Novel Vaccine Technologies in Veterinary Medicine: A Herald to Human Medicine Vaccines

Conventional dendritic cells 2, the targeted antigen-presenting-cell, induces enhanced type 1 immune responses in mice immunized with CVC1302 in oil formulation

Multifunctional CD4+ T helper 1 (Th1) cells, producing IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-2, define a correlate of vaccine-mediated protection against intracellular infection. In our previous study, we found that CVC1302 in oil formulation promoted the differentiation of IFN-γ+/TNF-α+/IL-2+Th1 cells. In order to extend the application of CVC1302 in oil formulation, this study aimed to elucidate the mechanism of action in improving the Th1 immune response. Considering the signals required for the differentiation of CD4+ T cells to Th1 cells, we detected the distribution of innate immune cells and the model antigen OVA-FITC in lymph node (LN), as well as the quantity of cytokines produced by the innate immune cells. The results of these experiments show that, cDC2 and OVA-FITC localized to interfollicular region (IFR) of the draining lymph nodes, inflammatory monocytes localized to both IFR and T cell zone, which mainly infiltrate from the blood. In this inflammatory niche within LN, CD4+ T cells were attracted into IFR by CXCL10, secreted by inflammatory monocytes, then activated by cDC2, secreting IL-12. Above all, CVC1302 in oil formulation, on the one hand, targeted antigen and inflammatory monocytes into the LN IFR in order to attract CD4+ T cells, on the other hand, targeted cDC2 to produce IL-12 in order to promote optimal Th1 differentiation. The new finding will provide a blueprint for application of immunopotentiators in optimal formulations.

Identifying major histocompatibility complex class II-DR molecules in bovine and swine peripheral blood monocyte-derived macrophages using mAb-L243

Major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II) molecules are involved in immune responses against pathogens and vaccine candidates' immunogenicity. Immunopeptidomics for identifying cancer and infection-related antigens and epitopes have benefited from advances in immunopurification methods and mass spectrometry analysis. The mouse anti-MHC-II-DR monoclonal antibody L243 (mAb-L243) has been effective in recognising MHC-II-DR in both human and non-human primates. It has also been shown to cross-react with other animal species, although it has not been tested in livestock. This study used mAb-L243 to identify Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium peptides binding to cattle and swine macrophage MHC-II-DR molecules using flow cytometry, mass spectrometry and two immunopurification techniques. Antibody cross-reactivity led to identifying expressed MHC-II-DR molecules, together with 10 Staphylococcus aureus peptides in cattle and 13 S. enterica serovar Typhimurium peptides in swine. Such data demonstrates that MHC-II-DR expression and immunocapture approaches using L243 mAb represents a viable strategy for flow cytometry and immunopeptidomics analysis of bovine and swine antigen-presenting cells.

Mass spectrometry study on SARS-CoV-2 recombinant vaccine with comprehensive separation techniques to characterize complex heterogeneity

SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19, has imposed a major public health threat, which needs effective therapeutics and vaccination strategies. Several potential candidate vaccines being rapidly developed are in clinical evaluation and recombinant vaccine has gained much attention thanks to its potential for greater response predictability, improved efficacy, rapid development and reduced side effects. Recombinant vaccines are designed and manufactured using bacterial, yeast cells or mammalian cells. A small piece of DNA is taken from the virus or bacterium against which we want to protect and inserted into the manufacturing cells. Due to the extremely complex heterogeneity of SARS-CoV-2 recombinant vaccine, single technology platform cannot achieve thorough and accurate characterization of such difficult proteins so integrating comprehensive technologies is essential. This study illustrates an innovative workflow employing multiple separation techniques tandem high-resolution mass spectrometry for comprehensive and in-depth characterization of SARS-CoV-2 recombinant vaccine, including ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC), ion exchange chromatography (IEX) and imaged capillary isoelectric focusing (icIEF). The integrated methodology focuses on the importance of cutting-edge icIEF-MS online coupling and icIEF fractionation applied to revealing the heterogeneity secret of SARS-CoV-2 recombinant vaccine.

Nanotechnology in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Antibiotic-Resistant Infections

The development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), along with the relative reduction in the production of new antimicrobials, significantly limits the therapeutic options in infectious diseases. Thus, novel treatments, especially in the current era, where AMR is increasing, are urgently needed. There are several ongoing studies on non-classical therapies for infectious diseases, such as bacteriophages, antimicrobial peptides, and nanotechnology, among others. Nanomaterials involve materials on the nanoscale that could be used in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infectious diseases. This review provides an overview of the applications of nanotechnology in the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases from a clinician's perspective, with a focus on pathogens with AMR. Applications of nanomaterials in diagnosis, by taking advantage of their electrochemical, optic, magnetic, and fluorescent properties, are described. Moreover, the potential of metallic or organic nanoparticles (NPs) in the treatment of infections is also addressed. Finally, the potential use of NPs in the development of safe and efficient vaccines is also reviewed. Further studies are needed to prove the safety and efficacy of NPs that would facilitate their approval by regulatory authorities for clinical use.

Scanning the Horizon for Environmental Applications of Genetically Modified Viruses Reveals Challenges for Their Environmental Risk Assessment

The release of novel genetically modified (GM) virus applications into the environment for agricultural, veterinary, and nature-conservation purposes poses a number of significant challenges for risk assessors and regulatory authorities. Continuous efforts to scan the horizon for emerging applications are needed to gain an overview of new GM virus applications. In addition, appropriate approaches for risk assessment and management have to be developed. These approaches need to address pertinent challenges, in particular with regard to the environmental release of GM virus applications with a high probability for transmission and spreading, including transboundary movements and a high potential to result in adverse environmental effects. However, the current preparedness at the EU and international level to assess such GM virus application is limited. This study addresses some of the challenges associated with the current situation, firstly, by conducting a horizon scan to identify emerging GM virus applications with relevance for the environment. Secondly, outstanding issues regarding the environmental risk assessment (ERA) of GM virus applications are identified based on an evaluation of case study examples. Specifically, the limited scientific information available for the ERA of some applications and the lack of detailed and appropriate guidance for ERA are discussed. Furthermore, considerations are provided for future work that is needed to establish adequate risk assessment and management approaches.

