Safety and immunogenicity of a plant-derived rotavirus-like particle vaccine in adults, toddlers and infants. Issue 39 (15th September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kurokawa, Natsuki; Robinson, Michelle K.; Bernard, Catherine; Kawaguchi, Yutaka; Koujin, Yoshito; Koen, Anthonet; Madhi, Shabir; Polasek, Thomas M.; McNeal, Monica; Dargis, Michèle; Couture, Manon M.-J.; Trépanier, Sonia; Forrest, Bruce D.; Tsutsui, Naohisa
• Is Part Of: Vaccine. Volume 39:Issue 39(2021)
• Page Start: 5513
• Page End: 5523
• Publication Date: 2021-09-15
• Subjects: Rotavirus -- Vaccine -- Virus-like particle -- Parenteral -- Non-replicating -- Clinical trial; Vaccines -- Periodicals; 615.372
• DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.08.052
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-410X

Abstract

Highlights: Non-replicating rotavirus-like particle (Ro-VLP) vaccine was produced in plants . The first clinical trial was conducted in healthy adults, toddlers and infants. Ro-VLP vaccine was well-tolerated in all age groups tested. Ro-VLP vaccine demonstrated an encouraging immunogenicity in infants. Abstract: Background: This study is the first clinical trial for a parenteral non-replicating rotavirus vaccine developed using virus-like particle (VLP) technology. Methods: This open-labeled, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in two parts: Part A (a first-in-human study in Australian adults) and Part B (ascending dose and descending age in South African adults, toddlers and infants). In Part A, two cohorts of 10 adults were assigned to receive a single intramuscular injection of 1 of 2 escalating dose levels of the rotavirus VLP (Ro-VLP) vaccine (7 μg or 21 μg) or placebo. In Part B, one cohort of 10 adults was assigned to receive a single injection of the Ro-VLP vaccine (21 μg) or placebo, two cohorts of 10 toddlers were assigned to receive 2 injections of 1 of 2 escalating dose levels of the Ro-VLP vaccine (7 μg or 21 μg) or placebo 28 days apart, and three cohorts of 20 infants were assigned to receive 3 injections of 1 of 3 escalating dose levels of the Ro-VLP vaccine (2.5 μg, 7 μg or 21 μg) or placebo or 2 doses of oral Rotarix 28 days apart. Safety, reactogenicity and immunogenicity were assessed. Results: There were no safety or tolerability concerns after administration of the Ro-VLP vaccine. The Ro-VLP vaccine induced an anti-G1P[8] IgG response in infants 4 weeks after the second and third doses. Neutralizing antibody responses against homologous G1P[8] rotavirus were higher in all Ro-VLP infant groups than in the placebo group 4 weeks after the third dose. No heterotypic immunity was elicited by the Ro-VLP vaccine. Conclusions: The Ro-VLP vaccine was well tolerated and induced a homotypic immune response in infants, suggesting that this technology platform is a favorable approach for a parenteral non-replicating rotavirus vaccine. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT03507738.