Decoding Infection and Transmission最新文献

{"title":"Advances and challenges in the prevention, control and research of echinococcosis in China","authors":"Hongrang Zhou ,&nbsp;Xiaoling Wang ,&nbsp;Shuai Han ,&nbsp;Ning Xiao","doi":"10.1016/j.dcit.2025.100041","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dcit.2025.100041","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Echinococcosis is a group of chronic zoonotic parasitic diseases caused by the larval stage of <em>Echinococcus</em> tapeworms, which infect both humans and animals. Due to the complex life cycle, broad geographic distribution and wide range of host species of <em>Echinococcus</em>, controlling and eliminating echinococcosis remains highly challenging. Source control and the interruption of transmission pathways are critical but difficult, which always impede prevention and control efforts. Therefore, accurate detection, differentiation, diagnosis, and effective treatment, along with real-time monitoring of infections across various hosts, are essential prerequisites. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the current epidemiological status of echinococcosis, research progress, prevention and control measures, and the main challenges in efforts from control toward elimination of the disease in China, with the aim of providing reference for further optimization of present control strategies and surveillance methods.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100358,"journal":{"name":"Decoding Infection and Transmission","volume":"3 ","pages":"Article 100041"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143592791","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Recurrent cholera outbreaks in Nigeria: A review of the underlying factors and redress","authors":"Ikechukwu Emmanuel Onwunta ,&nbsp;Gerald Obinna Ozota ,&nbsp;Chizaram Adaeze Eze ,&nbsp;Izuchukwu Favour Obilom ,&nbsp;Onyeka Chinenye Okoli ,&nbsp;Cynthia Nneka Azih ,&nbsp;Christabel Ogechukwu Okoye ,&nbsp;Ebube Lilian Agbo","doi":"10.1016/j.dcit.2025.100042","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dcit.2025.100042","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cholera outbreaks remain a matter of public health since this outbreak of the epidemic is experienced almost every year. In June 2024, the African Region had registered 7964 new cases of cholera across 11 countries, and 1094 of them were from Nigeria. Although several advancements have been made towards reducing cholera outbreaks, its recurrence in 2024 highlights the challenges in its management. This study explores the underlying factors responsible for recurring cholera outbreaks in Nigeria and formulates practical recommendations for its prevention and control in the long term. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using Google Scholar and PubMed, including studies that discussed cholera outbreaks, contributing factors, and control strategies, especially in Nigeria. The implications and challenges of recurrent cholera outbreaks in Nigeria were also examined from the literature, and recommendations were given. The study identified some of the implications of these outbreaks on the country, including increased mortality rates, the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant <em>Vibrio cholerae</em> strains, and socioeconomic implications. The major challenges hindering effective cholera management were found to be vaccination uptake, late diagnosis and management, unpreparedness of the healthcare system, environmental factors and lack of government will. Mitigating these drivers of recurring outbreaks in Nigeria is crucial to creating more targeted and more efficient prevention and control measures. Recommendations have been made to combat this menace and achieve long-term eradication in Nigeria, which include enhancing the infrastructure for water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), expanding the reach of vaccinations, surveillance and rapid response systems and resolving socioeconomic and environmental factors.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100358,"journal":{"name":"Decoding Infection and Transmission","volume":"3 ","pages":"Article 100042"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143534837","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A rare case of Trichosporon inkin bloodstream infection in an immunocompetent patient: Diagnostic challenges and antigenic cross-reactivity","authors":"Yongqin Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.dcit.2025.100043","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dcit.2025.100043","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Trichosporon inkin</em> is a rare opportunistic pathogen typically associated with superficial infections but can also cause invasive infections, particularly in immunocompromised hosts. Here, we report a rare case of <em>T. inkin</em> bloodstream infection in an immunocompetent male with a history of cerebral hemorrhage surgery. The patient presented with fever, limb twitching, and brain lesions. Blood cultures revealed fungal growth, which was initially misidentified as <em>Trichosporon ovoides</em> by mass spectrometry but was later confirmed as <em>T. inkin</em> through ITS and IGS1 sequencing. The isolate exhibited low MICs for azoles and amphotericin B but high MICs for echinocandins. Notably, the patient's serum tested positive for cryptococcal antigen and <em>Aspergillus</em> galactomannan, despite the absence of clinical signs of cryptococcosis or aspergillosis. The <em>T. inkin</em> isolate expresses cryptococcal antigen but not galactomannan cross-reactive antigens when cultured in standard media. However, it expresses galactomannan cross-reactive antigens when cultured in human whole blood. This case highlights diagnostic challenges, including antigenic cross-reactivity and misidentification, and emphasizes the role of host–pathogen interactions in antigen expression. Our findings underscore the need for improved diagnostics and cautious interpretation of fungal antigen tests. This report expands the understanding of <em>T. inkin</em> infections and provides insights into their clinical management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100358,"journal":{"name":"Decoding Infection and Transmission","volume":"3 ","pages":"Article 100043"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143725178","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"WHO report signals tuberculosis resurgence: Addressing systemic failures and revamping control strategies","authors":"Bashar Haruna Gulumbe ,&nbsp;Abdulrakib Abdulrahim ,&nbsp;Shamsuddeen Kele Ahmad ,&nbsp;Kadai Alhaji Lawan ,&nbsp;Mohammed Bashar Danlami","doi":"10.1016/j.dcit.2025.100044","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dcit.2025.100044","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>According to the World Health Organization's Global Tuberculosis Report 2024, tuberculosis (TB) has resurged as the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent, overtaking Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). With 8.2 million diagnoses and 1.25 million deaths in 2023, the highest since monitoring began in 1995, this commentary analyzes factors contributing to TB's resurgence and the limitations of current control strategies. Contributing factors include the diversion of healthcare resources during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to diagnostic delays and treatment interruptions; the rise of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB), complicated by complex treatment regimens and limited diagnostic capacity; socioeconomic barriers such as poverty and overcrowding hindering access to care; and funding shortfalls impeding program implementation and research efforts. We advocate for reevaluating TB control strategies by integrating TB services into primary healthcare, leveraging digital technologies, and investing in capacity building. Addressing drug resistance requires accelerated research, improved diagnostics, and enhanced adherence programs. Essential socioeconomic interventions include poverty alleviation, community engagement, and nutritional support. Securing sustainable funding through increased domestic investment, international cooperation, and private-sector engagement is critical. Reversing TB's resurgence requires global commitment and coordinated action. Political will, robust community involvement, and global solidarity are vital. Ending the TB epidemic is both a medical and moral imperative aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Immediate and decisive action is imperative to prevent further loss of life and achieve a TB-free world.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100358,"journal":{"name":"Decoding Infection and Transmission","volume":"3 ","pages":"Article 100044"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143747676","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Genotype switching in hepatitis B virus as a potential risk for vertical transmission from mother-to-child was first reported","authors":"Li Zhang ,&nbsp;Guanyong Ou ,&nbsp;Yong Chen ,&nbsp;Jiumeng Min ,&nbsp;Yanjie Li ,&nbsp;Liuqing Yang ,&nbsp;Jiexiang Liu ,&nbsp;Lei Jiang ,&nbsp;Zitao Xie ,&nbsp;Jinmin Ma ,&nbsp;Yingxia Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.dcit.2025.100040","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dcit.2025.100040","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection represents a significant global public health concern and is endemic in numerous populations. In China, mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) remains the predominant route of HBV infection. The administration of the Hepatitis B vaccine and Hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) to neonates born to mothers with chronic HBV infection constitutes the primary strategy to mitigate the risk of perinatal transmission. Nevertheless, elevated maternal viral loads are a critical risk factor for vertical transmission of HBV, even when infants are immunized at birth and treated with HBIG.