DNA Vaccines: Their Formulations, Engineering and Delivery

The concept of DNA vaccination was introduced in the early 1990s. Since then, advancements in the augmentation of the immunogenicity of DNA vaccines have brought this technology to the market, especially in veterinary medicine, to prevent many diseases. Along with the successful COVID mRNA vaccines, the first DNA vaccine for human use, the Indian ZyCovD vaccine against SARS-CoV-2, was approved in 2021. In the current review, we first give an overview of the DNA vaccine focusing on the science, including adjuvants and delivery methods. We then cover some of the emerging science in the field of DNA vaccines, notably efforts to optimize delivery systems, better engineer delivery apparatuses, identify optimal delivery sites, personalize cancer immunotherapy through DNA vaccination, enhance adjuvant science through gene adjuvants, enhance off-target and heritable immunity through epigenetic modification, and predict epitopes with bioinformatic approaches. We also discuss the major limitations of DNA vaccines and we aim to address many theoretical concerns.

Veterinary Autogenous Vaccines for Poultry in Europe-Many Ways to Crack an Egg

In the past decade, European animal farming has increasingly used autogenous vaccines for the prevention of nonnotifiable diseases. In Europe, these vaccines are exclusively inactivated bacterial and viral vaccines, with a set of specific regulations that differentiate them from conventional vaccines. The highest number of applications most likely occurs in poultry, as these animal species are farmed in the highest numbers compared with other types of food-producing animals. In 2019, autogenous vaccines came within the scope of harmonized European regulation for the first time, although many important aspects are still missing and need to be further developed. Consequently, several important legal provisions remain in national legislations and can vary tremendously between different member states of the European Union. The inclusion of autogenous vaccines in the management of certain diseases of poultry is justified by the nonavailability of licensed vaccines and the evolution and diversity of antigens in the field that are not covered by licensed vaccines. In addition, these vaccines aid in reducing the use of antibiotics. The methods for isolating and typing pathogenic isolates to obtain relevant antigens are pathogen specific and require a careful approach based on clinical evidence. Manufacturing processes are optimized according to regulatory standards, and they represent the most critical factor influencing the quality of autogenous vaccines and their placement on the market. This review presents the important requirements for manufacturing autogenous vaccines for poultry in addition to the relevant regulatory considerations. The results from a survey of several European Union member states regarding specific provisions within their national legislations are also presented.

Efficiency of NHEJ-CRISPR/Cas9 and Cre-LoxP Engineered Recombinant Turkey Herpesvirus Expressing Pasteurella multocida OmpH Protein for Fowl Cholera Prevention in Ducks

Fowl cholera is caused by the bacterium Pasteurella multocida, a highly transmissible avian ailment with significant global implications, leading to substantial economic repercussions. The control of fowl cholera outbreaks primarily relies on vaccination using traditional vaccines that are still in use today despite their many limitations. In this research, we describe the development of a genetically engineered herpesvirus of turkeys (HVT) that carries the OmpH gene from P. multocida integrated into UL 45/46 intergenic region using CRISPR/Cas9-NHEJ and Cre-Lox system editing. The integration and expression of the foreign cassettes were confirmed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), indirect immunofluorescence assays, and Western blot assays. The novel recombinant virus (rHVT-OmpH) demonstrated stable integration of the OmpH gene even after 15 consecutive in vitro passages, along with similar in vitro growth kinetics as the parent HVT virus. The protective efficacy of the rHVT-OmpH vaccine was evaluated in vaccinated ducks by examining the levels of P. multocida OmpH-specific antibodies in serum samples using ELISA. Groups of ducks that received the rHVT-OmpH vaccine or the rOmpH protein with Montanide™ (SEPPIC, Paris, France) adjuvant exhibited high levels of antibodies, in contrast to the negative control groups that received the parental HVT or PBS. The recombinant rHVT-OmpH vaccine also provided complete protection against exposure to virulent P. multocida X-73 seven days post-vaccination. This outcome not only demonstrates that the HVT vector possesses many characteristics of an ideal recombinant viral vaccine vector for protecting non-chicken hosts, such as ducks, but also represents significant research progress in identifying a modern, effective vaccine candidate for combatting ancient infectious diseases.

Meeting Contemporary Challenges: Development of Nanomaterials for Veterinary Medicine

In recent decades, nanotechnology has been rapidly advancing in various fields of human activity, including veterinary medicine. The review presents up-to-date information on recent advancements in nanotechnology in the field and an overview of the types of nanoparticles used in veterinary medicine and animal husbandry, their characteristics, and their areas of application. Currently, a wide range of nanomaterials has been implemented into veterinary practice, including pharmaceuticals, diagnostic devices, feed additives, and vaccines. The application of nanoformulations gave rise to innovative strategies in the treatment of animal diseases. For example, antibiotics delivered on nanoplatforms demonstrated higher efficacy and lower toxicity and dosage requirements when compared to conventional pharmaceuticals, providing a possibility to solve antibiotic resistance issues. Nanoparticle-based drugs showed promising results in the treatment of animal parasitoses and neoplastic diseases. However, the latter area is currently more developed in human medicine. Owing to the size compatibility, nanomaterials have been applied as gene delivery vectors in veterinary gene therapy. Veterinary medicine is at the forefront of the development of innovative nanovaccines inducing both humoral and cellular immune responses. The paper provides a brief overview of current topics in nanomaterial safety, potential risks associated with the use of nanomaterials, and relevant regulatory aspects.

