Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 7, 2026

A Precise Pathogen Delivery and Recovery System for Murine Models of Secondary Bacterial Pneumonia
13:45

A Precise Pathogen Delivery and Recovery System for Murine Models of Secondary Bacterial Pneumonia

Published on: September 21, 2019

6.2K

Reducing the impact of influenza-associated secondary pneumococcal infections

Edin J Mifsud1, Amabel C Tan1, Kirsty R Short1

  • 1Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Peter Doherty Institute of Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.

Immunology and Cell Biology
|July 3, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Toll-like receptor-2 (TLR-2) agonist PEG-Pam2Cys reduces influenza and secondary pneumococcal infections. A novel vaccine with R4-Pam2Cys adjuvant offers immediate and long-term protection against influenza and pneumococcus.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Virology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Influenza virus infections can lead to severe secondary bacterial pneumonia.
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) is a common cause of secondary pneumonia post-influenza.
  • Current treatments for secondary infections following influenza are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prophylactic efficacy of a Toll-like receptor-2 (TLR-2) agonist against influenza and secondary pneumococcal infections.
  • To evaluate a novel inactivated influenza virus vaccine formulated with a Pam2Cys-based adjuvant for protection against secondary pneumococcal infections.

Main Methods:

  • Administration of PEG-Pam2Cys in a mouse model of influenza and secondary S. pneumoniae infection.
  • Assessment of viral and bacterial burdens, cytokine levels, and vascular permeability.
  • Vaccination with an inactivated influenza virus vaccine plus R4-Pam2Cys adjuvant followed by challenge with influenza and S. pneumoniae.

Main Results:

  • PEG-Pam2Cys reduced pulmonary viral and bacterial loads, proinflammatory cytokines, and vascular permeability.
  • The Pam2Cys-adjuvanted vaccine conferred immediate and long-term protection against secondary pneumococcal infections.
  • Vaccinated mice exhibited robust influenza virus-specific immune responses.

Conclusions:

  • TLR-2 agonists show promise in preventing severe outcomes of influenza and secondary bacterial infections.
  • A novel inactivated influenza vaccine with a Pam2Cys adjuvant provides comprehensive protection against influenza and subsequent pneumococcal infections.
  • This vaccine represents a valuable countermeasure, particularly during influenza outbreaks.

More Related Videos

Using Bioluminescent Imaging to Investigate Synergism Between Streptococcus pneumoniae and Influenza A Virus in Infant Mice10:47

Using Bioluminescent Imaging to Investigate Synergism Between Streptococcus pneumoniae and Influenza A Virus in Infant Mice

Published on: April 14, 2011

17.5K
Modeling Dysplastic and Functional Lung Alveolar Repair after Influenza Infection07:45

Modeling Dysplastic and Functional Lung Alveolar Repair after Influenza Infection

Published on: September 19, 2025

607

Related Concept Videos

Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention01:30

Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention

Nursing management of pneumonia involves promoting airway patency, facilitating rest and conserving energy, encouraging fluid intake, maintaining nutrition, and educating patients.
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed....
4.0K
Pneumonia IV: Management01:28

Pneumonia IV: Management

The treatment of pneumonia varies based on its severity and the causative pathogen. Here is a structured approach to managing pneumonia, integrating pharmaceutical and supportive care strategies.
Bacterial Pneumonia Treatment
For bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics serve as the cornerstone of therapy. Initial treatment often begins with empirical antibiotics, tailored to the anticipated causative organism and adjusted based on culture results. Key antibiotic choices include:
1.1K
Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment01:30

Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment

Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following:
1.2K
Influenza01:27

Influenza

Influenza is an acute, highly communicable viral disease that affects the respiratory tract and is responsible for seasonal epidemics worldwide. Influenza A is the most prevalent type associated with widespread outbreaks and is subtyped based on two surface glycoproteins: hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N), as in H1N1. These glycoproteins are essential for viral infectivity, transmission, and immune recognition. Transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets and contaminated...
44
Acute Respiratory Failure-V01:29

Acute Respiratory Failure-V

The treatment for acute respiratory failure varies based on factors like the underlying cause, overall health, and severity. A collaborative healthcare team is essential for early detection, often through arterial blood gas analysis. Identifying the cause is the primary goal, with treatment strategies adjusted for ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) mismatch, shunting, or diffusion impairment.
Ensure that patients are monitored continuously for their response to therapy, including changes in...
657
Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis01:30

Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis

Protein synthesis is indispensable for viral replication, as viruses lack the cellular machinery required for this process and must hijack the host's translational apparatus. In response, host cells deploy a critical innate immune defense involving interferons, specialized cytokines that play a central role in inhibiting viral propagation.Upon viral detection, infected cells release interferons that bind to receptors on adjacent uninfected cells, activating the JAK-STAT signaling pathway and...
32