Improving Vaccine Protection for Older Adults
brief summary
As people grow older, their immune system - the body's natural defence against diseases - becomes weaker, making them more vulnerable to infections and less responsive to vaccines. This was clearly seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, where older adults were more likely to develop severe illness. Researchers have made an interesting discovery about AS01, an ingredient already used in successful vaccines like the shingles vaccine. They found clues that AS01 might work like a general fitness trainer for the immune system, potentially making it stronger and better at fighting off various types of infections, not just specific ones. To confirm this possibility, we are conducting this research study with adults aged 21-59 to test whether AS01 by itself can boost and train the immune system, how long this boost lasts, and if it actually helps you fight off other infections more effectively.
detailed description
As people age, the immune system becomes less responsive, increasing susceptibility to infections and reducing vaccine responsiveness. AS01 is a liposome-based adjuvant used in licensed vaccines (e.g., shingles vaccine) that activates innate and adaptive immunity. Emerging evidence suggests AS01 may also induce trained immunity, a form of innate immune reprogramming that could enhance protection against unrelated infections. This study tests whether AS01 given alone can boost and train the immune system in healthy adults, how long these effects last, and whether this translates into better control of a heterologous viral challenge.
This will be a single-center, randomised, single-blind, placebo-controlled experimental medicine study at Singapore General Hospital (N=40; ages 21-59). Participants receive a single intramuscular dose of AS01 (0.5 mL) or saline placebo on Day 0. To model a controlled viral exposure, all participants then receive the licensed live-attenuated yellow fever vaccine (YF17D, Stamaril) either at 1 month (Day 30) or 3 months (Day 90) after AS01/placebo, per randomization. Serial blood sampling measures immune reprogramming, durability, and response to the viral challenge over \~2 or 4 months depending on assignment
Findings may clarify whether AS01 can be used as a standalone immune booster to rapidly enhance broad protection. Information that could be useful for outbreak preparedness, especially before pathogen-specific vaccines are available.
Therefore, (1) Early and durable innate immune changes after AS01 (e.g., gene expression and epigenetic markers in myeloid/innate cells); (2) YF17D viremia (RNAemia) after vaccination as an indicator of heterologous viral control; and (3) T-cell and B-cell responses to YF17D and how they relate to viremia, will be measured and analysed.
AS01 and YF17D are licensed components when used with their indicated vaccines. Common reactions include local injection-site symptoms and short-lived systemic symptoms; rare serious adverse events have been reported with YF17D. Participants are monitored and provided safety guidance and contact pathways throughout the study.
official title
Using AS01 Adjuvant to Improve Immune Response in Older Adults Through Trained Immunity