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In this study, we enrolled 32 mother-child pairs with confirmed vertical transmission of HBV. Despite antiviral therapy administered to three pregnant women, which successfully reduced their viral loads below the threshold (HBV DNA &lt;5.3 log10 IU/mL) within 24 weeks of pregnancy, their infants still contracted HBV despite receiving immunization and HBIG at birth.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Utilizing next-generation sequencing (NGS) and comprehensive HBV genomic analysis, we identified that 28 pairs (87.5 %) were infected with HBV genotype B2, three pairs (9.3 %) with genotype C1, and three pairs (9.3 %) exhibited genotype switching.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study is the first to report the phenomenon of HBV genotype switching during MTCT, with the underlying mechanisms explored through the analysis of HBV quasispecies haplotypes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100358,"journal":{"name":"Decoding Infection and Transmission","volume":"3 ","pages":"Article 100040"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143437392","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Chromosome-level genome assembly, reannotation and decoding of a Trichomonas vaginalis clinical isolate from Shiyan, Central China","authors":"Yanqing Zhao ,&nbsp;Yinjie Lian ,&nbsp;Wei Guan ,&nbsp;Peng Wu ,&nbsp;Shuguo Yang ,&nbsp;Jian Li","doi":"10.1016/j.dcit.2024.100023","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dcit.2024.100023","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div><em>Trichomonas vaginalis</em> trophozoite is a pathogen that causes trichomoniasis, the most common neglected sexually transmitted disease. The reference genome of <em>T. vaginalis</em> is derived from the G3 strain. Although many strains are widely present in China, no genomic information is available for relevant studies.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Clinical <em>T. vaginalis</em> isolates were collected, cultured and sequenced via the next-generation Illumina, SMRT DNA sequencing platform and chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C) technologies.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The present assembled TV-THS1 genome, spanning 185.45 Mb, was comprised of 934 contigs with a contig N50 length of 467.79 kb anchored to six pseudochromosomes, accounting for more than 88 % of the assembled genome (164.56 Mb). The genome included 24,691 protein-coding genes, 24,376 of which (98.72 %) were functionally interpreted. A total of 131.74 Mb (71.03 %) of the assembled sequences were identified as repetitive sequences, and 5302 corresponding genes were annotated in <em>Maverick</em> elements. Compared with the published <em>T. vaginalis</em> G3 reference genome, substantial differences have been revealed. Comparative genome analysis revealed that genes related to expansion during evolution mainly participated in cell adhesion and the biosynthesis of specialized metabolites, such as those involved in binding and catalytic activity.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>A chromosome-level reference <em>T. vaginalis</em> TV-THS1 genome was obtained, providing comprehensive insight into <em>T. vaginalis</em> evolution and the molecular mechanisms of <em>T. vaginalis</em> pathogenicity. This work offers valuable data for pathogen-host interaction analysis, clinical diagnosis, treatment and prevention of trichomoniasis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100358,"journal":{"name":"Decoding Infection and Transmission","volume":"2 ","pages":"Article 100023"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142560970","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Global, regional, and national burden of dengue, 1990–2021: Findings from the global burden of disease study 2021","authors":"Shun-Xian Zhang ,&nbsp;Guo-Bing Yang ,&nbsp;Ren-Jie Zhang ,&nbsp;Jin-Xin Zheng ,&nbsp;Jian Yang ,&nbsp;Shan Lv ,&nbsp;Lei Duan ,&nbsp;Li-Guang Tian ,&nbsp;Mu-Xin Chen ,&nbsp;Qin Liu ,&nbsp;Yu Wang ,&nbsp;Xiao-Jie Hu ,&nbsp;Ji-Chun Wang ,&nbsp;Shi-Zhu Li ,&nbsp;Xiao-Nong Zhou","doi":"10.1016/j.dcit.2024.100021","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dcit.2024.100021","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Dengue is an acute viral infectious disease caused by the dengue virus and transmitted through mosquitoes. Although numerous studies have examined the global burden of dengue, comprehensive and systematic global analyses remain limited. This study uses data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021 to systematically analyze the global epidemiological trends and disease burden of dengue from 1990 to 2021.