aims to update advances in vaccine and antibody-based therapies. The collection will address current research and the development of new technologies and welcomes review and original research articles focusing on new horizons of immunity and therapy against infectious diseases that emphasize preclinical and clinical vaccines, antibody-based prophylaxis, and treatment regimens.

Dr. Suman Kundu
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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

  • infectious disease
  • vaccine
  • antibody
  • therapy
  • agriculture
  • protection

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

16 pages, 1816 KB  
Article
Active and Passive Immunization of Pan-Fungal Vaccine NXT-2 Reduces Morbidity and Mortality in an Immunosuppressed Murine Model of Candida auris Systemic Infection
by Kwadwo O. Oworae, Emily Rayens, Taylor I. Chapman, Daniel A. Wychrij, Lizabeth Buzzelli, Whitney Rabacal and Karen A. Norris
Vaccines 2025, 13(10), 1033; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13101033 - 7 Oct 2025
Viewed by 398
Abstract
Background: Candida auris has emerged as a significant public health threat causing life-threatening systemic infections. Of particular concern is the frequency of multidrug resistance, high transmissibility, and persistence in the environment; thus, there is a need for novel strategies to prevent and treat [...] Read more.
Background: Candida auris has emerged as a significant public health threat causing life-threatening systemic infections. Of particular concern is the frequency of multidrug resistance, high transmissibility, and persistence in the environment; thus, there is a need for novel strategies to prevent and treat this infection. We previously generated a “pan-fungal” vaccine candidate, NXT-2, which induces protective immunity against several invasive fungal infections. Methods: In this study, we investigated the efficacy of NXT-2 immunization against systemic C. auris infection in an immunosuppressed murine model and investigated the possible mechanisms by which NXT-2 protection is mediated in vitro. Results: Active immunization afforded significant improvement in survival and reduced morbidity in neutropenic mice challenged intravenously with C. auris compared to controls (48.4% vs. 13.8%). To assess humoral immunity in promoting protection, passive immunization with NXT-2-specific IgG to neutropenic mice prior to the challenge with C. auris resulted in significantly higher survival (42% vs. 0%) and low morbidity compared to controls. Sera from NXT-2-immunized animals inhibited biofilm formation and enhanced opsonophagocytic killing of multiple C. auris clades in vitro. Conclusions: These findings show that immunization with NXT-2 improves survival in C. auris infection and that NXT-2 antibodies promote antifungal activity in vitro and in vivo. These results extend the range of the pan-fungal NXT-2 vaccine to include protection against systemic C. auris-mediated infection and provide a rationale for the development of NXT-2 monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of C. auris infections. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccines and Antibody-Based Therapeutics Against Infectious Disease)
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21 pages, 2156 KB  
Article
Advancing Pyrogen Testing for Vaccines with Inherent Pyrogenicity: Development of a Novel Reporter Cell-Based Monocyte Activation Test (MAT)
by Sijia Yi, Jenny Xu, Liping Song, Frank Celeste, Christopher J. Wang and Melissa C. Whiteman
Vaccines 2025, 13(10), 1009; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13101009 - 26 Sep 2025
Viewed by 757
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Pyrogens, fever-inducing substances from biological or environmental sources, are recognized by Toll-like receptors (TLRs) predominantly expressed by human monocytes and represent a critical quality attribute (CQA) for pharmaceutical safety. The rabbit pyrogen test (RPT), widely used for pyrogen assessment, suffers from high [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Pyrogens, fever-inducing substances from biological or environmental sources, are recognized by Toll-like receptors (TLRs) predominantly expressed by human monocytes and represent a critical quality attribute (CQA) for pharmaceutical safety. The rabbit pyrogen test (RPT), widely used for pyrogen assessment, suffers from high variability, limited accuracy, and poor reproducibility, particularly for vaccines containing inherent pyrogens such as outer membrane protein complex (OMPC)-based vaccines. Existing in vitro alternatives using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) are challenged by donor-to-donor variability and the operational complexity of ELISA readouts. To