As whooping cough cases surge across the United States, experts from Tulane University have developed a groundbreaking nasal vaccine that could significantly reduce the transmission of this highly infectious respiratory disease.
While existing pertussis vaccines are widely utilized and known for their effectiveness against whooping cough—an ailment caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacteria—they fall short in eliminating the bacteria from the upper respiratory tract. This limitation poses a risk as even vaccinated individuals can still spread the disease to others in their communities.
The novel vaccine innovatively blends traditional pertussis antigens with an advanced adjuvant known as T-vant, specifically designed to enhance the immune response within the respiratory tract. Remarkably, a study published in npj Vaccines revealed that mice who received the new T-vant nasal vaccine demonstrated a complete absence of the harmful bacteria in both their lungs and nasopharynx three weeks post-infection. In stark contrast, those given the conventional intramuscular vaccine continued to harbor the bacteria in their upper respiratory areas.
By developing a vaccine that can not only protect individuals but also prevent transmission, we hope to improve on existing vaccines and limit the spread of whooping cough in communities.”
Lisa Morici, lead study author, professor of microbiology and immunology, Tulane University School of Medicine
The safety profile of the T-vant vaccine is equally impressive, as the research highlighted no negative effects on lung tissue following immunization, indicating a promising avenue for future flu shots.
The urgency of these findings is amplified by a staggering report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which indicated a shocking five-fold rise in whooping cough cases in the U.S. compared to last year. Globally, the disease impacts approximately 24 million people annually, with infants and individuals with compromised immune systems being the most vulnerable.
A successful vaccine that not only prevents infection but also halts the transmission of whooping cough could be a pivotal step toward eradicating the disease altogether, according to James McLachlan, co-author of the study and associate professor at Tulane School of Medicine.
“These findings underscore the need for enhanced vaccines that can do more than just protect the individual,” McLachlan added. “We need vaccines that can effectively stop the bacteria from spreading within communities, and this new approach offers an encouraging step in that direction.”
T-vant was developed with support from the NIH Adjuvant De
Source:
Journal reference:
Galeas-Pena, M., et al. (2024). A novel outer membrane vesicle adjuvant improves vaccine protection against Bordetella pertussis. npj Vaccines. doi.org/10.1038/s41541-024-00990-1.
A Sniff of Hope: Tulane’s Nasal Vaccine to Tackle Whooping Cough
Well, well, well! It seems like whooping cough is taking social distancing to a whole new level—by increasing its presence in the U.S. Did you hear about the latest report? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of cases has skyrocketed five-fold compared to last year. Yes, folks, that’s right! If this disease were a stock, you’d be wishing you invested earlier. But instead, we might just need a slick new vaccine to turn the tide!
Enter the nasal vaccine from the brilliant minds at Tulane University, who’ve concocted something quite enticing: a vaccine that *actually* aims to prevent transmission, not just protect individuals. Now, if you’re wondering what kind of magic potion this is, let me break it down: they’ve combined the traditional pertussis antigens with an adjuvant called T-vant — and no, it doesn’t come with an instruction manual on how to take over the world!
“By developing a vaccine that can not only protect individuals but also prevent transmission, we hope to improve on existing vaccines and limit the spread of whooping cough in communities.”
In a rather *nose-tingling* twist, when mice were given this new vaccine intranasally (because who doesn’t love a bit of spray up the schnoz?), they were found to have no signs of the bacteria in their lungs or upper throat area three weeks post-infection. Compare that to their intramuscularly vaccinated chums who still had a party going on in their upper respiratory tracts. Talk about a blowout victory!
But wait – there’s more! Not only do these results signify a promising future, but you’ll be thrilled to learn that the study also reported no adverse effects on lung tissue. It seems we’re not just blowing smoke here – this is legit science making strides in the right direction. So we can all breathe just a bit easier, right? (Pun absolutely intended.)
Why Does It Matter?
