Related Experiment Videos
Enteric administration of a live attenuated measles vaccine does not induce protective immunity in a macaque model
Koert J Stittelaar1, Rik L de Swart, Helma W Vos
1Institute of Virology, Erasmus University Rotterdam, P.O. Box 1738, 3000 DR Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
To test the option of oral vaccination with a live attenuated measles vaccine (LAV), we have evaluated the potential of an orally administered enteric-coated tablet containing a candidate LAV (strain Leningrad-16, MV-L16). To this end three groups of two cynomolgus macaques each were vaccinated via different routes with 10(3.8) TCID(50) MV-L16 vaccine: intramuscularly (i.m.), intraintestinally (i.i.) upon laparotomy and via enteric-coated tablets. Upon vaccination, MV-L16 could only be isolated from one of the i.m.-vaccinated monkeys and not from any of the other five. Both the i.m.-infected monkeys and one of the i.i.-infected monkeys developed a MV-specific serum antibody response. Also, MV-specific CD8(+) IFN gamma-producing T cells could be demonstrated in all three monkeys that had seroconverted. Upon challenge with wild-type MV 1 year after vaccination, only these three monkeys proved to be protected. These data do not support the viability of the concept of oral vaccination with LAVs.
Insights
Oral vaccination with a live attenuated measles vaccine (LAV) using enteric-coated tablets was tested in macaques. The study found that this method did not induce a protective immune response against measles virus.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Measles remains a significant global health concern, necessitating effective vaccination strategies.
- Live attenuated vaccines (LAVs) are a cornerstone of measles prevention.
- Oral delivery of vaccines offers potential advantages in administration and accessibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of an enteric-coated tablet formulation of a live attenuated measles vaccine (MV-L16) for oral administration.
- To assess the immunogenicity and protective potential of orally delivered MV-L16 in a non-human primate model.
Main Methods:
- Cynomolgus macaques were vaccinated with MV-L16 via intramuscular (i.m.), intraintestinal (i.i.), or oral enteric-coated tablet routes.
- Vaccine virus shedding and seroconversion were monitored post-vaccination.
- Cellular immune responses (CD8+ T cells) were assessed.
- Animals were challenged with wild-type measles virus (MV) one year after vaccination.
Main Results:
- Measles vaccine virus (MV-L16) was primarily isolated from intramuscularly vaccinated macaques; oral and intraintestinal routes showed limited or no viral shedding.
- Measles virus-specific serum antibody responses and CD8+ T cell responses were observed only in the intramuscularly vaccinated group and one intraintestinally vaccinated group.
- Only the three seroconverted macaques demonstrated protection upon wild-type MV challenge one year post-vaccination.
Conclusions:
- The enteric-coated tablet formulation of MV-L16 did not elicit a protective immune response when administered orally.
- Current data do not support the viability of oral vaccination with this live attenuated measles vaccine candidate.
- Further research may be needed to optimize oral vaccine delivery systems for measles.