Vaccines最新文献

{"title":"Body Mass Index and COVID-19: An Overview Among an Italian Multicentric Cohort of Healthcare Workers in the Pre- and Post-Vaccination Eras-ORCHESTRA Project.","authors":"Gianluca Spiteri, Lorena Torroni, Maria Grazia Lourdes Monaco, Angela Carta, Francesco Taus, Alberto Modenese, Loretta Casolari, Maria Luisa Scapellato, Filippo Liviero, Francesca Larese Filon, Francesca Rui, Giuseppe Verlato, Stefano Porru","doi":"10.3390/vaccines13060660","DOIUrl":"10.3390/vaccines13060660","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Background The prevalence of obesity is increasing all over the world, resulting in a global health emergency. The impact of obesity on the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and symptom severity, especially among high-risk working populations such as health workers, deserves further studies. Methods A multicentric retrospective cohort study was conducted among health workers at four Italian University Hospitals belonging to the ORCHESTRA Project. Data were collected through an online survey, investigating sociodemographic and clinical data, until September 2022. Results The questionnaire was filled out by 5777 health workers. The median age was 46 years old (I-III quartile 20-72) and 75.5% were females. Data on BMI was available for 5470 participants. Overweight and obese subjects amounted to 23.4% and 9.8%, respectively. Naïve health workers were the majority (57.4%). Overweight and obese subjects were at a higher risk of infection only before vaccination with respect to normoweight subjects (RRR = 1.28 (IC 95% 1.01-1.62, <i>p</i> = 0.039) and 1.36 (1.00-1.86, <i>p</i> = 0.047), respectively). Major acute and post-acute COVID-19 symptoms were more common among obese subjects, as compared to those with a normal weight (35.2% vs. 23.5%, and 14.2% vs. 9.3%). BMI did not reduce antibody levels after vaccination. On the contrary, overweight and obese health workers had a significantly higher RGM after the third dose (1.12 and 1.48, respectively; normal weight as reference). Conclusions Overweight and obese subjects are at a higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination fosters a high antibody response even in these individuals. Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 should be prioritized in subjects with a high BMI, especially in highly exposed workers, such as health workers.</p>","PeriodicalId":23634,"journal":{"name":"Vaccines","volume":"13 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12197647/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144508506","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Delayed Viral Clearance Accompanied by Early Impaired Humoral and Virus-Specific T-Cell Response in Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 and Interstitial Lung Disease.","authors":"Jiaying Zhong, Juan Li, Rui Wei, Bingpeng Guo, Tingting Cui, Peiyu Huang, Zhongfang Wang, Qun Luo, Qian Han","doi":"10.3390/vaccines13060655","DOIUrl":"10.3390/vaccines13060655","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection are at high risk of severe coronavirus disease 2019. It is unclear whether anti-viral cellular and humoral immunity is impacted in patients with ILD in the presence of immune disorders and immunosuppressive therapy. This results in poor control of viral infections following SARS-CoV-2 infection. We aimed to highlight the clinical management of patients with ILD with regard to the adjustment of anti-inflammatory therapy during SARS-CoV-2 infection.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We compared viral clearance, antibody levels, and T-cell immune response between healthy controls and patients with connective tissue disease-related ILD (CTD-ILD) or interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features (IPAF).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Patients with ILD exhibited a higher viral load than the control group (1.58 × 10⁶ vs. 2.37 × 10³ copies/mL, <i>p</i> = 0.018), as well as a significantly lower level of neutralizing antibodies against the wild-type (WT) virus (7.01 vs. 625.6, <i>p</i> < 0.0001) and Omicron BA.5 (7.19 vs. 128.4, <i>p</i> < 0.001). Similarly, a lower virus-specific T-cell (VST) immune response was observed 14 days post-symptom onset in the ILD group (CD4⁺ VSTs: 0.018 vs. 0.082, <i>p</i> = 0.005; CD8⁺ VSTs: 0.0008 vs. 0.047, <i>p</i> = 0.004). The ILD group had no other heightened inflammatory biomarkers compared with the control group.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Our study provides novel evidence of the underlying interaction between virus clearance and host immune status and sheds light on the clinical management of patients with ILD with regard to the adjustment of anti-inflammatory therapy during SARS-CoV-2 infection.