Early immune priming and activation against Streptococcus pneumoniae from maternal vaccination.

Pillaye, Jamie (2024). Early immune priming and activation against Streptococcus pneumoniae from maternal vaccination. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

Maternal vaccination (MV) to provide protection to the unborn infant is an attractive way to prevent infections in the early weeks and months of life. Despite this, the efficacy or mechanisms underpinning this approach are not well studied. The leading cause of child mortality by infection worldwide is Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus), particularly in low-to-middle-income countries (LMIC). This prevalence of infection could be due to vaccines such as Prevnar13 (PCV13) not being administered until the infant is 8 weeks old. Access to vaccination is limited in LMIC and some children might not receive vaccinations. Therefore, in children, there is a window of susceptibility to this infection that could be addressed through maternal vaccination. In this study, we have used novel mouse models of maternal vaccination with PCV13 and challenged offspring using pneumococcus to identify the features of acquired immunity. Maternally vaccinated offspring acquired surprisingly long-lasting antibody responses as well as reduced bacterial burdens in the bronchoalveolar lavage, blood and lung suggesting protection against invasive pneumococcal disease is present. Moreover, maternally vaccinated offspring have distinct immune signatures associated with increased maternal cell populations. Maternally vaccinated offspring display distinct enhanced levels of immune control in the BAL. In addition, increased maternal B and plasma cell populations were present in the lung and bone marrow. Finally, bone marrow cells from maternally vaccinated offspring secrete PCV13-specific antibodies. Therefore, PCV13 maternal vaccination suggests long-lasting immunity to infection in offspring.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):