support the 3Rs (Refinement, Reduction, Replacement) and provide a more reliable quality control (QC) method, we developed a reporter cell–based monocyte activation test (MAT) suitable for release testing. Methods: We screened human monocytic reporter cell lines engineered with NFκB-responsive promoter elements driving a luminescent reporter. Reporter cells were treated with diverse endotoxin and non-endotoxin pyrogens and luminescence was quantified after stimulation. Selected THP-1-derived reporter cells were used to develop an MAT for OMPC. Assay performance was evaluated following validation guidelines: linearity, accuracy, precision, analytical range (relative to a reference lot), and robustness under deliberate parameter variations. Results: The THP-1 reporter cells could detect a wide range of pyrogens via simple luminescence readouts. For OMPC testing, the MAT demonstrated strong linearity (R2 ≥ 0.99), accuracy with relative bias within ±10.3%, and high precision (overall %RSD ≤ 6.9%) across the 25–300% range. Deliberate variations in assay parameters did not materially affect performance, indicating robustness appropriate for routine release testing. Conclusions: The implementation of reporter cell-based MAT assays enhances consistency, reliability, and efficiency in evaluating the pyrogenicity and safety of drug products, supporting global initiatives to minimize animal testing while ensuring regulatory compliance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccines and Antibody-Based Therapeutics Against Infectious Disease)
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19 pages, 7196 KB  
Article
Preclinical Immunogenicity Evaluation of a DTacP-sIPV/Hib Combination Vaccine in Rodent Models Under Varying Formulations and Immunization Schedules
by Yixian Fu, Wei Huang, Lukui Cai, Yan Ma, Qin Gu, Qiuyan Ji, Jingyan Li, Na Gao, Xiaoyu Wang, Guang Ji, Jiana Wen, Wenzhu Hu, Hongwei Liao, Ling Ping, Yuting Fu, Guoyang Liao, Lujie Yang, Shengjie Ouyang, Mingqing Wang, Xiaoyue He, Han Chu, Wenlu Kong, Xinhua Qin, Huimei Zheng, Jiangli Liang, Ting Zhao and Jingsi Yangadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Vaccines 2025, 13(10), 993; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13100993 - 23 Sep 2025
Viewed by 375
Abstract
Background: Combination vaccines protecting against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, and Haemophilus influenzae type b reduce injection burden and improve compliance. While widely used globally, no domestically produced pentavalent vaccine is currently licensed in China. Recent updates to China’s immunization schedule—including earlier initiation and [...] Read more.
Background: Combination vaccines protecting against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, and Haemophilus influenzae type b reduce injection burden and improve compliance. While widely used globally, no domestically produced pentavalent vaccine is currently licensed in China. Recent updates to China’s immunization schedule—including earlier initiation and an added booster for pertussis—highlight the need for compatible combination vaccines. This study evaluated the immunogenicity and feasibility of a novel DTacP-sIPV/Hib candidate vaccine in preclinical models. Methods: The vaccine was assessed in NIH mice and Wistar rats. Two Hib dosages were tested in mice alongside a DTacP-wIPV/Hib vaccine (Pentaxim®). In rats, two sIPV formulations (Formulations A and B) were administered using different intervals (1-month vs. 2-month) and injection methods (mixed vs. separate). Antibody titers were measured by ELISA and poliovirus neutralization assays. Results: The candidate vaccine elicited robust immune responses in both models. In mice, after three doses, the high-dose Hib group achieved >90% seroconversion for pertactin antigen, whereas the low-dose group reached 100% for all antigens. In rats, antibody responses after three doses were comparable to those induced by Pentaxim®, with no significant differences between immunization schedules or administration routes. Compared with Formulation A (containing a higher type I sIPV antigen content), Formulation B exhibited reduced type I poliovirus neutralization after the first dose (p < 0.05) and delayed seroconversion, while responses to other antigens remained similar. Conclusion: The candidate DTacP-sIPV/Hib vaccine showed robust immunogenicity and flexibility across schedules and administration methods. A formulation including DT 12.5 Lf, TT 3.5 Lf, PT 25 μg, FHA 25 μg, PRN 8 μg, PRP 10 μg, and sIPV I/II/III at 30/32/45 DU is proposed for further development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccines and Antibody-Based Therapeutics Against Infectious Disease)
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Review

