BpOmpW antigen administered with CAF01 adjuvant stimulates comparable T cell responses to Sigma adjuvant system

Area of Science:

• Tropical infectious diseases
• Vaccinology
• Immunology

Background:

• Melioidosis, a tropical infection caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, lacks licensed vaccines.
• BpOmpW, a vaccine candidate, has shown efficacy in mice, inducing interferon gamma responses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the CAF01 adjuvant in combination with the BpOmpW vaccine for melioidosis prevention.
• To identify optimal immune correlates of protection for human studies.

Main Methods:

• Administration of the BpOmpW vaccine with the CAF01 adjuvant.
• Assessment of immune responses, including T cell (CD4+, CD8+), NK, and NKT cell activity.
• Quantification of cytokine production, particularly interferon-gamma (IFN-γ).

Main Results:

• The BpOmpW vaccine candidate protected mice against melioidosis for up to 81 days.
• Co-administration with CAF01 elicited robust Th1, Th17, and Th2 immune responses.
• Potent IFN-γ responses were observed in CD4+, CD8+ T cells, and NKT cells.

Conclusions:

• The BpOmpW vaccine formulated with CAF01 adjuvant is a promising candidate for melioidosis prevention.
• This formulation induces a comprehensive immune response, suggesting potential for human application.
• This vaccine strategy could be particularly beneficial for susceptible populations, including those with type 2 diabetes.