Determinants of early life immune responses to RSV infection

Curr Opin Virol. 2016 Feb:16:151-157. doi: 10.1016/j.coviro.2016.01.003. Epub 2016 Mar 15.

Abstract

Respiratory syncytial virus causes significant morbidity and mortality in both developed and developing countries, and a vaccine that adequately protects from severe disease remains an important unmet need. RSV disease has an inordinate impact on the very young, and the physical and immunological immaturity of early life complicates vaccine design. Defining and targeting the functional capacities of early life immune responses and controlling responses during primary antigen exposure with selected vaccine delivery approaches will be important for protecting infants by active immunization. Alternatively, vaccination of older children and pregnant mothers may ameliorate disease burden indirectly until infants reach about six months of age, when they can generate more effective anti-RSV immune responses.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adaptive Immunity
  • Age Factors
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate
  • Immunomodulation
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / immunology*
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / prevention & control
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / virology*
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccines / immunology
  • Respiratory Syncytial Viruses / immunology*

Substances

  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccines