A significant advancement has been made in combatting the potentially deadly MRSA bacterium by targeting a key immune molecule during vaccine delivery, as demonstrated in an animal study by researchers from Trinity College Dublin.
The bacterium Staphylococcus aureus is a major cause of community and hospital-acquired infections, leading to over one million deaths globally each year. The rise of antibiotic-resistant strains like MRSA poses a serious threat, particularly in high-income countries where it is responsible for a significant portion of deaths due to antimicrobial resistance.
Given the diminishing effectiveness of antibiotics, scientists are actively seeking solutions to combat S. aureus infections. While the development of a vaccine holds promise, there are challenges to overcome, such as the bacterium’s ability to suppress the immune response by activating a key immune-suppressive molecule called Interleukin-10 (IL-10) which reduces inflammation in the body.
Interestingly, S. aureus can coexist harmlessly in and on our bodies, influencing the immune response even without causing illness. This interaction impacts how the immune system reacts to a vaccine targeting the bacterium.
In a recent study published in the journal JCI Insight, researchers demonstrated in an animal model that immunization with a vaccine alongside IL-10 neutralizing antibodies enhanced immune response (via specialized T cells) and improved bacterial clearance upon subsequent infection.
Leading the research team was Rachel McLoughlin, a Professor in Immunology at Trinity College Dublin’s School of Biochemistry and Immunology. Rachel highlighted the potential of combining vaccines with IL-10 inhibitors to bolster their effectiveness against S. aureus infection.
She noted, “Our findings suggest that previous exposure to this bacterium might induce immune suppression, hindering vaccine response. By incorporating IL-10-neutralizing agents into immunization strategies, we can potentially enhance the efficacy of vaccines targeting S. aureus.”
