Successful respiratory immunization with dry powder live-attenuated measles virus vaccine in rhesus macaques
Wen-Hsuan Lin1, Diane E Griffin, Paul A Rota
1W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
Abstract:
Measles remains an important cause of childhood mortality worldwide. Sustained high vaccination coverage is the key to preventing measles deaths. Because measles vaccine is delivered by injection, hurdles to high coverage include the need for trained medical personnel and a cold chain, waste of vaccine in multidose vials and risks associated with needle use and disposal. Respiratory vaccine delivery could lower these barriers and facilitate sustained high coverage. We developed a novel single unit dose, dry powder live-attenuated measles vaccine (MVDP) for respiratory delivery without reconstitution. We tested the immunogenicity and protective efficacy in rhesus macaques of one dose of MVDP delivered either with a mask or directly intranasal with two dry powder inhalers, PuffHaler and BD Solovent. MVDP induced robust measles virus (MeV)-specific humoral and T-cell responses, without adverse effects, which completely protected the macaques from infection with wild-type MeV more than one year later. Respiratory delivery of MVDP was safe and effective and could aid in measles control.
Insights
A novel dry powder measles vaccine delivered via inhalation offers a promising solution to improve global vaccination coverage. This respiratory vaccine was safe and effective in protecting macaques from measles one year later.
Area of Science:
- Vaccinology
- Immunology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Measles is a significant global cause of childhood mortality.
- Achieving sustained high vaccination coverage is crucial for preventing measles deaths.
- Current injectable measles vaccines face challenges including cold chain requirements, vaccine wastage, and needle-related risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel dry powder measles vaccine (MVDP) for respiratory delivery.
- To assess the immunogenicity, safety, and protective efficacy of MVDP in a non-human primate model.
Main Methods:
- A single unit dose, dry powder live-attenuated measles vaccine (MVDP) was developed for respiratory administration without reconstitution.
- MVDP was delivered to rhesus macaques using a mask or intranasal inhalers (PuffHaler and BD Solovent).
- Immunogenicity (humoral and T-cell responses) and protective efficacy against wild-type measles virus (MeV) challenge were assessed.
Main Results:
- MVDP induced robust MeV-specific humoral and T-cell responses in rhesus macaques.
- Respiratory delivery of MVDP was found to be safe, with no adverse effects observed.
- All vaccinated macaques were completely protected from wild-type MeV infection for over one year post-vaccination.
Conclusions:
- Respiratory delivery of a novel dry powder measles vaccine is safe and effective.
- This innovative vaccine delivery method has the potential to overcome barriers to high vaccination coverage and aid in global measles control efforts.
