Vaccines最新文献

{"title":"Efficacy and Limitations of an Improved Vaccine Derived from an Updated Vaccine Strain Against H5 High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza.","authors":"Bao Linh Nguyen, Norikazu Isoda, Yik Lim Hew, Loc Tan Huynh, Kien Trung Le, Yo Shimazu, Daiki Kobayashi, Dang Hoang Nguyen, Tho Dang Nguyen, Duc-Huy Chu, Diep Thi Nguyen, Koki Takeichi, Yuto Nanba, Takahiro Hiono, Takashi Sasaki, Yoshihiro Sakoda","doi":"10.3390/vaccines14040291","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines14040291","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objectives: </strong>Biosecurity and stamping out are key control measures against H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks. Vaccination in poultry is an additional tool to reduce disease risk and facilitate timely containment. This study aimed to establish a candidate vaccine strain against H5 HPAI in Asia and validate its protective efficacy.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Based on genetic and antigenic analyses, a representative HPAI virus, A/duck/Vietnam/HU16-DD3/2023 (H5N1), collected in northern Vietnam, was selected to generate a candidate vaccine strain, rgPR8/VN23HA∆KRRK-NA (rgPR8/VN23; H5N1), using reverse genetics, followed by formulation of an inactivated oil-adjuvanted vaccine. Vaccine efficacy was evaluated by measuring humoral antibody responses after intramuscular vaccination and by assessing mortality and virus recovery following intranasal challenge with a clade 2.3.4.4b virus, A/Ezo red fox/Hokkaido/1/2022 (H5N1). Results were compared with those obtained using an antigenically homologous vaccine to the challenge strain and a Japanese stockpiled vaccine.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>All vaccinated juvenile chickens developed sufficient immunity to survive the challenge at 21 days post-vaccination. The rgPR8/VN23 (H5N1) and homologous vaccines markedly reduced virus recovery, suggesting near-sterile protection, whereas low-titer viruses were transiently detected in chickens vaccinated with the stockpiled vaccine. The rgPR8/VN23 (H5N1) vaccine conferred clinical protection in juvenile chickens as early as 8 days post-vaccination. A single dose of the rgPR8/VN23 (H5N1) vaccine provided incomplete protection in laying hens, whereas a double-volume regimen improved protective efficacy.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The rgPR8/VN23 (H5N1) vaccine conferred strong immunity to juvenile chickens; however, a refined vaccination strategy may be required to achieve complete protection in laying hens.</p>","PeriodicalId":23634,"journal":{"name":"Vaccines","volume":"14 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13120588/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147782733","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":"Virus-like and Virus Replicon Particles Targeting Multiple B-Cell Antigens Do Not Protect Against African Swine Fever Virus.","authors":"Kirill Lotonin, Obdulio García-Nicolás, Normann Kilb, Stefan Krämer, Xinyue Chang, Paul Engeroff, Kemal Mehinagic, Noelle Donzé, Francisco Brito, Matthias Liniger, Ilva Lieknina, Darja Cernova, Ieva Balta, Gabriela González-García, Paloma Rueda, Gert Zimmer, Charaf Benarafa, Nicolas Ruggli, Günter Roth, Kaspars Tars, Martin Bachmann, Artur Summerfield","doi":"10.3390/vaccines14030285","DOIUrl":"10.3390/vaccines14030285","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: African swine fever virus (ASFV) causes a fatal hemorrhagic disease in domestic pigs and wild boars. While live attenuated vaccines (LAVs) provide protection, their use raises safety concerns. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to identify viral B-cell antigens associated with protection and to test their potential using highly immunogenic vaccine delivery platforms. <b>Methods</b>: We employed a microarray of 169 ASFV proteins expressed in a cell-free prokaryotic system to identify immunodominant antigens using sera from immune pigs. Six structural proteins were selected and formulated into AP205 virus-like particles (VLPs). Additionally, replication-defective vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV)-based vaccine candidates expressing glycosylated CD2v and EP153R proteins were generated. Three groups of specific pathogen-free pigs were immunized with either VLP- or VSV-based vaccines and challenged with the virulent ASFV Georgia 2007 strain. Control groups included pigs immunized with the attenuated ASFV Estonia 2014 strain and a naïve group. <b>Results</b>: Most vaccine candidates induced detectable antibody responses against target ASFV proteins. However, neither VLP- nor VSV-based vaccines provided protection, as clinical scores, hematology, cytokine responses, and viremia levels were similar to those in the negative control group. In contrast, only the ASFV Estonia 2014 strain elicited a robust T-cell response and protective immunity. <b>Conclusions</b>: These findings highlight the challenges in identifying protective B-cell antigens of ASFV and emphasize the pivotal role of cellular immunity in mediating protection.