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Emerging Insights: Vaccine Efficacy and Clinical Dynamics in the Context...
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Emerging Insights: Vaccine Efficacy and Clinical Dynamics in the Context of Multiple Pathogen Exposures

A special issue of Vaccines (ISSN 2076-393X). This special issue belongs to the section "Vaccines against Tropical and other Infectious Diseases".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 February 2025) | Viewed by 10706

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Tomabu Adjobimey

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Institute of Medical Biology, Immunology, and Parasitology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
2. Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Abomey-Calavi, Godomey, Benin
Interests: tropical Infections; coinfections; epidemiology; SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19; vaccines
Prof. Dr. Henry Mwandumba

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
Interests: helminths; immune regulation; T and B cell immunology; antibody production; COVID-19

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The COVID-19 pandemic, which was triggered by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, led to a global health crisis that claimed millions of lives. Despite its large population and limited healthcare resources, the African continent experienced less impacts than initially predicted. This observation raises questions about the role of prevalent tropical diseases in Africa in shaping the trajectory of the pandemic. The interplay between tropical infections and COVID-19 may have affected disease outcomes and the efficacy of vaccinations. 

Beyond the scope of COVID-19, this Special Issue aims to discuss the interactions between endemic infections in tropical countries and the course of disease. We are particularly interested in understanding how these tropical co-infections modulate the course and treatment of these diseases. We seek contributions that examine the role of vaccines and tropical co-infections in epidemiology, clinical diagnostics, and disease management.

We encourage submissions that offer novel insights into these complex interactions and their implications for public health. We welcome original research, brief reports, systematic reviews, letters to the editor, opinion pieces, and perspectives.

Our goal is to foster a comprehensive understanding of these critical issues, and we believe that your contribution can significantly aid this endeavor. We look forward to your submissions.

Dr. Tomabu Adjobimey
Prof. Dr. Henry Mwandumba
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Vaccines is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • vaccines
  • tropical infections
  • coinfections
  • epidemiology
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • COVID-19
  • disease modulation