A Case Study of European Collaboration between the Veterinary and Human Field for the Development of RSV Vaccines

The One Health (OH) approach describes the interconnection between the health of animals, humans, and the environment. The need for collaboration between the veterinary and human fields is increasing due to the rise in several infectious diseases that cross human-animal barriers and need to be addressed jointly. However, such collaboration is not evident in practice, especially for non-zoonotic diseases. A qualitative research approach was used to explore the barriers and enablers influencing collaborative efforts on the development of vaccines for the non-zoonotic RSV virus. It was found that in the European context, most veterinary and human health professionals involved in RSV vaccine development see themselves as belonging to two distinct groups, indicating a lack of a common goal for collaboration. Next to this, the different conceptualizations of the OH approach, and the fact that RSV is not a zoonotic disease, strengthens the opinion that there is no shared need for collaboration. This paper adds insights on how, for a non-zoonotic situation, collaboration between human and veterinary professionals shaped the development of vaccines in both areas; thus, improving public health requires awareness, mutual appreciation, and shared goal setting.

Immunization with a mucosal, post-fusion F/G protein-based polyanhydride nanovaccine protects neonatal calves against BRSV infection

Human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) is a leading cause of death in young children and there are no FDA approved vaccines. Bovine RSV (BRSV) is antigenically similar to HRSV, and the neonatal calf model is useful for evaluation of HRSV vaccines. Here, we determined the efficacy of a polyanhydride-based nanovaccine encapsulating the BRSV post-fusion F and G glycoproteins and CpG, delivered prime-boost via heterologous (intranasal/subcutaneous) or homologous (intranasal/intranasal) immunization in the calf model. We compared the performance of the nanovaccine regimens to a modified-live BRSV vaccine, and to non-vaccinated calves. Calves receiving nanovaccine via either prime-boost regimen exhibited clinical and virological protection compared to non-vaccinated calves. The heterologous nanovaccine regimen induced both virus-specific cellular immunity and mucosal IgA, and induced similar clinical, virological and pathological protection as the commercial modified-live vaccine. Principal component analysis identified BRSV-specific humoral and cellular responses as important correlates of protection. The BRSV-F/G CpG nanovaccine is a promising candidate vaccine to reduce RSV disease burden in humans and animals.

Global commercialization and research of veterinary vaccines against Pasteurella multocida: 2015-2022 technological surveillance

Background and Aim

Pasteurella multocida can infect a multitude of wild and domesticated animals, bacterial vaccines have become a crucial tool in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in animal production. The study aimed to evaluate the current status and scientific trends related to veterinary vaccines against Pasteurella multocida during the 2015-2022 period.

Material and Methods

The characteristics of globally marketed vaccines were investigated based on the official websites of 22 pharmaceutical companies. VOSviewer® 1.6.18 was used to visualize networks of coauthorship and cooccurrence of keywords from papers published in English and available in Scopus.

Results

Current commercial vaccines are mostly inactivated (81.7%), adjuvanted in aluminum hydroxide (57.8%), and designed to immunize cattle (33.0%). Investigational vaccines prioritize the inclusion of attenuated strains, peptide fragments, recombinant proteins, DNA as antigens, aluminum compounds as adjuvants and poultry as the target species.

Conclusion

Despite advances in genetic engineering and biotechnology, there will be no changes in the commercial dominance of inactivated and aluminum hydroxide-adjuvanted vaccines in the short term (3-5 years). The future prospects for bacterial vaccines in animal production are promising, with advancements in vaccine formulation and genetic engineering, they have the potential to improve the sustainability of the industry. It is necessary to continue with the studies to improve the efficacy of the vaccines and their availability.

Vaccine development for bacterial pathogens: Advances, challenges and prospects

The advent and use of antimicrobials have played a key role in treating potentially life-threatening infectious diseases, improving health, and saving the lives of millions of people worldwide. However, the emergence of multidrug resistant (MDR) pathogens has been a significant health challenge that has compromised the ability to prevent and treat a wide range of infectious diseases that were once treatable. Vaccines offer potential as a promising alternative to fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR) infectious diseases. Vaccine technologies include reverse vaccinology, structural biology methods, nucleic acid (DNA and mRNA) vaccines, generalised modules for membrane antigens, bioconjugates/glycoconjugates, nanomaterials and several other emerging technological advances that are offering a potential breakthrough in the development of efficient vaccines against pathogens. This review covers the opportunities and advancements in vaccine discovery and development targeting bacterial pathogens. We reflect on the impact of the already-developed vaccines targeting bacterial pathogens and the potential of those currently under different stages of preclinical and clinical trials. More importantly, we critically and comprehensively analyse the challenges while highlighting the key indices for future vaccine prospects. Finally, the issues and concerns of AMR for low-income countries (sub-Saharan Africa) and the challenges with vaccine integration, discovery and development in this region are critically evaluated.

