Vaccinology of Influenza Infection

A special issue of Vaccines (ISSN 2076-393X). This special issue belongs to the section "Influenza Virus Vaccines".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2021) | Viewed by 32844

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO), University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N5E3, Canada
Interests: virus; vaccine; foreign animal disease; Rift Valley fever; zoonotic; Nipah; Ebola; diagnostics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Despite decades of research on influenza, highly efficacious vaccines are not always available. This has been an intense area of research. For example, as human vaccines are reformulated every year and carry a risk of mismatch, the creation of a universal influenza vaccine is highly desirable. Population studies continue to measure influenza vaccine efficacy in different target populations and may highlight areas that require improvement, such as vaccination in the elderly or in specific ethnic groups. In the last decade, vaccine uptake has also been a profound issue around the world, and it will be important to identify specific reasons that contribute to the choice not to vaccinate and to address these reasons. Articles related to avian influenza vaccines, improvements to vaccine production, animal/human models of influenza, and delivery methods are welcome in this Special Issue.

Dr. Andrea Kroeker
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • vaccines
  • influenza
  • avian influenza

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 968 KiB  
Article
Adjuvanted Influenza Vaccines Elicits Higher Antibody Responses against the A(H3N2) Subtype than Non-Adjuvanted Vaccines
by Laura Sánchez de Prada, Iván Sanz Muñoz, Javier Castrodeza Sanz, Raúl Ortiz de Lejarazu Leonardo and José María Eiros Bouza
Vaccines 2020, 8(4), 704; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines8040704 - 25 Nov 2020
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2006
Abstract
Background: vaccination is the best approach to prevent influenza infections so far. Serological studies on the effect of different vaccine types are important to address vaccination campaigns and protect our population. In our study, we compared the serological response against influenza A subtypes [...] Read more.
Background: vaccination is the best approach to prevent influenza infections so far. Serological studies on the effect of different vaccine types are important to address vaccination campaigns and protect our population. In our study, we compared the serological response against influenza A subtypes using the non-adjuvanted influenza vaccine (NAIV) in adults and the elderly and the adjuvanted influenza vaccine (AIV) in the elderly. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis by hemagglutination inhibition assay (HI) of serum samples right before and 28 days after seasonal influenza vaccination during the 1996–2017 seasons. Conclusions: The AIV presents better performance against the A(H3N2) subtype in the elderly whereas the NAIV induces a better response against A(H1N1)pdm09 in the same group. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccinology of Influenza Infection)
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15 pages, 2787 KiB  
Article
Combined Exercise Training and l-Glutamine Supplementation Enhances Both Humoral and Cellular Immune Responses after Influenza Virus Vaccination in Elderly Subjects
by Fernanda R. Monteiro, Tamaris Roseira, Jonatas B. Amaral, Vitória Paixão, Ewin B. Almeida, Roberta Foster, Adriane Sperandio, Marcelo Rossi, Gislene R. Amirato, Juliana S. Apostólico, Carlos A. F. Santos, Eduardo S. Felismino, Fabyano B. Leal, Luciano M. Thomazelli, Edison L. Durigon, Danielle B. L. Oliveira, Rodolfo P. Vieira, Juliana M. B. Santos and André L. L. Bachi
Vaccines 2020, 8(4), 685; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines8040685 - 16 Nov 2020
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3130
Abstract
Background: Since aging affects the immune responses against vaccination, the present study evaluated the effects of L-glutamine (Gln) supplementation in the humoral and cellular immune responses in elderly subjects, practitioners or not, of physical exercise training. Methods: Eighty-four elderly people (aged 72.6 ± [...] Read more.
Background: Since aging affects the immune responses against vaccination, the present study evaluated the effects of L-glutamine (Gln) supplementation in the humoral and cellular immune responses in elderly subjects, practitioners or not, of physical exercise training. Methods: Eighty-four elderly people (aged 72.6 ± 6.1), non-practitioners (NP, n = 31), and practitioners of combined-exercise training (CET, n = 53) were submitted to Influenza virus vaccination and supplemented with Gln (0.3 g/kg of weight + 10 g of maltodextrin, groups: NP-Gln (n = 14), and CET-Gln (n = 26)), or placebo (10 g of maltodextrin, groups: NP-PL (n = 17), and CET-PL (n = 27)). Blood samples were collected pre (baseline) and 30 days post-vaccination and supplementation. Results: Comparing with the baseline values, whereas the NP-Gln and CET-PL groups showed higher specific-IgM levels, the CET-Gln group showed higher specific-IgM and IgA levels post-vaccination. The titer rate of hemagglutination inhibition was higher in the CET-Gln, NP-PL, and NP-Gln groups post-vaccination than baseline values. The absolute number of naive and effector CD4+ T cells was higher especially in the NP-Gln and CET-Gln groups, whilst activated CD4+ T cells were higher in CET subgroups post-vaccination. Conclusion: Our results showed that both l-glutamine supplementation and combined-exercise training can improve the immune responses to the Influenza virus vaccine in elderly subjects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccinology of Influenza Infection)