</p>","PeriodicalId":23634,"journal":{"name":"Vaccines","volume":"13 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12197558/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144508492","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"HPV Knowledge, Vaccination Uptake, and Salivary Diagnostics Among Dental Students in Romania.","authors":"Sergiu Baranga, Doina Chioran, Octavia Balean, Ramona Dumitrescu, Roxana Popescu, Daniela Jumanca, Roxana Oancea, Ruxandra Sava-Rosianu, Vanessa Bolchis, Atena Galuscan","doi":"10.3390/vaccines13060658","DOIUrl":"10.3390/vaccines13060658","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a key cause of cervical and oropharyngeal cancers. Despite available vaccines, uptake remains low in Romania due to limited awareness and hesitancy. This study assessed HPV knowledge, vaccination status, and the presence of high-risk strains (16 and 18) in the saliva of dental students from Victor Babeș University in Timișoara. <b>Methods:</b> A cross-sectional study was conducted between February and March 2024, enrolling 199 dental students. Participants completed a 15-item questionnaire addressing HPV-related knowledge, vaccination status, lifestyle factors, and health history. Saliva samples were collected and analyzed using real-time PCR for the detection of HPV types 16 and 18. Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify predictors of vaccination uptake. <b>Results:</b> Only 10.6% of participants had received the HPV vaccine, although 96.9% acknowledged its safety and efficacy. Awareness was higher among females (88.1%) than males (84.3%), and vaccination rates were significantly greater among students under 25 years old (<i>p</i> = 0.0312). A total of 16.6% reported the presence of papillomas or warts. HPV DNA was detected in 10% of saliva samples. <b>Conclusions:</b> Although awareness of HPV was high, vaccination rates remained low, revealing a gap between knowledge and preventive action. Saliva-based screening shows promise as a non-invasive diagnostic tool, and integrating targeted education and advocacy into dental curricula may enhance public health outcomes in Romania.</p>","PeriodicalId":23634,"journal":{"name":"Vaccines","volume":"13 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12197720/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144508538","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Melanoma Vaccines: Comparing Novel Adjuvant Treatments in High-Risk Patients.","authors":"Joseph C Broderick, Alexandra M Adams, Elizabeth L Barbera, Spencer Van Decar, Guy T Clifton, George E Peoples","doi":"10.3390/vaccines13060656","DOIUrl":"10.3390/vaccines13060656","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> The emergence of checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) has significantly improved survival outcomes in later-stage melanoma. However, the efficacy of these treatments remains limited, with around 50% of later-stage melanoma patients experiencing recurrence. As variable response rates to CPIs persist, the development of cancer vaccines has emerged as a potential strategy to augment antitumor immune responses. <b>Results:</b> This review compares two promising personalized therapeutic cancer vaccine trials in advanced melanoma: Elios Therapeutics' Tumor Lysate (TL) vaccine and Moderna's mRNA-4157 vaccine. The TL vaccine, which utilizes yeast cell wall particles (YCWPs) loaded with autologous tumor lysate, and the mRNA-4157 vaccine, which encodes up to 34 patient-specific neoantigens, both aim to stimulate robust tumor-specific immune responses. Both trials were phase 2b randomized studies, with Elios Therapeutics' trial employing a double-blind, placebo-controlled design, while Moderna's was open-label. Both trials had roughly equivalent sample sizes (<i>n</i> = 187 and <i>n</i> = 157, respectively) with similar demographics and disease characteristics. The TL trial reported improvements in disease-free survival (DFS) with a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.52 (<i>p</i> < 0.01) over 36 months, whereas the mRNA-4157 trial demonstrated improvements in recurrence-free survival (RFS) with an HR of 0.56 (<i>p</i> = 0.053) over 18 months. The TL vaccine exhibited lower rates of related grade 3 adverse events (<1%) compared to the mRNA vaccine (12%). Key differences between the two trials include the use of CPIs, with 100% of patients in the mRNA trial receiving pembrolizumab versus 37% of the patients in the TL trial receiving either an anti-PD-1 or anti-CTLA-4. The production processes also varied significantly, with the mRNA vaccine requiring individualized sequencing and a 9-week production time, while the TL vaccine utilized tumor lysate with a 1-3-day production time. <b>Conclusions:</b> While both vaccines demonstrated promising efficacy, future phase 3 trials are needed to further evaluate their potential as adjuvant therapies for melanoma. This review highlights the comparative strengths and limitations of these vaccine platforms, providing insight into the evolving landscape of adjuvant cancer vaccines.