</p>","PeriodicalId":23634,"journal":{"name":"Vaccines","volume":"14 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13030806/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147532288","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":"Baseline Hepatitis B Immunity and Vaccination Booster Response Among Medical Residents: A Longitudinal Study in a Spanish Tertiary Hospital.","authors":"Victoria Salguero-Cano, Silvia Martínez-Martínez, Manuel González-Alcaide, Carmen Valero-Ubierna, Virginia Martínez-Ruiz, Mario Rivera-Izquierdo, Inmaculada Guerrero-Fernández de Alba","doi":"10.3390/vaccines14030280","DOIUrl":"10.3390/vaccines14030280","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Despite universal infant hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination, declining circulating anti-HBs levels are increasingly observed in young healthcare professionals, a high-risk group for occupational exposure. Although several studies have evaluated HBV antibody persistence in healthcare workers, data specifically addressing newly incorporated medical residents in the Spanish context remain limited. This study evaluated baseline anti-HBs levels and serological response to a vaccination booster dose in medical residents at a Spanish tertiary hospital. <b>Methods:</b> A retrospective longitudinal observational study was conducted among medical residents attending the Preventive Medicine Service of Hospital Universitario San Cecilio (Granada, Spain) between 2021 and 2024. Anti-HBs antibody titers were obtained at baseline and ≥10 mIU/mL were considered the conventional protective threshold. Residents with anti-HBs < 10 mIU/mL received an Engerix-B booster followed by repeat serology. Demographic and occupational variables were analyzed. Measles serostatus was collected for comparisons. <b>Results:</b> A total of 275 residents were included (mean age 25.4 years, SD = 2.3 years; 64% females). Baseline serology showed anti-HBs levels < 10 mIU/mL in 53.1% of participants. Lower baseline anti-HBs levels were associated with younger age (adjusted OR = 0.75; 95% CI: 0.64-0.88) and earlier residency year (R1-R2) (adjusted OR = 0.28; 95% CI: 0.13-0.61). Among 116 residents receiving a booster, 94.8% achieved anti-HBs ≥ 10 mIU/mL after booster administration. Measles serology was negative in 54.6% of participants. <b>Conclusions:</b> More than half of newly incorporated medical residents had anti-HBs levels below the conventional protective threshold (10 mIU/mL), yet almost all demonstrated a strong anamnestic response, supporting the persistence of immunological memory despite reduced circulating antibody concentrations. Systematic baseline screening combined with targeted booster vaccination appears to be an effective strategy to ensure occupational protection. Further research incorporating cellular immunity markers may refine future vaccination policies and booster strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":23634,"journal":{"name":"Vaccines","volume":"14 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13030564/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147533184","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":"The Prospects and Challenges of Live Attenuated Vaccines Against African Swine Fever Virus in Vietnam.","authors":"Tram Thi Ngoc Ngo, Taehwan Oh, Duy Tien Do","doi":"10.3390/vaccines14030284","DOIUrl":"10.3390/vaccines14030284","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>African swine fever (ASF) is a contagious viral disease that causes severe economic losses in the global swine industry. Since its introduction to Vietnam in 2019, ASFV has evolved rapidly, with genotype II strains dominating initially and recombinant I/II variants emerging by 2023. Live attenuated vaccines (LAVs) have been developed and commercialized in Vietnam, including ASFV-G-ΔI177L, ASFV-G-ΔI177L/ΔLVR, and ASFV-G-ΔMGF, which confer homologous immune protection. Despite this, LAVs face challenges related to genetic stability, impossible protection against emerging recombinant strains, potential reversion to virulence, viral shedding, and safety in pregnant sows. ASFV's ongoing evolution underscores the need for continuous genomic surveillance, evaluation of cross-protective efficacy, and implementation of biosecurity and DIVA strategies focused more on evaluating vaccine efficacy than safety. This review summarizes the current molecular epidemiology of ASFV in Vietnam after vaccines were licensed for use, the development and performance of commercial LAVs, and the practical challenges of their application in endemic settings, and provides insights for informed vaccine deployment and integrated ASF control strategies in rapidly evolving viral landscapes.