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18 pages, 3520 KiB  
Article
Lipid Nanoparticle Acts as a Potential Adjuvant for Influenza Split Vaccine without Inducing Inflammatory Responses
by Seiki Shirai, Atsushi Kawai, Meito Shibuya, Lisa Munakata, Daiki Omata, Ryo Suzuki and Yasuo Yoshioka
Vaccines 2020, 8(3), 433; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines8030433 - 3 Aug 2020
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 5311
Abstract
Vaccination is a critical and reliable strategy for controlling the spread of influenza viruses in populations. Conventional seasonal split vaccines (SVs) for influenza evoke weaker immune responses than other types of vaccines, such as inactivated whole-virion vaccines, although SVs are highly safe compared [...] Read more.
Vaccination is a critical and reliable strategy for controlling the spread of influenza viruses in populations. Conventional seasonal split vaccines (SVs) for influenza evoke weaker immune responses than other types of vaccines, such as inactivated whole-virion vaccines, although SVs are highly safe compared to other types. Here, we assessed the potential of the lipid nanoparticle (LNP) we developed as an adjuvant for conventional influenza SV as an antigen in mice. The LNP did not induce the production of cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-12 p40 by dendritic cells or the expression of co-stimulatory molecules on these cells in vitro. In contrast, an SV adjuvanted with LNP improved SV-specific IgG1 and IgG2 responses and the Th1 response compared to the SV alone in mice. In addition, SV adjuvanted with an LNP gave superior protection against the influenza virus challenge over the SV alone and was as effective as SV adjuvanted with aluminum salts in mice. The LNP did not provoke inflammatory responses such as inflammatory cytokine production and inflammatory immune cell infiltration in mice, whereas aluminum salts induced inflammatory responses. These results suggest the potential of the LNP as an adjuvant without inflammatory responses for influenza SVs. Our strategy should be useful for developing influenza vaccines with enhanced efficacy and safety. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccinology of Influenza Infection)
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15 pages, 3471 KiB  
Article
Use of PELC/CpG Adjuvant for Intranasal Immunization with Recombinant Hemagglutinin to Develop H7N9 Mucosal Vaccine
by Ting-Hsuan Chen, Chung-Chu Chen, Ming-Hsi Huang, Chung-Hsiung Huang, Jia-Tsrong Jan and Suh-Chin Wu
Vaccines 2020, 8(2), 240; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines8020240 - 21 May 2020
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3278
Abstract
Human infections with H7N9 avian influenza A virus can result in severe diseases with high mortality. Developing an effective vaccine is urgently needed to prevent its pandemic potential. Vaccine delivery routes via mucosal surfaces are known to elicit mucosal immune responses such as [...] Read more.
Human infections with H7N9 avian influenza A virus can result in severe diseases with high mortality. Developing an effective vaccine is urgently needed to prevent its pandemic potential. Vaccine delivery routes via mucosal surfaces are known to elicit mucosal immune responses such as secretory IgA antibodies in mucosal fluids, thus providing first-line protection at infection sites. PEG-b-PLACL (PELC) is a squalene-based oil-in-water emulsion adjuvant system that can enhance antigen penetration and uptake in nasal mucosal layers with enhanced mucin interactions. In this study, intranasal immunizations with recombinant H7 (rH7) proteins with a PELC/CpG adjuvant, as compared to the use of poly (I:C) or bacterial flagellin adjuvant, elicited higher titers of H7-specific IgG, IgA, hemagglutination inhibition, and neutralizing antibodies in sera, and increased numbers of H7-specific IgG- and IgA-antibody secreting cells in the spleen. Both PELC/CpG and poly (I:C) adjuvants at a dose as low as 5 μg HA provided an 80% survival rate against live virus challenges, but a lower degree of PELC/CpG-induced Th17 responses was observed. Therefore, the mucosal delivery of rH7 proteins formulated in a PELC/CpG adjuvant can be used for H7N9 mucosal vaccine development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccinology of Influenza Infection)
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Review