</p>","PeriodicalId":23634,"journal":{"name":"Vaccines","volume":"13 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12197434/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144508496","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An In-House ELISA for Anti-Porcine Circovirus Type 2d (PCV2d) IgG: Analytical Validation and Serological Correlation.","authors":"Gyeong-Seo Park, Byoung Joo Seo, Woo Ju Kwon, Yeong Lee Seok, Hyo Jeong Lee, Sung Ho Lee, Minju Kim, MinChul Lee, Chanhee Chae, Chonghan Kim","doi":"10.3390/vaccines13060657","DOIUrl":"10.3390/vaccines13060657","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives</b>: Porcine circovirus type 2d (PCV2d) is the predominant genotype associated with porcine circovirus-associated disease (PCVAD), leading to significant economic losses. In South Korea, current vaccine lot-release testing relies on a T/C-ratio-based guinea pig assay, which lacks scientific justification and methodological robustness. This study aimed to develop and validate a statistically defined in-house ELISA using rabbit-derived polyclonal antibodies against PCV2d for the standardized evaluation of immunogenicity. <b>Methods</b>: Polyclonal IgG was generated by immunizing a rabbit with inactivated PCV2d, and it was purified through Protein A chromatography. Guinea pigs (<i>n</i> = 18) were immunized with IMMUNIS^® DMVac, an inactivated PCV2d vaccine candidate developed by WOOGENE B&G, at different doses. In-house ELISA parameters were optimized (antigen coating, blocking agent, and substrate incubation), and analytical performance was evaluated by ROC, linearity, reproducibility, and specificity. Sera from guinea pigs and pigs were analyzed under validated conditions. <b>Results</b>: The optimal performance was achieved using 10⁵ genomic copies/mL of the antigen coating and a 5% BSA blocking agent. The assay showed strong diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.97), reproducibility (CVs < 5%), and linearity (R² = 0.9890). Specificity tests with PCV2a, PCV2b, and PRRSV showed minimal cross-reactivity (<7%). The cross-species comparison revealed a positive correlation (R² = 0.1815) and acceptable agreement (bias = -0.21) between guinea pig and porcine sera. The validated cut-off (S/P = 0.4) enabled accurate classification across both species and aligned well with commercial kits. <b>Conclusions:</b> The in-house ELISA offers a robust, reproducible, and scientifically validated platform for immunogenicity verification, supporting its application in Korea's national lot-release system. Homologous competition assays with PCV2d are planned to further confirm antigen specificity.</p>","PeriodicalId":23634,"journal":{"name":"Vaccines","volume":"13 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12197442/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144508486","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Strengthening Vaccine Safety Systems, Research, and Regional Collaboration in Africa: A Call to Action.","authors":"Beckie N Tagbo, Chioma S Ejekam, Winfred Oppong-Amoako, Tene Marceline Yameogo, Afework Mitiku, Dorothy O Esangbedo, Nelisiwe Khuzwayo, Gugu Mahlangu, Samia M Badar, Edinam A Agbenu, Rhanda M Adechina, Kwasi A Nyarko","doi":"10.3390/vaccines13060661","DOIUrl":"10.3390/vaccines13060661","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The 8th meeting of the African Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety (AACVS), constituted in 2021, convened by the Vaccine Research and Innovation Unit within the Vaccine Preventable Diseases Program, WHO Regional Office for Africa, was held virtually from 14 to 16 April 2025. The meeting brought together independent vaccine experts to provide advice to the Regional Director, WHO, on vaccine safety issues critical to the African region. Discussions focused on critical updates regarding ongoing regional outbreaks, safety data, and associated safety concerns, with emphasis on newly introduced vaccines, including the malaria vaccines (RTS, S and R21), the MenFive pentavalent meningitis vaccine, and the Mpox vaccines-MVA-BN and LC16-alongside the ongoing Mpox response. The Committee conducted a deep dive into comprehensive safety considerations for new vaccine introduction, active surveillance strategies, strengthening the responsiveness of pharmacovigilance systems, and advancing vaccine research and development in Africa. Key observations highlighted significant gaps in safety surveillance systems. These included delays in data collection, access, and signal detection; a lack of harmonized real-time monitoring frameworks; the underutilization of digital technologies; and inadequate manufacturer responsibilities and accountability in post-market safety monitoring. The meeting concluded with a call to action emphasizing the need for sustainable pharmacovigilance funding mechanisms, improved regional coordination, real-time data sharing, standardized early safety study protocols, strengthened manufacturer accountability, and investments in risk communication and community engagement to bolster public trust. Strengthening vaccine safety systems and enhancing regional collaboration were recognized as urgent priorities to support the safe and effective deployment of vaccines and protect public health across Africa.