</p>","PeriodicalId":23634,"journal":{"name":"Vaccines","volume":"14 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13030726/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147533246","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":"Lambda Phage-Based Antibody-Stimulating Platform Targeting EGFRvIII.","authors":"Meredith Bush, Manoj Rajaure, Calla Gentilucci, Phuoc Le, Xintian Li, Sankar Adhya","doi":"10.3390/vaccines14030282","DOIUrl":"10.3390/vaccines14030282","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objectives: </strong>Bacteriophage-based display has been utilized for a variety of purposes, such as to assemble protein libraries and conduct biopanning. We have created a modified lambda (λ) bacteriophage platform, ideal for the display and delivery of proteins. Our system utilizes counter-selection recombineering for versatile modification, temperature-sensitive induction for timely lysate production, and an arabinose-inducible mechanism for high-titer, stable yield. Here, we investigated the ability of this specialized λ phage display platform to stimulate highly specific antibodies in mice against the displayed cancer-variant cell-surface receptor EGFRvIII, demonstrating its potential in cancer immunotherapy and broader vaccine development.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>λ display immunogenicity was explored by generating fusion proteins between the λ head protein D and a 13-mer peptide from the N terminus of glioblastoma variant cell-surface receptor, EGFRvIII. The 13-mer peptide was fused to either the N or C terminus of the λD protein while λ remained a dormant lysogen in the bacterial host chromosome. Recombinant phage lysates were then generated with ~420 displayed fusion proteins per phage particle. Mice were injected with purified recombinant λ phage without an adjuvant via both intraperitoneal and intramuscular routes, and sera harvested at various timepoints were profiled for immunogenicity.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Analysis of serum samples by ELISA and Western blotting demonstrated the ability of the λD~EGFRvIII phage display, especially in the C-terminal fusion construction, to elicit a robust anti-EGFRvIII humoral response by either injection route. Notably, the antibody response was highly specific to EGFRvIII without exhibiting cross-reactivity to wild-type EGFR.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The data generated in this study demonstrate the λ system's immunotherapeutic potential as a high-titer, stable, self-adjuvanting vector for the stimulation of robust antibody titers with defined specificity.</p>","PeriodicalId":23634,"journal":{"name":"Vaccines","volume":"14 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13030582/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147532881","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":"Structural Design of T-Cell Epitope-Based mRNA Vaccine Constructs Determines the Quality of T-Cell Immunity and Protective Efficacy Against SARS-CoV-2 in Mice.","authors":"Vladimir A Gushchin, Andrei E Siniavin, Andrei A Pochtovyi, Alina S Dzharullaeva, Dmitriy N Shcherbinin, Anastasia S Ungur, Amir I Tukhvatulin, Inna V Shuliakova, Denis A Kleymenov, Elena P Mazunina, Evgeniia N Bykonia, Sofia R Kozlova, Evgeny V Usachev, Ilya D Zorkov, Daria M Grousova, Anna A Iliukhina, Alexander L Gintsburg, Denis Y Logunov","doi":"10.3390/vaccines14030281","DOIUrl":"10.3390/vaccines14030281","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objectives: </strong>Epitope-based mRNA vaccines represent a promising strategy for eliciting protective T-cell immunity against SARS-CoV-2 and as well as for non-infectious mRNA-based vaccines. However, how the structural architecture of vaccine constructs (including epitope arrangement, linker composition, signal peptide presence, and the combination of MHC class I and II epitopes) shapes the quality of T-cell responses remains poorly understood.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Ten tandem minigene mRNA constructs (Cons1-10) encoding different combinations of MHC class I and class II epitopes from SARS-CoV-2 proteins (S, N, M, ORF3a) were designed, encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles, and administered to C57BL/6 mice. Immunogenicity was assessed by cytokine profiling (IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10) and T-cell proliferation assays. Protective efficacy was evaluated in K18-hACE2 transgenic mice challenged with SARS-CoV-2.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Constructs lacking a signal peptide and enriched in MHC class I-restricted epitopes induced robust Th1 responses and strong CD8⁺ T-cell proliferation, achieving up to 66% survival following lethal challenge. In contrast, constructs associated with elevated IL-10 and IL-4 production conferred limited protection (11-33%), consistent with functional skewing towards regulatory or Th2-associated immune profiles.