Immunologic profiling of the infant immune response to whole-cell and acellular pertussis vaccines

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Vaccinology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Immunity from acellular pertussis vaccine (DTaP) wanes, increasing pertussis risk.
• Whole-cell pertussis vaccine (DTP) may offer more durable protection, particularly when given as a first dose.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the early immunologic responses to DTP versus DTaP in infants.
• To compare the molecular and cellular immune profiles following primary and booster vaccinations.

Main Methods:

• RNA-sequencing and ribosome profiling of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 56 infants.
• Analysis of immune responses at baseline, Day 2, and Day 8 post-vaccination, and after booster doses.
• Pathway enrichment analysis to identify differentially activated immune pathways.

Main Results:

• DTP recipients showed enriched TLR-signaling and FcϒR-mediated phagocytosis pathways on Days 2 and 8.
• DTP administration led to increased levels of IRAK-4 and IL-1ß compared to DTaP.
• A higher frequency of pertussis toxin (PT)-specific B-cells was observed in DTP recipients after booster vaccination.

Conclusions:

• DTP induces distinct and potentially more robust early immune responses compared to DTaP.
• Findings provide insights into the immunological basis for DTP's potentially longer-lasting protection.
• Results may inform the development of next-generation pertussis vaccines.