</p>","PeriodicalId":23634,"journal":{"name":"Vaccines","volume":"13 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12197761/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144508557","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"CAR Beyond αβ T Cells: Unleashing NK Cells, Macrophages, and γδ T Lymphocytes Against Solid Tumors.","authors":"Yunjia Xian, Lu Wen","doi":"10.3390/vaccines13060654","DOIUrl":"10.3390/vaccines13060654","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered cell therapy represents a landmark advancement in cancer immunotherapy. While αβ CAR-T therapy has demonstrated remarkable success in hematological malignancies, its efficacy in solid tumors remains constrained mainly by factors such as antigen heterogeneity, immunosuppressive microenvironments, and on-target/off-tumor toxicity. To overcome these limitations, emerging CAR platforms that utilize alternative immune effectors, including natural killer (NK) cells, macrophages, and γδ T lymphocytes, are rapidly gaining traction. This review systematically analyzes the mechanistic advantages of CAR-NK, CAR-M, and CAR-γδ T cell therapies, while critically evaluating persistent challenges in clinical translation, including limited cell persistence, manufacturing scalability, and dynamic immune evasion mechanisms. We further discuss innovative strategies to enhance therapeutic efficacy through some viable strategies. By bridging fundamental immunology with translational engineering, this work provides a roadmap for developing CAR therapies capable of addressing the complexities of solid tumor eradication.</p>","PeriodicalId":23634,"journal":{"name":"Vaccines","volume":"13 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12197391/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144508509","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Engineering and Evaluation of a Live-Attenuated Vaccine Candidate with Enhanced Type 1 Fimbriae Expression to Optimize Protection Against <i>Salmonella</i> Typhimurium.","authors":"Patricia García, Arianna Rodríguez-Coello, Andrea García-Pose, María Del Carmen Fernández-López, Andrea Muras, Miriam Moscoso, Alejandro Beceiro, Germán Bou","doi":"10.3390/vaccines13060659","DOIUrl":"10.3390/vaccines13060659","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b><i>Salmonella</i> Typhimurium is a major zoonotic pathogen, in which type 1 fimbriae play a crucial role in intestinal colonization and immune modulation. This study aimed to improve the protective immunity of a previously developed growth-deficient strain-a double auxotroph for D-glutamate and D-alanine-by engineering the inducible expression of type 1 fimbriae. <b>Methods</b>: P<i>_tetA</i>-driven expression of the <i>fim</i> operon was achieved by λ-Red mutagenesis. <i>fimA</i> expression was quantified by qRT-PCR, and fimbriation visualized by transmission electron microscopy. Adhesive properties were evaluated through FimH sequence analysis, yeast agglutination, mannose-binding/inhibition assays, and HT-29 cell adherence. BALB/c mice were immunized orogastrically with IRTA ΔΔΔ or IRTA ΔΔΔ P<i>_tetA</i>::<i>fim</i>. Safety and immunogenicity were assessed by clinical monitoring, bacterial load, fecal shedding, ELISA tests, and adhesion/blocking assays using fecal extracts. Protection was evaluated after challenging with wild-type and heterologous strains. <b>Results:</b> IRTA ΔΔΔ P<i>_tetA</i>::<i>fim</i> showed robust <i>fimA</i> expression, dense fimbrial coverage, a marked mannose-sensitive adhesive phenotype and enhanced HT-29 attachment. Fimbrial overexpression did not alter intestinal colonization or translocation to mesenteric lymph nodes (mLNs). Immunization elicited a mixed IgG1/IgG2a, significantly increased IgA and IgG against type 1 fimbriae-expressing <i>Salmonella</i>, and enhanced the ability of fecal extracts to inhibit the adherence of wild-type strains. Upon challenge (IRTA wild-type/20220258), IRTA ΔΔΔ P<i>_tetA</i>::<i>fim</i> reduced infection burden in the cecum (-1.46/1.47-log), large intestine (-1.35/2.17-log), mLNs (-1.32/0.98-log) and systemic organs more effectively than IRTA ΔΔΔ. <b>Conclusions</b>: Inducible expression of type 1 fimbriae enhances mucosal immunity and protection, supporting their inclusion in next-generation <i>Salmonella</i> vaccines. Future work should assess cross-protection and optimize FimH-mediated targeting for mucosal delivery.</p>","PeriodicalId":23634,"journal":{"name":"Vaccines","volume":"13 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12197609/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144508520","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Herd Immunity to the Measles, Mumps and Rubella Viruses Among the Belgradian Population in May, 2024.","authors":"Anna Y Popova, Vyacheslav S Smirnov, Svetlana A Egorova, Luka Dragačević, Angelica M Milichkina, Jelena Protić, Ekaterina M Danilova, Irina V Drozd, Marija Petrušić, Ojuna B Zhimbaeva, Elizaveta S Glazkova, Nataša Gutić, Valeri A Ivanov, Edward S Ramsay, Oleg V Kotsar, Vyacheslav Y Smolensky, Areg A Totolian","doi":"10.3390/vaccines13060652","DOIUrl":"10.3390/vaccines13060652","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives:</b> In the Republic of Serbia, measles vaccination was first introduced in 1971, while combined vaccination (measles, mumps, rubella) was made mandatory in 1996 as part of the national vaccination program. Reported prevalence values for 2023 were <0.75 cases per 100K population for measles, 0.09 cases per 100K for mumps, and no cases of rubella. <b>Methods</b>: This cross-sectional study was performed in May, 2024 as part of the project \"Herd Immunity to Vaccine-Preventable and Other Relevant Infections in the Belgradian Population.