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These findings establish a direct link between construct design parameters and T-cell polarization quality, and provide a rational framework for next-generation epitope-based mRNA vaccine development.</p>","PeriodicalId":23634,"journal":{"name":"Vaccines","volume":"14 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13030834/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147533183","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":"SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza Co-Circulation and Co-Vaccination: A Narrative Review.","authors":"Mohammad Kamransarkandi, Elena A Varyushina, Andrey N Gorshkov, Marina A Stukova","doi":"10.3390/vaccines14030283","DOIUrl":"10.3390/vaccines14030283","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objectives: </strong>Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and influenza virus are dangerous respiratory pathogens with high pandemic potential. Since 2021, these two viruses have been co-circulating, which implies additional risks of co-infection with both pathogens. Prophylactic vaccination is widely recognized as the most effective way to prevent COVID-19 and influenza and to reduce the severity of these diseases. This review analyzes recent data on the simultaneous circulation of influenza and SARS-CoV-2 viruses worldwide, including epidemiological data and the pathogenetic mechanisms of co-infection. Next, we focus on current approaches to simultaneous and combined vaccination against influenza and COVID-19. We outline the types of vaccines and summarize the available findings on the effectiveness and safety of co-vaccination.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A comprehensive search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials to identify data relevant to SARS-CoV-2 and influenza co-circulation and dual vaccination.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Influenza and SARS-CoV-2 cause similar symptoms, and co-infection can significantly enhance the risks of pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome progressing with a poor outcome, especially among children and the elderly. A range of influenza and COVID-19 vaccines built on different technological platforms is currently available on the market, with proven effectiveness, immunogenicity, and safety. A co-vaccination approach is more convenient for patients and is associated with better response to treatment, while also improving vaccine coverage and compliance and offering significant resource savings for healthcare systems.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The concurrent circulation of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses presents a growing public health challenge. Simultaneous and combination vaccination strategies have emerged as effective tools to streamline immunization, enhance protection, and reduce healthcare burden. Future studies should elucidate the mechanisms of the exacerbation of respiratory disease caused by co-infection, as well as the optimal strategies for co-administering influenza and COVID-19 vaccines for long-term control of seasonal and potentially pandemic respiratory viruses.</p>","PeriodicalId":23634,"journal":{"name":"Vaccines","volume":"14 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13029830/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147533194","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 Oral Vaccine Derived from Attenuated <i>Salmonella</i> Producing Murine Cytomegalovirus M24 Protein Induces Successful Antiviral Immune Responses in Mice.","authors":"Yujun Liu, Hao Gong, Jiaming Zhu, Fenyong Liu","doi":"10.3390/vaccines14030279","DOIUrl":"10.3390/vaccines14030279","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Oral gene delivery vectors, such as those derived from attenuated <i>Salmonella</i> strains, have shown great promise in oral vaccine development against various human diseases. Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a herpesvirus capable of affecting the global population and establishing lifelong infection. Generation of an anti-CMV vaccine is a major public health priority. <b>Methods:</b> This study reports the development of a novel weakened <i>Salmonella</i> strain, S713, and the effects of this strain as an oral vaccine candidate against murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) infection in mice. <b>Results:</b> The weakened <i>Salmonella</i> strain S713 was attenuated in killing mice in vivo by >500,000 fold compared to a clinical strain, following intragastric instillation in animals. Mice intragastrically immunized with S713 that produced MCMV M24 protein exhibited elevated anti-MCMV mucosal IgA and serum IgG titers and enhanced anti-MCMV T cell