Applying genetic technologies to combat infectious diseases in aquaculture

Disease and parasitism cause major welfare, environmental and economic concerns for global aquaculture. In this review, we examine the status and potential of technologies that exploit genetic variation in host resistance to tackle this problem. We argue that there is an urgent need to improve understanding of the genetic mechanisms involved, leading to the development of tools that can be applied to boost host resistance and reduce the disease burden. We draw on two pressing global disease problems as case studies-sea lice infestations in salmonids and white spot syndrome in shrimp. We review how the latest genetic technologies can be capitalised upon to determine the mechanisms underlying inter- and intra-species variation in pathogen/parasite resistance, and how the derived knowledge could be applied to boost disease resistance using selective breeding, gene editing and/or with targeted feed treatments and vaccines. Gene editing brings novel opportunities, but also implementation and dissemination challenges, and necessitates new protocols to integrate the technology into aquaculture breeding programmes. There is also an ongoing need to minimise risks of disease agents evolving to overcome genetic improvements to host resistance, and insights from epidemiological and evolutionary models of pathogen infestation in wild and cultured host populations are explored. Ethical issues around the different approaches for achieving genetic resistance are discussed. Application of genetic technologies and approaches has potential to improve fundamental knowledge of mechanisms affecting genetic resistance and provide effective pathways for implementation that could lead to more resistant aquaculture stocks, transforming global aquaculture.

Improved DNA Vaccine Delivery with Needle-Free Injection Systems

DNA vaccines have inherent advantages compared to other vaccine types, including safety, rapid design and construction, ease and speed to manufacture, and thermostability. However, a major drawback of candidate DNA vaccines delivered by needle and syringe is the poor immunogenicity associated with inefficient cellular uptake of the DNA. This uptake is essential because the target vaccine antigen is produced within cells and then presented to the immune system. Multiple techniques have been employed to boost the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of DNA vaccines, including physical delivery methods, molecular and traditional adjuvants, and genetic sequence enhancements. Needle-free injection systems (NFIS) are an attractive alternative due to the induction of potent immunogenicity, enhanced protective efficacy, and elimination of needles. These advantages led to a milestone achievement in the field with the approval for Restricted Use in Emergency Situation of a DNA vaccine against COVID-19, delivered exclusively with NFIS. In this review, we discuss physical delivery methods for DNA vaccines with an emphasis on commercially available NFIS and their resulting safety, immunogenic effectiveness, and protective efficacy. As is discussed, prophylactic DNA vaccines delivered by NFIS tend to induce non-inferior immunogenicity to electroporation and enhanced responses compared to needle and syringe.

Effects of access to feed, water, and a competitive exclusion product in the hatcher on some immune traits and gut development in broiler chickens

This study evaluated the effect of access to feed, water, and the competitive exclusion (CE) product Broilact®, administered in the hatcher, on broiler performance, caecal microbiota development, organ development, intestinal morphology, serum levels of IgY and vaccine-induced antibody responses.In total, 250 chicks were hatched in a HatchCare^TM hatcher and divided into four groups, given access to feed, water and the CE product sprayed on the chicks (CEs); access to feed, water, and the CE product in water (CEw); access to feed and water (Cpos); or no access to feed and water (Cneg) in the hatcher. At the research facility, 10 chicks per hatching treatment were euthanized for organ measurements. The remaining 200 chicks were randomly distributed to 20 pens. On d 11, all birds were vaccinated against avian pneumovirus (APV). Three focal birds per pen were blood-sampled weekly for quantification of IgY and serum antibodies to APV. On d 11 and 32, two birds per replicate pen were euthanised for organ measurements and sample collection. Feed intake and body weight were recorded weekly.Delayed access to feed and water reduced weight gain and feed intake early in life. At the end of the study, no differences in body weight remained.There were some early effects on organs, with depressed intestinal development and higher relative gizzard weight for the Cneg group at placement. No treatment effects on the immune traits measured were detected. The relative abundance of seven bacterial genera differed between treatment groups at d 11 of age. The results suggested that chickens are capable of compensating for 40 h feed and water deprival post-hatch. Provision of Broilact® did not have any persistent performance-enhancing properties, although different outcomes under rearing conditions closer to commercial production cannot be ruled out.

Have mRNA vaccines sentenced DNA vaccines to death?

INTRODUCTION

After receiving emergency approval during the COVID-19 pandemic, mRNA vaccines have taken center stage in the quest to enhance future vaccination strategies for both infectious diseases and cancer. Indeed, they have significantly overshadowed another facet of genetic vaccination, specifically DNA vaccines. Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge that both types of genetic vaccines have distinct advantages and disadvantages that set them apart from each other.

AREAS COVERED

In this work, we delve extensively into the history of genetic vaccines, their mechanisms of action, their strengths, and limitations, and ultimately highlight ongoing research in key areas for potential enhancement of both DNA and mRNA vaccines.

EXPERT OPINION

Here, we assess the significance of the primary benefits and drawbacks associated with DNA and mRNA vaccination. We challenge the current lines of thought by highlighting that the existing drawbacks of DNA vaccination could potentially be more straightforward to address compared to those linked with mRNA vaccination. In our view, this suggests that DNA vaccines should remain viable contenders in the pursuit of the future of vaccination.

Technology Readiness Levels for vaccine and drug development in animal health: From discovery to life cycle management

Public research and innovation initiatives in animal health aim to deliver key knowledge, services and products that improve the control of animal infectious diseases and animal welfare to deliver on global challenges including public health threats, environmental concerns and food security. The Technology Readiness Level (TRL) is a popular innovation policy instrument to monitor the maturity of upcoming new technologies in publicly funded research projects. However, while general definition of the 9 levels on the TRL-scale enable uniform discussions of technical maturity across different types of technology, these definitions are very generic which hampers concrete interpretation and application. Here, we aligned innovation pipeline stages as used in the animal health industry for the development of new vaccines or drugs with the TRL scale, resulting in TRL for animal health (TRLAH). This more bespoke scale can help to rationally allocate funding for animal health research from basic to applied research, map innovation processes, monitor progress and develop realistic progress expectations across the time span of a research and innovation project. The TRLAH thus become an interesting instrument to enhance the translation of public research results into industrial and societal innovation and foster public-private partnerships in animal health.