\" It focused on assessing herd immunity to measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) among residents insofar as these remain a public concern despite the availability of vaccines. A total of 2533 subjects were distributed across nine age groups, covering those aged 1-70⁺ years and various professional groups residing in Belgrade. Participants were stratified by age and activity. Upon obtaining individual information by online questionnaire and receiving a signed statement of informed consent, blood samples were obtained for IgG antibody testing (ELISA) to determine MMR serological status. The results were compared to national and international immunization standards to evaluate herd immunity levels. <b>Results</b>: Our results indicate varying levels of immunity for each virus, with specific demographic groups showing different immunity levels. Total measles seroprevalence during this study was 74.7%, with significant variation across all age groups. While high seropositivity was observed in both children (90.7%) and elder age groups (98.4%), middle-aged individuals in the age group 30-49 years showed significantly lower IgG levels. Between 2021 and 2023, there were no registered cases of rubella detected in Serbia, which indicates a high level of immunity. This was confirmed here with consistently high IgG levels across all age groups, with an average seropositivity of 94.8%. Average mumps seropositivity across all age groups was 85.1%. The lowest value was in the young child (1-5 years) age group (76.1%); the highest was in the elderly group (92.6%). <b>Conclusions</b>: The current findings suggest that the Belgradian population has strong overall immunity to MMR, yet with some concerns regarding measles immunity in middle-aged adults, suggesting a potential need for catch-up vaccinations. While rubella status indicates strong herd immunity and minimal risk of outbreaks, mumps immunity in some groups (children, middle-aged adults) is below the protective threshold. While it is still sufficient to prevent widespread transmission, it should be closely observed. To our knowledge, this study is the first of its kind to provide data about MMR seroprevalence in Belgrade. Findings indicate the need for constant surveillance and revaccination of vulnerable/seronegative groups.</p>","PeriodicalId":23634,"journal":{"name":"Vaccines","volume":"13 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12199194/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144508535","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Innovation in mRNA Vaccines and RNAi via Protein Nanocages.","authors":"Sohrab Ahmadivand","doi":"10.3390/vaccines13060653","DOIUrl":"10.3390/vaccines13060653","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Self-assembling protein nanocages (SAPNs) are distinct natural structures formed by the self-assembly of identical subunits, providing a highly efficient platform and a novel strategy for vaccine development and RNAi therapy. Their internal cavity allows for precise cargo encapsulation, while the externally modifiable surface supports multivalent antigen presentation, thereby enhancing stability, targeted delivery, and immune activation. In addition to serving as stable subunit vaccines with multivalent antigen display, SAPNs can be incorporated into mRNA vaccines (SAPN-RNA vaccines) by pre-fusing with the antigen. This strategy stabilizes secreted antigenic proteins with prolonged presentation to the immune system, and improves vaccine efficacy while reducing off-target effects and minimizing required doses. Additionally, SAPNs can overcome cellular uptake barriers, enhance DNA vaccine efficacy, and enable the co-delivery of antigens and adjuvants. Functionalization with adjuvants or targeting ligands further improves their immunostimulatory properties and specificity. The SAPN-RNAi strategy optimizes siRNA delivery by promoting lysosomal escape, enhancing targeted uptake, and protecting siRNA from degradation through SAPN encapsulation. This review examines the structural and functional properties of protein nanocages and their applications in vaccine design and RNAi delivery, emphasizing their synergistic effects, and exploring current progress, challenges, and future directions. In conclusion, SAPNs represent a versatile multifunctional platform with broad applicability across subunit, mRNA and DNA vaccines, adjuvant co-delivery, and RNAi therapeutics, with significant potential against viral infections.</p>","PeriodicalId":23634,"journal":{"name":"Vaccines","volume":"13 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12197727/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144508547","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}