To assess how vaccine delivery routes (homologous vs. heterologous) shape early-life germinal center dynamics and outputs in mice, with implications for improving vaccine efficacy.
Key Findings:
Homologous s.c./s.c. immunization increased germinal center induction in spleen and draining lymph nodes, enhancing systemic IgG responses.
Heterologous s.c./i.n. immunization preferentially generated IgM+ memory B cells in mucosal draining lymph nodes, promoting mucosal immunity.
Homologous immunization promoted plasma cell differentiation and higher serum IgG levels, indicating a strong systemic response.
Heterologous immunization favored IgA responses and confined plasma cell differentiation to cervical lymph nodes, suggesting a targeted mucosal response.
Interpretation:
The route of booster immunization significantly influences the anatomical site of germinal center activity and the type of memory B cell generated, suggesting that strategic vaccine design can enhance either systemic IgG or combined systemic-mucosal antibody responses.
Limitations:
Study conducted in mice, which may not fully replicate human immune responses, limiting translational potential.
Focus on specific vaccine types may limit generalizability to other vaccines or populations.
Conclusion:
Vaccine delivery routes can be strategically chosen to enhance either systemic IgG or combined systemic-mucosal antibody responses in early-life vaccination strategies.
by Poorya Foroutan Pajoohian, Audur Anna Aradottir Pind, Jenny Lorena Molina Estupiñan, Dennis Christensen, Gabriel Kristian Pedersen, Thorunn A. Olafsdottir, Ingileif Jonsdottir, Stefania P. Bjarnarson