Rational Design of Live-Attenuated Vaccines against Genome-Reduced Pathogens

To develop safe and highly effective live vaccines, rational vaccine design is necessary. Here, we sought a simple approach to rationally develop a safe attenuated vaccine against the genome-reduced pathogen Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae. We examined the mRNA expression of all conserved amino acid biosynthetic genes remaining in the genome after the reductive evolution of E. rhusiopathiae. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis revealed that half of the 14 genes examined were upregulated during the infection of murine J774A.1 macrophages. Gene deletion was possible only for three proline biosynthesis genes, proB, proA, and proC, the last of which was upregulated 29-fold during infection. Five mutants bearing an in-frame deletion of one (ΔproB, ΔproA, or ΔproC mutant), two (ΔproBA mutant), or three (ΔproBAC mutant) genes exhibited attenuated growth during J774A.1 infection, and the attenuation and vaccine efficacy of these mutants were confirmed in mice and pigs. Thus, for the rational design of live vaccines against genome-reduced bacteria, the selective targeting of genes that escaped chromosomal deletions during evolution may be a simple approach for identifying genes which are specifically upregulated during infection. IMPORTANCE Identification of bacterial genes that are specifically upregulated during infection can lead to the rational construction of live vaccines. For this purpose, genome-based approaches, including DNA microarray analysis and IVET (in vivo expression technology), have been used so far; however, these methods can become laborious and time-consuming. In this study, we used a simple in silico approach and showed that in genome-reduced bacteria, the genes which evolutionarily remained conserved for metabolic adaptations during infection may be the best targets for the deletion and construction of live vaccines.

How modular protein nanoparticles may expand the ability of subunit anti-viral vaccines: The spring viremia carp virus (SVCV) case

Spring viremia of carp (SVC) remains as a vaccine orphan disease mostly affecting juvenile specimens. Young fish are especially difficult to vaccinate and oral administration of vaccine combined with food would be the election system to minimise stress and the vaccination costs associated to injection. However, administration of prophylactics with food pellets faces off several drawbacks mainly related with vaccine degradation and weak protection correlates of oral vaccines. Here we present a platform based on recombinant proteins (subunit vaccines) manufactured as highly resistant nanostructured materials, and providing excellent levels of protection against SVC virus in a preliminary i.p injection challenge. The G3 domain of SVCV glycoprotein G was overexpressed in E. coli together with IFNγ and the modular protein was purified from bacterial aggregates (inclusion bodies) as highly organised nanostructured biomaterial (nanopellets, NP). These SVCV-IFN^NP were taken up by zebrafish cells leading to the enhanced expression of different antiviral and IFN markers (e.g vig1, mx, lmp2 or ifngr1 among others) in zebrafish liver cells (ZFL). To monitor if SVCV^NP and SVCV-IFN^NP can be taken up by intestinal epithelia and can induce antiviral response we performed experiments with SVCV^NP and SVCV-IFN^NP in 3 days post fertilization (dpf) zebrafish larvae. Both, SVCV^NP and SVCV-IFN^NP were taken up and accumulated in the intestine without signs of toxicity. The antiviral response in larvae showed a different induction pattern: SVCV-IFN^NP did not induce an antiviral response while SVCV^NP showed a good antiviral induction. Interestingly ZF4, an embryonic derived cell line, showed an antiviral response like ZFL cells, although the lmp2 and ifngr1 (markers of the IFNγ response) were not overexpressed. Experiments with adult zebrafish indicated an excellent level of protection against a SVCV model infection where SVCV-IFN^NP vaccinated fish reached 20% cumulative mortality while control fish reached over 80% cumulative mortality.

Enhancing the Effect of Nucleic Acid Vaccines in the Treatment of HPV-Related Cancers: An Overview of Delivery Systems

Prophylactic vaccines against human papillomavirus (HPV) have proven efficacy in those who have not been infected by the virus. However, they do not benefit patients with established tumors. Therefore, the development of therapeutic options for HPV-related malignancies is critical. Third-generation vaccines based on nucleic acids are fast and simple approaches to eliciting adaptive immune responses. However, techniques to boost immunogenicity, reduce degradation, and facilitate their capture by immune cells are frequently required. One option to overcome this constraint is to employ delivery systems that allow selective antigen absorption and help modulate the immune response. This review aimed to discuss the influence of these different systems on the response generated by nucleic acid vaccines. The results indicate that delivery systems based on lipids, polymers, and microorganisms such as yeasts can be used to ensure the stability and transport of nucleic acid vaccines to their respective protein synthesis compartments. Thus, in view of the limitations of nucleic acid-based vaccines, it is important to consider the type of delivery system to be used-due to its impact on the immune response and desired final effect.

Recombinant vaccines in 2022: a perspective from the cell factory

The last big outbreaks of Ebola fever in Africa, the thousands of avian influenza outbreaks across Europe, Asia, North America and Africa, the emergence of monkeypox virus in Europe and specially the COVID-19 pandemics have globally stressed the need for efficient, cost-effective vaccines against infectious diseases. Ideally, they should be based on transversal technologies of wide applicability. In this context, and pushed by the above-mentioned epidemiological needs, new and highly sophisticated DNA-or RNA-based vaccination strategies have been recently developed and applied at large-scale. Being very promising and effective, they still need to be assessed regarding the level of conferred long-term protection. Despite these fast-developing approaches, subunit vaccines, based on recombinant proteins obtained by conventional genetic engineering, still show a wide spectrum of interesting potentialities and an important margin for further development. In the 80’s, the first vaccination attempts with recombinant vaccines consisted in single structural proteins from viral pathogens, administered as soluble plain versions. In contrast, more complex formulations of recombinant antigens with particular geometries are progressively generated and explored in an attempt to mimic the multifaceted set of stimuli offered to the immune system by replicating pathogens. The diversity of recombinant antimicrobial vaccines and vaccine prototypes is revised here considering the cell factory types, through relevant examples of prototypes under development as well as already approved products.

