Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 11, 2026

Sublingual Immunotherapy as an Alternative to Induce Protection Against Acute Respiratory Infections
16:56

Sublingual Immunotherapy as an Alternative to Induce Protection Against Acute Respiratory Infections

Published on: August 30, 2014

Live attenuated B. pertussis as a single-dose nasal vaccine against whooping cough

Nathalie Mielcarek1, Anne-Sophie Debrie, Dominique Raze

  • 11INSERM U629, Lille, France.

Plos Pathogens
|July 15, 2006
PubMed

Insights

A novel nasal vaccine, BPZE1, offers potent protection against whooping cough (pertussis) in infants. This live attenuated Bordetella pertussis strain provides needle-free immunization, crucial for protecting the most vulnerable populations.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Vaccinology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Pertussis (whooping cough) remains a significant global health threat, with increasing incidence despite high vaccination rates.
  • Infants are particularly vulnerable to severe pertussis and mortality, as current vaccines are not optimally effective in early life.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a novel live attenuated Bordetella pertussis vaccine (BPZE1) for early-life immunization.
  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of BPZE1 as a single-dose nasal vaccine in neonates.

Main Methods:

  • BPZE1 was engineered through genetic modification to inactivate or remove three key pertussis toxins.
  • The vaccine's immunogenicity and protective efficacy were assessed in mouse models following nasal administration.
  • Immune responses and protection against Bordetella pertussis and Bordetella parapertussis were compared to a standard acellular pertussis vaccine (aPV).

Main Results:

  • BPZE1 demonstrated high attenuation in mice while effectively colonizing the respiratory tract.
  • A single nasal dose of BPZE1 induced robust protective immunity against B. pertussis, comparable to two doses of aPV in adult mice and superior in infant mice.
  • BPZE1 conferred protection against Bordetella parapertussis, a benefit not observed with aPV.

Conclusions:

  • BPZE1 is a promising vaccine candidate for protecting infants against whooping cough via needle-free nasal administration.
  • The vaccine's ability to induce broad protection, including against B. parapertussis, highlights its potential for improved pertussis control.
  • Nasal administration at birth represents a feasible strategy for early-life immunization against pertussis.

More Related Videos

Protective Efficacy and Pulmonary Immune Response Following Subcutaneous and Intranasal BCG Administration in Mice06:32

Protective Efficacy and Pulmonary Immune Response Following Subcutaneous and Intranasal BCG Administration in Mice

Published on: September 19, 2016

Evaluation of Host-Pathogen Responses and Vaccine Efficacy in Mice08:52

Evaluation of Host-Pathogen Responses and Vaccine Efficacy in Mice

Published on: February 22, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Vaccinations01:51

Vaccinations

Overview
Acute Pharyngitis01:30

Acute Pharyngitis

Introduction
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
Diphtheria01:28

Diphtheria

Diphtheria is an acute, toxin-mediated infectious disease that primarily affects the upper respiratory tract. It is caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, a Gram-positive, pleomorphic rod that lacks spore-forming capability and exhibits a characteristic club-shaped morphology under microscopic examination. While C. diphtheriae can asymptomatically colonize mucosal surfaces, clinical disease manifests only when the bacterial strain is lysogenized by a specific β-corynephage. This phage...
Smallpox01:24

Smallpox

Smallpox is a severe contagious disease caused by the Variola major virus, a double-stranded DNA member of the Poxviridae family.Variola major transmission occurs primarily via inhalation of virus-laden droplets or direct contact with infectious scabs. The incubation period averages approximately seven days, although it may range from 7 to 17 days depending on the inoculum and host factors.Clinically, the prodromal phase is marked by an abrupt onset of high fever, malaise, headache, and myalgia.
Poliomyelitis01:17

Poliomyelitis

Poliomyelitis is caused by poliovirus, a small, non-enveloped, positive-sense RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family and Enterovirus genus. Transmission occurs primarily via the fecal-oral route, often through ingestion of contaminated water or food. The virus initially replicates in the oropharynx and intestinal mucosa, particularly in lymphoid tissues such as the tonsils, Peyer’s patches, and regional lymph nodes. Primary viremia follows, allowing dissemination throughout the body.In most...
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease01:29

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a widespread pathogen that primarily targets infants and young children but also poses a serious health risk to elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Belonging to the Pneumoviridae family, RSV is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus within the Pneumovirus genus. Its global health burden is significant, with millions of cases annually resulting in hospitalizations and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings. Although most...