Neonatal immunization with Listeria monocytogenes induces T cells with an adult-like avidity, sensitivity, and TCR-Vbeta repertoire, and does not adversely impact the response to boosting

Vaccine. 2009 Dec 10;28(1):235-42. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2009.09.091. Epub 2009 Sep 29.

Abstract

Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) holds promise as a neonatal vaccine vehicle. Here we show that Lm immunized neonatal mice reached maximal Ag-specific CD8(+) T cell expansion after only a single immunization, while adults required two doses. Ag-specific CD4(+) T cell expansion in both age groups required a boost to reach its peak. Neither functional avidity, sensitivity, nor the TCR-Vbeta repertoire of the Ag-specific T cells differed between mice immunized as neonates or adults. Lastly, neonatal immunization did not decrease protection or preclude a booster response. Overall, our data provide further evidence in support of immunization at birth as a feasible public health strategy to combat early life infections.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Animals
  • Animals, Newborn
  • Antigens, Bacterial / immunology
  • Bacterial Vaccines / immunology*
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Immunization, Secondary
  • Interferon-gamma / immunology
  • Listeriosis / immunology
  • Listeriosis / prevention & control*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta / immunology*
  • Spleen / immunology

Substances

  • Antigens, Bacterial
  • Bacterial Vaccines
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta
  • Interferon-gamma