Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 18, 2026
Application of Ha-CoV-2 Pseudovirus for Rapid Quantification of SARS-CoV-2 Variants and Neutralizing Antibodies
Published on: September 8, 2023
Antigenic differences between vaccine and circulating wild-type mumps viruses decreases neutralization capacity of
M Šantak1, M Lang-Balija, J Ivancic-Jelecki
1Institute of Immunology, Department for Research and Development, Zagreb, Croatia. msantak@imz.hr
Abstract:
A recent resurgence of mumps in doubly vaccinated cohorts has been observed, identifying genotype G as the current predominant genotype. In this study, the neutralization efficacy of guinea pig sera immunized with three vaccine viruses: L-Zagreb, Urabe AM9 and JL5, was tested against seven mumps viruses: three vaccine strains and four wild-type strains (two of genotype G, one of genotype C, one of genotype D) isolated during 1998-2011. All sera neutralized all viruses although at different levels. The neutralization efficiency of sera decreases several fold by temporal order of virus isolation. Therefore, we concluded that gradual evolution of mumps viruses, rather than belonging to a certain genotype, results in an antigenic divergence from the vaccine strains that decrease the neutralization capacity of vaccine-induced antibodies. Moreover, the amino-acid sequence alignment revealed three new potentially relevant regions for escape from neutralization, i.e. 113-130, 375-403 and 440-443.
Insights
Mumps virus evolution, not genotype, reduces vaccine antibody effectiveness. Gradual viral changes decrease neutralization capacity, impacting mumps vaccine efficacy in vaccinated populations.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Mumps outbreaks occur in vaccinated individuals, with genotype G predominant.
- Understanding viral evolution is crucial for vaccine effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the neutralization efficacy of vaccine-induced antibodies against contemporary mumps virus strains.
- To identify factors contributing to reduced vaccine effectiveness.
Main Methods:
- Guinea pig sera immunized with three mumps vaccine strains (L-Zagreb, Urabe AM9, JL5) were tested.
- Neutralization assays were performed against seven mumps viruses (three vaccine, four wild-type strains from genotypes G, C, and D).
- Amino acid sequence alignment was used to identify potential neutralization escape regions.
Main Results:
- All tested sera neutralized all mumps virus strains, but with varying efficiency.
- Neutralization efficiency decreased significantly with the temporal isolation of viruses.
- Three novel regions (113-130, 375-403, 440-443) were identified as potentially involved in neutralization escape.
Conclusions:
- Gradual antigenic drift in mumps viruses, rather than specific genotypes, reduces the efficacy of vaccine-induced antibodies.
- Ongoing viral evolution necessitates continuous monitoring of mumps virus strains and vaccine performance.
- Identified neutralization escape regions provide targets for future vaccine development and strain characterization.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Vaccines
01:51Vaccinations
00:42Cross-reactivity
01:23Immunological Memory
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...
01:29Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...