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study utilized data from the GBD Study 2021 Study to analyze trends in the incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of dengue across 204 countries and territories, stratified by age, sex, and Socio-demographic Index (SDI) levels. In addition, a Bayesian age-period-cohort model was employed to predict the future burden of dengue. The average annual percent change (AAPC) was used to describe the overall trend in rates or counts of indicators between 1990 and 2021.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In 2021, the global ASIR of dengue was 752.04 per 100,000 population (95 % UI: 196.33–1363.35), and ASMR was 0.38 per 100,000 population (95 % UI: 0.23–0.51). From 1990 to 2021, both the ASIR (AAPC = 7.89, 95 % <em>CI</em>: 7.89–8.91) and ASMR (AAPC = 0.01, 95 % <em>CI</em>: 0.00–0.01) showed an increasing trend. Adolescents under 14 years had the highest ASIR, age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR), and age-standardized disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for dengue. By 2035, the projected ASIR of dengue is 862.23 per 100,000 population (95 % <em>CI</em>: 627.84–1096.62 per 100,000 population), the ASPR is 51.60 per 100,000 population (95 % <em>CI</em>: 37.70–65.50 per 100,000 population), and the ASMR is 0.43 per 100,000 population (95 % <em>CI</em>: 0.29–0.56 per 100,000 population). The ASIR, ASPR, ASMR, and age-standardized DALYs for dengue are expected to continue rising in the next 10 years.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The global burden of dengue is projected to continue rising in the coming years, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive control measures, including enhanced vector control, public education, vaccination, and drug development. These findings provide crucial scientific evidence for the formulation of effective public health strategies and interventions aimed at reducing the global threat posed by dengue.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100358,"journal":{"name":"Decoding Infection and Transmission","volume":"2 ","pages":"Article 100021"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142423249","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Machine learning models for predicting residual malaria infections using environmental factors: A case study of the Jazan region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia","authors":"Idris Zubairu Sadiq ,&nbsp;Yakubu Saddeeq Abubakar ,&nbsp;Abdulkadir Rabiu Salisu ,&nbsp;Babangida Sanusi Katsayal ,&nbsp;Umar Saidu ,&nbsp;Sani I. Abba ,&nbsp;Abdullahi Garba Usman","doi":"10.1016/j.dcit.2024.100022","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dcit.2024.100022","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Malaria is a global public health problem affecting more than 100 countries. Meteorological factors on the other hand represent a major driving force behind malaria transmission and other vector-borne diseases. This study aims to predict and forecast malaria incidence while exploring its correlation with environmental factors.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>Three Machine learning (ML) models, namely Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Random Forest Regression (RFR), and Regularized Linear Regression (RLR), were employed, along with a simple seasonal model, to predict and forecast malaria cases.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The ANN model outperformed the RFR and RLR models, with the lowest Mean Squared Error (MSE) and Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) of 0.313 and 0.146 respectively. A total of 10,778 malaria cases were reported from 2015 to 2020, with a monthly mean of 150 malaria infections. The study unveils no significant increase in malaria cases from 2020 to 2030. Furthermore, a strong negative correlation was found between monthly average malaria incidence and average temperature, minimum and maximum temperatures at p &lt; 0.001. On the other hand, a strong positive correlation was observed between monthly average malaria incidence and relative humidity, which was statistically significant at p &lt; 0.01.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The Artificial Neural Network model is effective in predicting malaria cases compared to other models. The study revealed a negative correlation between malaria incidence and temperature, alongside a positive correlation with relative humidity. Although no significant increase in malaria cases is projected from 2020 to 2030, continuous monitoring of environmental factors and malaria prevalence remains crucial for effective disease control.