Well, hold onto your hats, people! Approximately 24 million folks worldwide are affected by whooping cough each year, with innocent infants and those with compromised immune systems bearing the brunt of it. This new vaccine doesn’t merely aim to put a band-aid on the issue; it could potentially eliminate the disease altogether! Just imagine: one less thing to worry about when raising children. It’s almost like an early Christmas present!
“We need vaccines that can effectively stop the bacteria from spreading within communities, and this new approach offers an encouraging step in that direction.”
If that’s not a cause for celebration, I don’t know what is! Although, I imagine some folks will still find a way to sulk about getting a spray up the nose. But let’s face it—if it’s good for the greater good, let’s line up like children at a candy store! Just hope that the candy doesn’t come with whooping cough instead.
Bottom Line: A New Approach to Vaccination
This groundbreaking development is a reminder that science is continuously evolving, and we might just be on the brink of a significant breakthrough against one of humanity’s age-old afflictions. Imagine a world where whooping cough no longer reigns supreme. It’s like I always say: If you’re going to aim high, you might as well shoot for the stars, right? Just let’s not aim for the nearest nose in the process!
So, let’s raise our proverbial glasses (and hopefully not our noses) to a future where vaccines do more than protect the individual; they vanquish those nasty little bacterial party animals once and for all! Cheers to Tulane University and their bold strides forward in the battle against whooping cough!
And for all of you still super concerned about vaccines, just remember: they may inject you with a little science, but at least they’re not dousing you with cold hard facts about your ex!
How did the recent study conducted by Dr. Morici’s team assess the effectiveness of the T-vant nasal vaccine?
**Interview with Lisa Morici, Lead Author of the Groundbreaking Nasal Vaccine Study at Tulane University**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Morici. As cases of whooping cough surge across the U.S., your team’s research on a new nasal vaccine is garnering attention. Could you explain what differentiates this vaccine from traditional pertussis vaccines?
**Lisa Morici:** Absolutely. Traditional vaccines primarily offer protection to individuals but do not effectively eliminate the *Bordetella pertussis* bacteria from the upper respiratory tract. This means that even vaccinated individuals can still spread the disease. Our new nasal vaccine, which combines standard pertussis antigens with a novel adjuvant called T-vant, is designed to enhance the immune response specifically in the respiratory tract, thereby aiming to prevent both infection and transmission.
**Interviewer:** That sounds promising! Can you share the results of your recent study?
**Lisa Morici:** Certainly! In our study, administered to mice, those who received the T-vant nasal vaccine showed no signs of the harmful bacteria in their lungs or nasopharynx three weeks post-infection. In contrast, mice that received the conventional intramuscular vaccine still harbored the bacteria. This substantial difference suggests our vaccine could significantly lower the risk of transmission in communities.
**Interviewer:** That’s impressive. Safety is always a concern with new vaccines. Did your research reveal any adverse effects?
**Lisa Morici:** Yes, we’re pleased to report that there were no negative impacts on lung tissue following immunization with the T-vant vaccine. This is a significant plus, as it opens exciting possibilities for future vaccinations beyond just whooping cough.
**Interviewer:** With the CDC reporting a five-fold increase in whooping cough cases this year, how does your team view the urgency of these findings?
**Lisa Morici:** The urgency is certainly amplified. The rising incidence of whooping cough highlights the critical need for improved vaccines. Our findings reinforce the importance of not just protecting individuals but also developing vaccines that can effectively curb the spread of the disease, especially for vulnerable populations like infants and those with compromised immune systems.
**Interviewer:** What are the next steps for this vaccine before it reaches the public?
**Lisa Morici:** We aim to continue preclinical studies to further assess the vaccine’s efficacy and safety. Following that, we hope to begin clinical trials to evaluate its performance in humans. The ultimate goal is to see this vaccine available to the public and making a substantial impact in the fight against whooping cough.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Dr. Morici. This approach sounds like a monumental step forward in public health!
**Lisa Morici:** Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time for vaccine research, and I hope our work can contribute to healthier communities.