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17 pages, 498 KB  
Review
Broadly Neutralizing Antibody Characteristics in Hepatitis C Virus Infection and Implications for Vaccine Design
by Nicole E. Skinner
Vaccines 2025, 13(6), 612; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13060612 - 6 Jun 2025
Viewed by 1560
Abstract
Despite the use of direct-acting antiviral medications to treat hepatitis C virus (HCV), over a million people are newly infected each year, highlighting the need for a prophylactic vaccine. Due to the remarkable genetic diversity of HCV and its many immune evasion mechanisms, [...] Read more.
Despite the use of direct-acting antiviral medications to treat hepatitis C virus (HCV), over a million people are newly infected each year, highlighting the need for a prophylactic vaccine. Due to the remarkable genetic diversity of HCV and its many immune evasion mechanisms, an effective vaccine will need to elicit broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAb). In addition to providing evidence that a prophylactic HCV vaccine is feasible, this review provides an overview of known HCV bNAb targets, common antibody sequence features associated with broad neutralization, and mechanisms of immune escape. Ongoing knowledge gaps in the field and promising future directions are also discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccines and Antibody-Based Therapeutics Against Infectious Disease)
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17 pages, 1693 KB  
Review
Host Immune Response to Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV): Insights and Strategies for Effective Vaccine Design
by Asamenew Tesfaye Melkamsew, Tesfaye Sisay Tessema and Jan Paeshuyse
Vaccines 2025, 13(5), 456; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13050456 - 25 Apr 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2322
Abstract
Bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) is caused by bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), a member of the genus Pestivirus and in the family Flaviviridae. According to some studies, the disease incurs USD 1.5–2.5 billion per year and USD 0.50 to USD 687.80 per cow [...] Read more.
Bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) is caused by bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), a member of the genus Pestivirus and in the family Flaviviridae. According to some studies, the disease incurs USD 1.5–2.5 billion per year and USD 0.50 to USD 687.80 per cow loss in beef and dairy farms, respectively. Using vaccines is among the strategies to prevent the disease. However, complete protection requires vaccines that target both the humoral and cellular immune responses of the adaptive immune system. A comprehensive literature review was made to provide insights into the interaction of BVDV with host immunity, vaccine applications, and the limitation of the currently available vaccines, as well as explore strategies used to advance the vaccines. BVDV causes immunosuppression by interfering with the innate and adaptive immune systems in a manner that is species and biotype-dependent. Interferon production, apoptosis, neutrophil activity, and antigen-processing and presenting cells are significantly affected during the viral infection. Despite maternal antibodies (MatAbs) being crucial to protect calves from early-age infection, a higher level of MatAbs are counterproductive during the immunization of calves. There are numerous inactivated or modified BVDV vaccines, most of which are made of cytopathic BVDV 1 and 2 and the BVDV 1a subgenotypes. Furthermore, subunit, marker, DNA and mRNA vaccines are made predominantly from E2, Erns, and NS3 proteins of the virus in combination with modern adjuvants, although the vaccines have not yet been licensed for use and are in the experimental stage. The existing BVDV vaccines target the humoral immune system, which never gives the full picture of protection without the involvement of the cell-mediated immune system. Several limitations were associated with conventional and next-generation vaccines that reduce BVDV vaccine efficiency. In general, providing complete protection against BVDV is very complex, which requires a multi-pronged approach to study factors affecting vaccine efficacy and strategies needed to improve vaccine efficacy and safety. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccines and Antibody-Based Therapeutics Against Infectious Disease)
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