responses. Moreover, immunization with the generated vaccine in MCMV-challenged mice not only suppressed viral replication in lungs, spleens, livers, and salivary glands but also increased animal survival. <b>Conclusions:</b> These findings demonstrate strong and effective anti-MCMV immune responses induced by the generated M24-expressing vaccine. Furthermore, our results reveal the promising capability of weakened strain S713 expressing different CMV proteins to act as oral vaccines against CMV infections and diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":23634,"journal":{"name":"Vaccines","volume":"14 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13030467/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147533169","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":"Development and Validation of Sixplexed Opsonophagocytic Killing Assay for Serotype-Specific Functional Pneumococcal Antibody Measurement.","authors":"A-Yeung Jang, Hyun Jung Ji, Yu Jung Choi, Eliel Nham, Jin Gu Yoon, Min Joo Choi, Ji Yun Noh, Hee Jin Cheong, Ho Seong Seo, Joon Young Song","doi":"10.3390/vaccines14030278","DOIUrl":"10.3390/vaccines14030278","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: Although pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) have substantially reduced invasive pneumococcal disease, the emergence of non-vaccine serotypes and antimicrobial-resistant strains has driven the development of higher-valency vaccines. To support functional immune evaluation of these vaccines, we developed and validated a sixplexed opsonophagocytic killing assay (OPA) covering 24 pneumococcal serotypes. <b>Methods</b>: Eight additional serotypes, beyond the 16 included in the conventional fourplex OPA, were generated through stepwise natural mutation under increasing concentrations of ciprofloxacin or doxycycline. Assay conditions were optimized by evaluating multiple effector-to-target (E:T) ratios and baby rabbit complement (BRC) concentrations to minimize non-specific killing (NSK). Validation assessed (1) specificity using inhibition OPA with homologous and heterologous polysaccharides, (2) accuracy by comparison with the single-serotype OPA (SOPA), and (3) precision across five independent experiments using the coefficient of variation (CV). <b>Results</b>: An E:T ratio of 200:1 combined with 10% BRC consistently maintained NSK below 30% across all assay sets. High serotype specificity was demonstrated by near-complete inhibition following homologous polysaccharide adsorption for all serotypes except serotypes 4 and 8, which exhibited very low opsonic indices. Results from the sixplexed OPA showed strong concordance with SOPA, and overall assay precision was acceptable, with CVs generally below 30% when serotypes with very low opsonic activity were excluded. <b>Conclusions</b>: The sixplexed OPA expands functional antibody assessment from 16 to 24 serotypes within four assay sets, providing an efficient and scalable platform for immunogenicity evaluation of current and next-generation high-valency pneumococcal vaccines.</p>","PeriodicalId":23634,"journal":{"name":"Vaccines","volume":"14 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13030046/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147533091","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":"Recent Advances, Bottlenecks, and Future Directions in <i>Plasmodium falciparum</i> Vaccine Development.","authors":"Gulbuse Turan, Maxence J Boggio, Ahmad Syibli Othman, Victory Nnaemeka, Adrian V S Hill, Ahmed M Salman","doi":"10.3390/vaccines14030277","DOIUrl":"10.3390/vaccines14030277","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Malaria remains a major global health burden, with an estimated 282 million cases and 610,000 deaths reported in 2024, disproportionately affecting children under five years of age and pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa. Although antimalarial drugs are highly effective at clearing infections, their reliance on timely diagnosis and treatment limits their scalability as a population-wide control strategy. Vaccines therefore represent a critical tool for reducing malaria-associated morbidity and mortality, as well as interrupting parasite transmission, by inducing durable protective immunity. However, the complex lifecycle of <i>Plasmodium</i> parasites poses significant challenges for vaccine development, including the identification of protective antigens and optimal vaccine formulations. In this review, we summarize current vaccine strategies and discuss their key limitations. We also highlight emerging opportunities for possible avenues for future research and development.</p>","PeriodicalId":23634,"journal":{"name":"Vaccines","volume":"14 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13030556/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147533259","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}