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100358,"journal":{"name":"Decoding Infection and Transmission","volume":"2 ","pages":"Article 100022"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142433257","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"In vitro culture and genetic modification of Babesia gibsoni","authors":"Dongfang Li ,&nbsp;Sen Wang ,&nbsp;Xingai Guan ,&nbsp;Yidan Bai ,&nbsp;Junlong Zhao ,&nbsp;Lan He","doi":"10.1016/j.dcit.2024.100019","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dcit.2024.100019","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p><em>Babesia gibsoni</em>, a unicellular eukaryotic parasite causing babesiosis in dog, is primarily transmitted through tick feeding. The intraerythrocytic stage, during which the parasite reproduce within the host's red blood cells, is a vital part of <em>Babesia</em>'s life cycle. Continuous <em>in vitro</em> culture <em>B. gibsoni</em> provides an opportunity to study its biological processes. The establishment and development of gene editing systems for <em>Babesia</em> offer a powerful tool to investigate the functions of important genes in specific biological processes. This protocol expands on the existing techniques for <em>in vitro</em> culture and genes editing of <em>B. gibsoni</em>. Specifically, we describe a continuous <em>in vitro</em> culture method employing VP-SFM as a base medium, supplemented with Albumax I and small amount of canine serum (2.5 %), This method, designed for long-term culture, achieving high parasitemia and facilitates subclone culture. By employing homology-dependent repair pathways, the gene editing method utilizing introducing homologous fragments and electroporation can effectively manipulate the genetic of <em>B. gibsoni</em>. This protocol would contribute to the reproducibility of experiments and the overall reliability of research findings.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":100358,"journal":{"name":"Decoding Infection and Transmission","volume":"2 ","pages":"Article 100019"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S294992402400003X/pdfft?md5=5321153ea9d652cb85f254595fa1dc8b&pid=1-s2.0-S294992402400003X-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140549918","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"S–6P exhibits better immunogenicity than S–2P at lower doses of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines","authors":"Zhongyi Zhu ,&nbsp;Lei Zhang ,&nbsp;Shuangbao Li ,&nbsp;Yang Gao ,&nbsp;Yuwei Wang ,&nbsp;Xiaofei Ma ,&nbsp;Zhonglin Chen ,&nbsp;Siyu Wu ,&nbsp;Yonghui Zhang ,&nbsp;Mengyuan Zhang ,&nbsp;Zhihao Xie ,&nbsp;Changcheng Yin ,&nbsp;Weijun Chen ,&nbsp;Fuxing Zeng ,&nbsp;Jinmin Ma","doi":"10.1016/j.dcit.2024.100017","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dcit.2024.100017","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>The objective of this study was to determine whether a new combination of immunogens could be more effective than the S–2P design in terms of eliciting an immune response. The study aimed to use a unified formulation standard to make a comparison between the new immunogen combination than the S–2P design.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>The study analyzed the published immunogen mutation strategies of known COVID-19 vaccines and also Spike protein variants in the RCSB database to identify the most promising immunogen combination. By choosing different Spike protein variants, we prepared well characterized mRNA preparations and administered them to BALB/C mice using a commercial lipid for encapsulation.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>The study found that our mRNA preparations stimulated strong humoral and cellular immunity, with a neutralizing antibody titer of &gt;1*10⁴ at 28 days and a Th1-biased cellular immune response. Furthermore, our results indicate that the S–6P-GSAS variant elicits superior immunogenicity at lower doses compared to the S–2P variant.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Our study suggests that the S–6P-GSAS variant may elicit a stronger immune response at lower doses compared to the S–2P design, indicating its potential as a promising immunogen candidate for COVID-19 vaccines. Further research is needed to explore the efficacy of this novel combination in addressing the challenges posed by emerging Spike protein variants.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":100358,"journal":{"name":"Decoding Infection and Transmission","volume":"2 ","pages":"Article 100017"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2949924024000016/pdfft?md5=08289a1424f0e2c2817dc353af88ff06&pid=1-s2.0-S2949924024000016-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139653262","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}