Neonatal Vaccination and Maternal Immunization
Heather L. Wilson and Volker Gerdts
from: Veterinary Vaccines: Current Innovations and Future Trends (Edited by: Laurel J. Gershwin and Amelia R. Woolums). Caister Academic Press, U.K. (2020) Pages: 189-222.
Abstract
Neonates of all species are highly susceptible to infectious diseases. Current evidence suggests that neonates of most species are fully capable of mounting effective immune responses. Indeed, one of the reasons why neonates greatly suffer from infectious disease might be the fact that immune responses in this age group are often too strong contributing to immune pathology and non-physiological responses rather than simply clearing the infection. This hypothesis suggests that neonates may effectively respond to vaccination when properly stimulated, and that response to vaccination in neonates can be, and should be, driven through the use of adjuvants and other innate immune modulators that help guide the response towards a protective and long-lasting response. Here, we review some of the current strategies to enhance the effectiveness of vaccines in neonatal animals in the presence of passive maternal immunity. Colostral and lactogenic passive immunity are particularly important mechanisms to protect against enteric diseases in the very young, in particular through the transfer of maternal antibodies. Immunizing the mother to increase the passive transfer has been utilized for centuries to enhance the level and duration of protection in the neonate. Here, we will review some innovative strategies for maternal and neonatal vaccines against common infectious diseases read more ...