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21 pages, 1343 KiB  
Review
The Power of First Impressions: Can Influenza Imprinting during Infancy Inform Vaccine Design?
by Melissa Rioux, Mara McNeil, Magen E. Francis, Nicholas Dawe, Mary Foley, Joanne M. Langley and Alyson A. Kelvin
Vaccines 2020, 8(3), 546; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines8030546 - 19 Sep 2020
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 7231
Abstract
Influenza virus infection causes severe respiratory illness in people worldwide, disproportionately affecting infants. The immature respiratory tract coupled with the developing immune system, and lack of previous exposure to the virus is thought to synergistically play a role in the increased disease severity [...] Read more.
Influenza virus infection causes severe respiratory illness in people worldwide, disproportionately affecting infants. The immature respiratory tract coupled with the developing immune system, and lack of previous exposure to the virus is thought to synergistically play a role in the increased disease severity in younger age groups. No influenza vaccines are available for those under six months, although maternal influenza immunization is recommended. In children aged six months to two years, vaccine immunogenicity is dampened compared to older children and adults. Unlike older children and adults, the infant immune system has fewer antigen-presenting cells and soluble immune factors. Paradoxically, we know that a person’s first infection with the influenza virus during infancy or childhood leads to the establishment of life-long immunity toward that particular virus strain. This is called influenza imprinting. We contend that by understanding the influenza imprinting event in the context of the infant immune system, we will be able to design more effective influenza vaccines for both infants and adults. Working through the lens of imprinting, using infant influenza animal models such as mice and ferrets which have proven useful for infant immunity studies, we will gain a better understanding of imprinting and its implications regarding vaccine design. This review examines literature regarding infant immune and respiratory development, current vaccine strategies, and highlights the importance of research into the imprinting event in infant animal models to develop more effective and protective vaccines for all including young children. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccinology of Influenza Infection)
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17 pages, 973 KiB  
Review
Influenza Neuraminidase: A Neglected Protein and Its Potential for a Better Influenza Vaccine
by Luca T. Giurgea, David M. Morens, Jeffery K. Taubenberger and Matthew J. Memoli
Vaccines 2020, 8(3), 409; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines8030409 - 23 Jul 2020
Cited by 32 | Viewed by 6758
Abstract
Neuraminidase (NA) is an influenza surface protein that helps to free viruses from mucin-associated decoy receptors and to facilitate budding from infected cells. Experiments have demonstrated that anti-NA antibodies protect animals against lethal influenza challenge by numerous strains, while decreasing pulmonary viral titers, [...] Read more.
Neuraminidase (NA) is an influenza surface protein that helps to free viruses from mucin-associated decoy receptors and to facilitate budding from infected cells. Experiments have demonstrated that anti-NA antibodies protect animals against lethal influenza challenge by numerous strains, while decreasing pulmonary viral titers, symptoms, and lung lesions. Studies in humans during the influenza A/H3N2 pandemic and in healthy volunteers challenged with influenza A/H1N1 showed that anti-NA immunity reduced symptoms, nasopharyngeal viral shedding, and infection rates. Despite the benefits of anti-NA immunity, current vaccines focus on immunity against hemagglutinin and are not standardized to NA content leading to limited and variable NA immunogenicity. Purified NA has been shown to be safe and immunogenic in humans. Supplementing current vaccines with NA may be a simple strategy to improve suboptimal effectiveness. Immunity against NA is likely to be an important component of future universal influenza vaccines. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccinology of Influenza Infection)
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13 pages, 1139 KiB  
Review
Impact of Influenza Vaccination on All-Cause Mortality and Hospitalization for Pneumonia in Adults and the Elderly with Diabetes: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies
by Angela Bechini, Alessandra Ninci, Marco Del Riccio, Ilaria Biondi, Jacopo Bianchi, Paolo Bonanni, Edoardo Mannucci and Matteo Monami
Vaccines 2020, 8(2), 263; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines8020263 - 30 May 2020
Cited by 29 | Viewed by 4476
Abstract
Diabetes is a chronic condition that can be worsened by complications such as seasonal influenza virus infections. The aim of the present meta-analysis is the systematic retrieval and analysis of all available evidence on the effects of an influenza vaccine on diabetic patients. [...] Read more.
Diabetes is a chronic condition that can be worsened by complications such as seasonal influenza virus infections. The aim of the present meta-analysis is the systematic retrieval and analysis of all available evidence on the effects of an influenza vaccine on diabetic patients. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis by searching MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane databases from inception until April 2019. We included all types of studies reporting on the effectiveness of influenza vaccination in adult and elderly patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to assess risk of bias, the GRADE methodology was used to assess the evidence for each outcome. A total of 2261 studies were identified, of those, 6 studies completely fulfilled the inclusion criteria. In the 6 studies included in the analysis, influenza vaccination was associated with a lower mortality rate (Mantel Haenszel Odds Ratio (MH-OR), 95% CI: 0.54 (0.40; 0.74), p < 0.001). Patients who received influenza vaccination showed a lower risk of hospitalization for pneumonia (MH-OR, 95% CI: 0.89; (0.80; 0.98), p = 0.18). A sensitivity analysis using fixed effect model confirmed the results (MH-OR, 95% CI: 0.91; (0.87; 0.96); p = 0.001). The results of this meta-analysis are clinically relevant and support the recommendation for all persons with diabetes to receive influenza vaccination. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccinology of Influenza Infection)
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