Enhancement of live vaccines by co-delivery of immune modulating proteins

Vaccines are very effective in providing protection against many infectious diseases. However, it has proven difficult to develop highly efficacious vaccines against some pathogens and so there is a continuing need to improve vaccine technologies. The first successful and widely used vaccines were based on attenuated pathogens (e.g., laboratory passaged Pasteurella multocida to vaccinate against fowl cholera) or closely related non-pathogenic organisms (e.g., cowpox to vaccinate against smallpox). Subsequently, live vaccines, either attenuated pathogens or non-pathogenic microorganisms modified to deliver heterologous antigens, have been successfully used to induce protective immune responses against many pathogens. Unlike conventional killed and subunit vaccines, live vaccines can deliver antigens to mucosal surfaces in a similar manner and context as the natural infection and hence can often produce a more appropriate and protective immune response. Despite these advantages, there is still a need to improve the immunogenicity of some live vaccines. The efficacy of injectable killed and subunit vaccines is usually enhanced using adjuvants such mineral salts, oils, and saponin, but such adjuvants cannot be used with live vaccines. Instead, live vaccines can be engineered to produce immunomodulatory molecules that can stimulate the immune system to induce more robust and long-lasting adaptive immune responses. This review focuses on research that has been undertaken to engineer live vaccines to produce immunomodulatory molecules that act as adjuvants to increase immunogenicity. Adjuvant strategies with varying mechanisms of action (inflammatory, antibody-mediated, cell-mediated) and delivery modes (oral, intramuscular, intranasal) have been investigated, with varying degrees of success. The goal of such research is to define adjuvant strategies that can be adapted to enhance live vaccine efficacy by triggering strong innate and adaptive immune responses and produce vaccines against a wider range of pathogens.

Status and Challenges for Vaccination against Avian H9N2 Influenza Virus in China

In China, H9N2 avian influenza virus (AIV) has become widely prevalent in poultry, causing huge economic losses after secondary infection with other pathogens. Importantly, H9N2 AIV continuously infects humans, and its six internal genes frequently reassort with other influenza viruses to generate novel influenza viruses that infect humans, threatening public health. Inactivated whole-virus vaccines have been used to control H9N2 AIV in China for more than 20 years, and they can alleviate clinical symptoms after immunization, greatly reducing economic losses. However, H9N2 AIVs can still be isolated from immunized chickens and have recently become the main epidemic subtype. A more effective vaccine prevention strategy might be able to address the current situation. Herein, we analyze the current status and vaccination strategy against H9N2 AIV and summarize the progress in vaccine development to provide insight for better H9N2 prevention and control.

Vaccines against Major Poultry Viral Diseases: Strategies to Improve the Breadth and Protective Efficacy

The poultry industry is the largest source of meat and eggs for human consumption worldwide. However, viral outbreaks in farmed stock are a common occurrence and a major source of concern for the industry. Mortality and morbidity resulting from an outbreak can cause significant economic losses with subsequent detrimental impacts on the global food supply chain. Mass vaccination is one of the main strategies for controlling and preventing viral infection in poultry. The development of broadly protective vaccines against avian viral diseases will alleviate selection pressure on field virus strains and simplify vaccination regimens for commercial farms with overall savings in husbandry costs. With the increasing number of emerging and re-emerging viral infectious diseases in the poultry industry, there is an urgent need to understand the strategies for broadening the protective efficacy of the vaccines against distinct viral strains. The current review provides an overview of viral vaccines and vaccination regimens available for common avian viral infections, and strategies for developing safer and more efficacious viral vaccines for poultry.

Gendered Barriers and Opportunities for Women Smallholder Farmers in the Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia Vaccine Value Chain in Kenya

Simple Summary

Small animals such as goats, sheep and chickens are an important source of income for rural livelihoods, especially for women farmers in Africa, because they are able to control the resources that come from the sale of these animals. However, one of the biggest problems they face is livestock diseases, even when vaccines are available. In Kenya, Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia (CCPP) is a highly infectious disease of goats with a mortality rate of more than 70%. A vaccine for CCPP is available but difficult to access by women in the rural areas. This study examines the gaps and barriers that prevent women smallholder farmers from effectively accessing and adopting CCPP vaccination for their animals in the Machakos district of Kenya. Our results indicate that key constraints to vaccine access and adoption for rural smallholder women farmers are lack of a cold chain for vaccine maintenance, inadequate and late delivery of veterinary services, lack of information and training, and limited financial capacity to purchase the vaccine. If more resources, information, and training is made available to women smallholder farmers through government or the private sector, there would be improved livestock productivity, better livelihoods, and increased opportunities and agency for women.

Abstract

Most rural women smallholder farmers in Kenya generate income from the sale of small ruminant animals. However, diseases such as Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia (CCPP) prevent them from optimizing earnings. A crucial aspect for the control of CCPP is vaccination. In Kenya, CCPP vaccines are distributed through a government delivery mechanism. This study examines gaps and barriers that prevent women smallholder farmers from accessing CCPP vaccines. Qualitative data collection tools used were focus groups discussions, focus meals, jar voices and key informant interviews. Using outcome mapping (OM) methodology, critical partners and stakeholders in the CCPP vaccine value chain (CCPP-VVC) were identified to be the manufacturers, importers, distributors, agrovets, public and private veterinarians, local leaders, and farmers. Respondents highlighted the barriers to be limited access to vaccines due to cold chain problems, inadequate and late delivery of services, lack of information and training on vaccines, and financial constraints. Identified opportunities that can support women’s engagement in the CCPP-VVC are the Kenya Governments two-third gender rule, which requires that not more than two thirds of the members of elective or appointive bodies shall be of the same gender, and positive community perception of female veterinarians. We conclude that more resources and training should be made available to women farmers, and that gender perspectives on policy development related to livestock production and disease prevention are urgently needed to improve livestock productivity and increase agency for women.

