Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 18, 2026

Evaluation of Host-Pathogen Responses and Vaccine Efficacy in Mice
08:52

Evaluation of Host-Pathogen Responses and Vaccine Efficacy in Mice

Published on: February 22, 2019

Modulation of the infant immune responses by the first pertussis vaccine administrations

F Mascart1, M Hainaut, A Peltier

  • 1Laboratory of Vaccinology and Mucosal Immunity, Erasme Hosp, Route de Lennik, 1070 Brussels, Belgium. fmascart@ulb.ac.be

Vaccine
|November 23, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Infant pertussis vaccination type influences immune responses. Acellular pertussis vaccines skew infant cytokine profiles towards Th2, potentially impacting long-term immunity and requiring further study.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Vaccinology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Infant vaccination aims for early protection against infectious diseases.
  • The immune modulation effects of early childhood vaccinations are not fully understood.
  • Pertussis vaccines are crucial components of infant immunization schedules.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze and compare the cytokine secretion profiles in infants immunized with whole-cell (Pw) versus acellular (Pa) pertussis vaccines.
  • To investigate the impact of different pertussis vaccine formulations on early infant immune responses.
  • To assess Th1 and Th2 cytokine induction following primary immunization in infants.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of cytokine secretion profiles in 6-month-old infants.
  • Two infant groups received either whole-cell (Pw) or acellular (Pa) pertussis vaccines in a tetravalent formulation (pertussis-tetanus-diphtheria-poliomyelitis).
  • Cytokine responses were measured against Bordetella pertussis antigens, tetanus toxoid, and beta-lactoglobulin, as well as phytohaemagglutinin stimulation.

Main Results:

  • Both Pw and Pa vaccines induced Th1 cytokines (IFN-gamma, IL-12p70) in response to pertussis antigens.
  • Infants receiving the Pa vaccine exhibited a strong Th2 cytokine response to pertussis antigens and tetanus toxoid.
  • Pa recipients showed a general Th2-skewed cytokine profile, including responses to a food antigen (beta-lactoglobulin) and mitogen stimulation.

Conclusions:

  • The formulation of the pertussis vaccine administered early in life influences the cytokine profile of 6-month-old infants.
  • Acellular pertussis vaccines appear to induce a more pronounced Th2-skewed immune response compared to whole-cell vaccines.
  • Further large prospective studies are needed to determine the long-term consequences of this early immune modulation by infant vaccines.

More Related Videos

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels05:31

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels

Published on: August 7, 2017

Adjuvant Activity of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis in Enhancing the Immunogenicity of Autoantigens During Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis06:57

Adjuvant Activity of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis in Enhancing the Immunogenicity of Autoantigens During Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

Published on: May 12, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Development of Immunocompetence01:22

Development of Immunocompetence

The initiation of cell-mediated immunity can be observed as early as the third month of fetal growth, with active antibody-mediated immunity following approximately one month later.
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
Vaccinations01:51

Vaccinations

Overview
Immunological Memory01:23

Immunological Memory

Immunological memory, a pivotal pillar of the adaptive immune system, is responsible for the body's ability to remember and respond more swiftly and effectively to previously encountered pathogens. This remarkable feature is what makes vaccines so effective in preventing diseases.
What is Immunological Memory?
Immunological memory is an integral function of the immune system that allows it to recognize and react more rapidly and effectively to pathogens previously encountered. This feature is...
Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development of the Oral Microbiota

The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
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...
Regulation of Bacterial Virulence01:28

Regulation of Bacterial Virulence

Pathogenic bacteria employ a range of regulatory mechanisms to modulate the expression of virulence genes in response to environmental and host-derived signals. These mechanisms ensure that virulence factors are expressed only under favorable conditions, thereby optimizing infection and survival strategies.Mechanisms of Virulence RegulationKey regulatory strategies include:Two-Component Systems: These consist of a membrane-bound sensor kinase and a cytoplasmic response regulator. Environmental...