Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2026
11:40
Simplified Reverse Genetics Method to Recover Recombinant Rotaviruses Expressing Reporter Proteins
Published on: April 17, 2020
Rotavirus vaccines: how they work or don't work
1Division of Infectious Diseases, 3333 Burnet Ave, ML 6014, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA. dick.ward@cchmc.org
Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine
|February 13, 2008
Summary
Two new rotavirus vaccines offer protection, with rotavirus IgA and cellular immunity playing key roles. Immune effectors work together for enhanced protection against rotavirus infections.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
- Virology
Background:
- Two novel rotavirus vaccines, Rotarix™ and RotaTeq™, were introduced globally in 2004 and 2006.
- Both vaccines are live-attenuated viral preparations, differing in their composition (monovalent human or pentavalent bovine-human reassortant).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the immunological correlates of protection against rotavirus following vaccination.
- To elucidate the roles of humoral and cellular immunity in vaccine-induced protection.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing human and animal studies on rotavirus vaccine efficacy.
- Analysis of immune responses, including antibody levels (IgA) and cellular immunity (T cells).
Main Results:
- Rotavirus IgA levels show a consistent correlation with protection.
- Cellular immunity, particularly CD4+ T cells, contributes to protection, especially with mucosal or non-living vaccines.
- CD8+ T cells may be more involved in infection resolution.
Conclusions:
- Immune effectors possess overlapping functions, enhancing overall protection.
- Redundancy among immune mechanisms likely boosts protection against rotavirus, irrespective of vaccine type (live or non-living).
Related Concept Videos
01:29Respiratory 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...
01:17Poliomyelitis
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...
01:21Vaccines
Vaccines are among the most effective tools in preventive medicine, designed to prepare the immune system to recognize and combat infectious agents. By introducing antigens—substances that the immune system identifies as foreign—vaccines stimulate an adaptive immune response that leads to immunological memory. This immunological memory enables the body to mount a faster and more effective response upon future exposures to the actual pathogen.Vaccines can be categorized based on the type of...
01:51Vaccinations
Overview
01:30Cancer Vaccines
Cancer treatment vaccines are a rapidly evolving field that offers a promising approach to immunotherapy. Unlike traditional vaccines that prevent diseases, cancer treatment vaccines are designed to treat existing cancers by stimulating the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...
01:23Vaccine Production
Vaccine production involves a sequence of upstream and downstream processes to generate a safe and effective immunological product. It begins with cultivating microorganisms, such as viruses or bacteria, to obtain antigenic material. For viral vaccines, mammalian host cells are grown in bioreactors and subsequently infected with the target virus. The virus replicates within the host cells, which are lysed to release viral particles. This lysate is then clarified through filtration or...