Vaccines as a Strategy to Control Trichinellosis

Trichinellosis caused by Trichinella spiralis is a worldwide food-borne parasitic zoonosis. Several approaches have been performed to control T. spiralis infection, including veterinary vaccines, which contribute to improving animal health and increasing public health by preventing the transmission of trichinellosis from animals to humans. In the past several decades, many vaccine studies have been performed in effort to control T. spiralis infection by reducing the muscle larvae and adult worms burden. Various candidate antigens, selected from excretory-secretory (ES) products and different functional proteins involved in the process of establishing infection have been investigated in rodent or swine models to explore their protective effect against T. spiralis infection. Moreover, different types of vaccines have been developed to improve the protective effect against T. spiralis infection in rodent or swine models, such as live attenuated vaccines, natural antigen vaccines, recombinant protein vaccines, DNA vaccines, and synthesized epitope vaccines. However, few studies of T. spiralis vaccines have been performed in pigs, and future research should focus on exploring the protective effect of different types of vaccines in swine models. Here, we present an overview of the strategies for the development of effective T. spiralis vaccines and summarize the factors of influencing the effectiveness of vaccines. We also discuss several propositions in improving the effectiveness of vaccines and may provide a route map for future T. spiralis vaccines development.

Equids’ Core Vaccines Guidelines in North America: Considerations and Prospective

Vaccination against infectious diseases is a cornerstone of veterinary medicine in the prevention of disease transmission, illness severity, and often death in animals. In North American equine medicine, equine vaccines protecting against tetanus, rabies, Eastern and Western equine encephalomyelitis, and West Nile are core vaccines as these have been classified as having a heightened risk of mortality, infectiousness, and endemic status. Some guidelines differ from the label of vaccines, to improve the protection of patients or to decrease the unnecessary administration to reduce potential side effects. In North America, resources for the equine practitioners are available on the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) website. Conversely, in small companion animals, peer review materials are regularly published in open access journals to guide the vaccination of dogs and cats. The aims of this review are to present how the vaccine guidelines have been established for small companion animals and horses in North America, to review the equine literature to solidify or contrast the current AAEP guidelines of core vaccines, and to suggest future research directions in the equine vaccine field considering small companion animal strategies and the current available resources in equine literature.

Virus-Like Particles: Revolutionary Platforms for Developing Vaccines Against Emerging Infectious Diseases

Virus-like particles (VLPs) are nanostructures that possess diverse applications in therapeutics, immunization, and diagnostics. With the recent advancements in biomedical engineering technologies, commercially available VLP-based vaccines are being extensively used to combat infectious diseases, whereas many more are in different stages of development in clinical studies. Because of their desired characteristics in terms of efficacy, safety, and diversity, VLP-based approaches might become more recurrent in the years to come. However, some production and fabrication challenges must be addressed before VLP-based approaches can be widely used in therapeutics. This review offers insight into the recent VLP-based vaccines development, with an emphasis on their characteristics, expression systems, and potential applicability as ideal candidates to combat emerging virulent pathogens. Finally, the potential of VLP-based vaccine as viable and efficient immunizing agents to induce immunity against virulent infectious agents, including, SARS-CoV-2 and protein nanoparticle-based vaccines has been elaborated. Thus, VLP vaccines may serve as an effective alternative to conventional vaccine strategies in combating emerging infectious diseases.

A role for an HTLV-1 vaccine?

HTLV-1 is a global infection with 5-20 million infected individuals. Although only a minority of infected individuals develop myelopathy, lymphoproliferative malignancy, or inflammatory disorders, infection is associated with immunosuppression and shorter survival. Transmission of HTLV-1 is through contaminated blood or needles, mother-to-child exposure through breast-feeding, and sexual intercourse. HTLV-1 is a delta retrovirus that expresses immunogenic Gag, Envelope, TAX, and Hbz proteins. Neutralizing antibodies have been identified directed against the surface envelope protein, and cytotoxic T-cell epitopes within TAX have been characterized. Thus far, there have been few investigations of vaccines directed against each of these proteins, with limited responses, thus far. However, with new technologies developed in the last few years, a renewed investigation is warranted in search for a safe and effective HTLV-1 vaccine.

An overview of progress from empirical to rational design in modern vaccine development, with an emphasis on computational tools and immunoinformatics approaches

Vaccination remains the most effective strategy for preventing and controlling infectious diseases. Numerous conventional vaccines, especially live attenuated, inactivated (killed) microorganisms and subunit vaccines, lead to an effective induction of protective immune responses, mainly antibody-mediated responses against pathogens. However, it has become known that a wide range of highly dangerous pathogens are uncontrollable via conventional vaccination strategies. Recent advances in molecular biology, immunology, genetics, biochemistry, and bioinformatics have provided new prospects for vaccine development. As a result of these advances, several new strategies for vaccine design, development, and production have appeared. These strategies show advantages over conventional vaccines. In this review, we discuss some of the major novel approaches, including recombinant protein vaccines, live recombinant viral and bacterial vectors, DNA and RNA vaccines, reverse vaccinology and reverse genetics approaches. Moreover, we have described the recent progresses on computational tools and immunoinformatics approaches for identifying, designing, and developing new candidate vaccines.