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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21 pages, 3596 KiB  
Article
Robust COVID-19 Vaccine Responses Despite Filarial Co-Infection: Insights from a Lymphatic Filariasis Cohort in Ghana
by Julia Meyer, Jennifer Nadal, Linda Batsa Debrah, Alexander Yaw Debrah, Jubin Osei-Mensah, Derrick Adu Mensah, Patricia Jebett Korir, Janina M. Kuehlwein, Ute Klarmann-Schulz, Achim Hoerauf and Tomabu Adjobimey
Vaccines 2025, 13(3), 312; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13030312 - 13 Mar 2025
Viewed by 772
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Although the COVID-19 pandemic has largely concluded, the varied trajectories it has followed in different regions of the world remain incompletely understood. Intensive research is needed to fully grasp its course and the implications for future global health challenges. Notably, the milder [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Although the COVID-19 pandemic has largely concluded, the varied trajectories it has followed in different regions of the world remain incompletely understood. Intensive research is needed to fully grasp its course and the implications for future global health challenges. Notably, the milder trajectory of the COVID-19 pandemic in Sub-Saharan Africa has defied initial predictions. An emerging body of evidence suggests that, in addition to the continent’s younger average age and the lower prevalence of relevant comorbidities, co-infections with helminths may have also impressively shaped the pandemic’s milder trajectory in the region. Indeed, helminths are renowned for their ability to modulate human immune responses, which, while potentially beneficial in limiting excessive inflammation, could also diminish vaccine efficacy and impede viral clearance. This study investigated different aspects of the intricate interactions between COVID-19 and Lymphatic Filariasis (LF), a helminth infection caused by parasitic worms such as Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, and Brugia timori and endemic to various regions in Sub-Saharan Africa and the tropics. Methods: For this purpose, samples of a larger and ongoing clinical trial (ethical approval codes: CHRPE/AP/525/17 and 325/21; trial registration number ISRCTN14042737) were collected from 222 individuals from endemic areas of Ghana, along with comprehensive clinical and demographic data. The samples include LF patients (n = 222) grouped according to their Lymphoedema (LE) stages, as well as COVID-19 vaccinated (n = 81) and non-vaccinated individuals (n = 141). All vaccinated participants received the COVID-19 vaccine ChAdOx1-S (also known as Vaxzevria) developed by the University of Oxford and AstraZenca. The expressions of SARS-CoV-2 and filarial-specific antibodies (IgG, IgA) were accessed using ELISA, while Luminex-based immunoassays were employed to measure the expression of SARS-CoV-2 variant-specific neutralizing antibodies. The interplay between vaccine responses and demographic factors was analyzed using group comparisons with the Kruskal-Wallis or Mann-Whitney U tests. Results: The results indicate that a remarkable portion of unvaccinated individuals (56% IgA seropositive, 39% IgG seropositive) developed antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 despite no confirmed infection. Notably, the study identified a robust antibody response to COVID-19 vaccination, which was independent of the degree of LF pathology or parasitic status. An important observation was the reduced SARS-CoV-2 antibody response in individuals seropositive for Ascaris lumbricoides (p = 0.0264), highlighting an interaction between roundworm infection and COVID-19. Conclusions: The study concludes that the ChAdOx1-S COVID-19 vaccine (AstraZeneca) triggers a strong immune response in LF patients; however, filarial and/or soil-transmitted helminth seropositivity might influence the COVID-19 infection-induced response. These findings emphasize the complexity of infectious disease dynamics in co-infected populations and the need to decipher parasite-induced immunomodulatory mechanisms on COVID-19 vaccination. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Insights: Vaccine Efficacy and Clinical Dynamics in the Context of Multiple Pathogen Exposures)
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18 pages, 3690 KiB  
Article
Helminth Seropositivity Inversely Correlated with Th1 and Th17 Cytokines and Severe COVID-19
by Brice Armel Nembot Fogang, Julia Meyer, Linda B. Debrah, Michael Owusu, George Agyei, Derrick Adu Mensah, John Boateng, Jubin Osei Mensah, Ute Klarmann-Schulz, Sacha Horn, Inge Kroidl, Ezekiel Bonwin Ackah, Richard O. Phillips, Augustina Sylverken, Alexander Y. Debrah, Achim Hoerauf and Tomabu Adjobimey
Vaccines 2025, 13(3), 252; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13030252 - 27 Feb 2025
Viewed by 811
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted global health. However, Africa has reported relatively low numbers of cases and fatalities. Although the pandemic has largely receded, the reasons for its milder course on the African continent have not yet been fully clarified. This [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted global health. However, Africa has reported relatively low numbers of cases and fatalities. Although the pandemic has largely receded, the reasons for its milder course on the African continent have not yet been fully clarified. This study explored the hypothesis that helminth co-infections may have contributed to these observations. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using 104 plasma samples collected during the third wave of the pandemic in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Luminex assays were used to measure SARS-CoV-2-specific IgA and IgG, neutralizing antibodies, systemic cytokines and helminth-specific IgG. Results: The results indicated that the highest cumulative seroprevalence of helminths (61.5%) was observed in asymptomatic COVID-19 patients. In comparison, mild and moderate patients had helminth seropositivity rates of 43.8% and 34.5%, respectively, which were 1.4 and 1.8 times lower than those of the asymptomatic group, respectively. Notably, the two severe COVID-19 cases investigated were seronegative for all three of the helminths tested. Strikingly, co-exposure resulted in lower SARS-CoV-2-specific IgA/IgG expression and reduced neutralization potential. However, co-seropositive individuals for helminths and SARS-CoV-2 exhibited a higher expression of Th2 cytokines and IL-10 over Th1 cytokines compared to SARS-CoV-2-positive individuals alone. Conclusion: These data suggest that co-exposure to helminths could mitigate the severity of COVID-19 outcomes by reducing the Th1 and Th17 responses; this highlights the potential protective role of helminthiasis against severe COVID-19. These findings provide valuable insights for the development of public health policies in helminth-endemic regions and underscore the importance of considering helminth co-infections in managing viral infections. It also offers a plausible explanation for the milder disease severity observed in helminth-endemic regions while raising critical considerations regarding vaccine efficacy, as helminth-induced immune modulation may influence the magnitude and quality of vaccine-induced immune responses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Insights: Vaccine Efficacy and Clinical Dynamics in the Context of Multiple Pathogen Exposures)
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19 pages, 682 KiB  
Article
Reactogenicity and Immunogenicity Against MPXV of the Intradermal Administration of Modified Vaccinia Ankara Compared to the Standard Subcutaneous Route
by Valentina Mazzotta, Pierluca Piselli, Alessandro Cozzi Lepri, Giulia Matusali, Eleonora Cimini, Rozenn Esvan, Francesca Colavita, Roberta Gagliardini, Stefania Notari, Alessandra Oliva, Silvia Meschi, Rita Casetti, Giulia Micheli, Licia Bordi, Alessandro Giacinta, Germana Grassi, Saba Gebremeskel Tekle, Claudia Cimaglia, Jessica Paulicelli, Alessandro Caioli, Paola Gallì, Giulia Del Duca, Miriam Lichtner, Loredana Sarmati, Enrica Tamburrini, Claudio Mastroianni, Alessandra Latini, Paolo Faccendini, Carla Fontana, Emanuele Nicastri, Andrea Siddu, Alessandra Barca, Francesco Vaia, Enrico Girardi, Fabrizio Maggi and Andrea Antinoriadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Vaccines 2025, 13(1), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13010032 - 31 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1197
Abstract
Background: The recent resurgence of mpox in central Africa has been declared a new public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) requiring coordinated international responses. Vaccination is a priority to expand protection and enhance control strategies, but the vaccine’s need exceeds the currently [...] Read more.
Background: The recent resurgence of mpox in central Africa has been declared a new public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) requiring coordinated international responses. Vaccination is a priority to expand protection and enhance control strategies, but the vaccine’s need exceeds the currently available doses. Intradermal (ID) administration of one-fifth of the standard modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA-BN) dose was temporarily authorized during the 2022 PHEIC. Studies conducted before 2022 provided evidence about the humoral response against the vaccinia virus (VACV) after vaccination but not against the mpox virus (MPXV). Moreover, no data are available on the T-cell response elicited by MVA-BN administered subcutaneously or intradermally. Methods: We compare the two vaccine administration routes according to reactogenicity (n = 943) and immunogenicity (n = 225) of vaccine recipients attending INMI Spallanzani hospital during the 2022 vaccination campaign in Rome, Italy. Results: We found that the ID route elicited higher titers of MPXV-specific IgG (mean difference of 0.26 log2, p = 0.05) and nAbs (0.24 log2, p = 0.08) than the subcutaneous (SC) route one month after the complete vaccination cycle. At the same time, no evidence for a difference in cellular response was found. Conclusions: MVA-BN was globally well tolerated despite higher reactogenicity for the ID than the SC route, especially for the reactions at the local injection site. The ID dose-sparing strategy was proven safe and immunogenic and would make vaccination available to more people. Our data support the current WHO recommendation of using the ID route in low–medium-income countries (LMIC), although response data in people infected with the new 1b clade are urgently needed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Insights: Vaccine Efficacy and Clinical Dynamics in the Context of Multiple Pathogen Exposures)
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12 pages, 1754 KiB  
Article
Enhancement of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Vaccine Efficacy through the Application of TMSB10 UTR for Superior Antigen Presentation and Immune Activation
by Xiaoyan Ding, Yuxin Zhou, Jiuxiang He, Jing Zhao and Jintao Li
Vaccines 2024, 12(4), 432; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12040432 - 17 Apr 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2222
Abstract
The development of effective vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 remains a critical challenge amidst the ongoing global pandemic. This study introduces a novel approach to enhancing mRNA vaccine efficacy by leveraging the untranslated region (UTR) of TMSB10, a gene identified for its significant mRNA abundance [...] Read more.
The development of effective vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 remains a critical challenge amidst the ongoing global pandemic. This study introduces a novel approach to enhancing mRNA vaccine efficacy by leveraging the untranslated region (UTR) of TMSB10, a gene identified for its significant mRNA abundance in antigen-presenting cells. Utilizing the GEO database, we identified TMSB10 among nine genes, with the highest mRNA abundance in dendritic cell subtypes. Subsequent experiments revealed that TMSB10’s UTR significantly enhances the expression of a reporter gene in both antigen-presenting and 293T cells, surpassing other candidates and a previously optimized natural UTR. A comparative analysis demonstrated that TMSB10 UTR not only facilitated a higher reporter gene expression in vitro but also showed marked superiority in vivo, leading to enhanced specific humoral and cellular immune responses against the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant RBD antigen. Specifically, vaccines incorporating TMSB10 UTR induced significantly higher levels of specific IgG antibodies and promoted a robust T-cell immune response, characterized by the increased secretion of IFN-γ and IL-4 and the proliferation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. These findings underscore the potential of TMSB10 UTR as a strategic component in mRNA vaccine design, offering a promising avenue to bolster vaccine-induced immunity against SARS-CoV-2 and, potentially, other pathogens. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Insights: Vaccine Efficacy and Clinical Dynamics in the Context of Multiple Pathogen Exposures)
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Review

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17 pages, 1048 KiB  
Review
Dengue Vaccination: A Practical Guide for Clinicians
by Kay Choong See
Vaccines 2025, 13(2), 145; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13020145 - 30 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4725
Abstract
Dengue is a growing global public health challenge, with rising incidence and case fatality rates fueled by urbanization and climate change. The substantial mortality, morbidity, and economic burden associated with the disease underscore the need for effective prevention strategies, including vector control, personal [...] Read more.
Dengue is a growing global public health challenge, with rising incidence and case fatality rates fueled by urbanization and climate change. The substantial mortality, morbidity, and economic burden associated with the disease underscore the need for effective prevention strategies, including vector control, personal protective measures, and vaccination. This narrative review provides a practical guide for clinicians to ensure the appropriate administration of dengue vaccines to at-risk groups, such as individuals in endemic regions and travelers to these areas. Live-attenuated tetravalent dengue vaccines, including Dengvaxia®, Qdenga®, and Butantan-DV, have demonstrated efficacy in clinical trials but require careful use due to the risk of antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE). To mitigate this risk, guidelines recommend vaccination primarily for individuals with prior confirmed dengue infection, emphasizing the importance of accessible and affordable point-of-care rapid testing. Co-administration of dengue vaccines with other live-attenuated or inactivated vaccines has been shown to be safe and immunogenic, broadening their potential application. However, live-attenuated vaccines are contraindicated for immunocompromised individuals and pregnant women. Enhancing clinician awareness, expanding diagnostic capabilities, and prioritizing high-risk populations are critical steps to optimize vaccination strategies. Combined with robust prevention programs, these efforts are essential to reducing the global burden of dengue and mitigating its impact. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Insights: Vaccine Efficacy and Clinical Dynamics in the Context of Multiple Pathogen Exposures)
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