Current view on novel vaccine technologies to combat human infectious diseases

Inactivated and live attenuated vaccines have improved human life and significantly reduced morbidity and mortality of several human infectious diseases. However, these vaccines have faults, such as reactivity or suboptimal efficacy and expensive and time-consuming development and production. Additionally, despite the enormous efforts to develop vaccines against some infectious diseases, the traditional technologies have not been successful in achieving this. At the same time, the concerns about emerging and re-emerging diseases urge the need to develop technologies that can be rapidly applied to combat the new challenges. Within the last two decades, the research of vaccine technologies has taken several directions to achieve safe, efficient, and economic platforms or technologies for novel vaccines. This review will give a brief overview of the current state of the novel vaccine technologies, new vaccine candidates in clinical trial phases 1-3 (listed by European Medicines Agency (EMA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA)), and vaccines based on the novel technologies which have already been commercially available (approved by EMA and FDA) with the special reference to pandemic COVID-19 vaccines. KEY POINTS: • Vaccines of the new generation follow the minimalist strategy. • Some infectious diseases remain a challenge for the vaccine development. • The number of new vaccine candidates in the late phase clinical trials remains low.

A review on the recent advances and application of vaccines against fish pathogens in aquaculture

Globally, aquaculture has faced serious economic problems due to bacterial, viral, and various other infectious diseases of different origins. Even though such diseases are being detected and simultaneously treated with several therapeutic and prophylactic methods, the broad-spectrum activity of vaccines plays a vital role as a preventive measure in aquaculture. However, treatments like use of antibiotics and probiotics seem to be less effective when new mutant strains develop and disease causing pathogens become resistant to commonly used antibiotics. Therefore, vaccines developed by using recent advanced molecular techniques can be considered as an effective way of treating disease causing pathogens in aquatic organisms. The present review emphasizes on the current advances in technology and future outlook with reference to different types of vaccines used in the aquaculture industries. Beginning with traditional killed/inactivated and live attenuated vaccines, this work culminates in the review of modern new generation ones including recombinant, synthetic peptides, mucosal and DNA, subunit, nanoparticle-based and plant-based edible vaccines, reverse vaccinology, and monovalent and polyvalent vaccines.

Leishmania 360°: Guidelines for Exosomal Research

Leishmania parasites are a group of kinetoplastid pathogens that cause a variety of clinical disorders while maintaining cell communication by secreting extracellular vesicles. Emerging technologies have been adapted for the study of Leishmania-host cell interactions, to enable the broad-scale analysis of the extracellular vesicles of this parasite. Leishmania extracellular vesicles (LEVs) are spheroidal nanoparticles of polydispersed suspensions surrounded by a layer of lipid membrane. Although LEVs have attracted increasing attention from researchers, many aspects of their biology remain unclear, including their bioavailability and function in the complex molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis. Given the importance of LEVs in the parasite-host interaction, and in the parasite-parasite relationships that have emerged during the evolutionary history of these organisms, the present review provides an overview of the available data on Leishmania, and formulates guidelines for LEV research. We conclude by reporting direct methods for the isolation of specific LEVs from the culture supernatant of the promastigotes and amastigotes that are suitable for a range of different downstream applications, which increases the compatibility and reproducibility of the approach for the establishment of optimal and comparable isolation conditions and the complete characterization of the LEV, as well as the critical immunomodulatory events triggered by this important group of parasites.

Nanovaccines against Animal Pathogens: The Latest Findings

Nowadays, safe and efficacious vaccines represent powerful and cost-effective tools for global health and economic growth. In the veterinary field, these are undoubtedly key tools for improving productivity and fighting zoonoses. However, cases of persistent infections, rapidly evolving pathogens having high variability or emerging/re-emerging pathogens for which no effective vaccines have been developed point out the continuing need for new vaccine alternatives to control outbreaks. Most licensed vaccines have been successfully used for many years now; however, they have intrinsic limitations, such as variable efficacy, adverse effects, and some shortcomings. More effective adjuvants and novel delivery systems may foster real vaccine effectiveness and timely implementation. Emerging vaccine technologies involving nanoparticles such as self-assembling proteins, virus-like particles, liposomes, virosomes, and polymeric nanoparticles offer novel, safe, and high-potential approaches to address many vaccine development-related challenges. Nanotechnology is accelerating the evolution of vaccines because nanomaterials having encapsulation ability and very advantageous properties due to their size and surface area serve as effective vehicles for antigen delivery and immunostimulatory agents. This review discusses the requirements for an effective, broad-coverage-elicited immune response, the main nanoplatforms for producing it, and the latest nanovaccine applications for fighting animal pathogens.

Application of CRISPR-Cas9 Editing for Virus Engineering and the Development of Recombinant Viral Vaccines

CRISPR-Cas technology, discovered originally as a bacterial defense system, has been extensively repurposed as a powerful tool for genome editing for multiple applications in biology. In the field of virology, CRISPR-Cas9 technology has been widely applied on genetic recombination and engineering of genomes of various viruses to ask some fundamental questions about virus-host interactions. Its high efficiency, specificity, versatility, and low cost have also provided great inspiration and hope in the field of vaccinology to solve a series of bottleneck problems in the development of recombinant viral vaccines. This review highlights the applications of CRISPR editing in the technological advances compared to the traditional approaches used for the construction of recombinant viral vaccines and vectors, the main factors affecting their application, and the challenges that need to be overcome for further streamlining their effective usage in the prevention and control of diseases. Factors affecting efficiency, target specificity, and fidelity of CRISPR-Cas editing in the context of viral genome editing and development of recombinant vaccines are also discussed.