Abstract Description Nasopharyngeal colonization of Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn) is a prerequisite for infection and an important step in developing pneumococcal immunity. Studies report that co-infection with pneumococcus and influenza vaccine can increase myeloid cell responsiveness to pneumococcus and other respiratory bacterial pathogens but decrease vaccination efficacy. To study mechanisms of potential synergy, we used live attenuated influenza (LAIV) to safely simulate influenza infection in the human nose, followed by an experimental human pneumococcal challenge (EHPC). 30-90 days post the nasal challenge, bronchoalveolar lavage samples were collected. By analyzing single-cell RNA-seq of over 80,000 myeloid cells from volunteers who received LAIV (n = 10), inactivated influenza vaccine (control, n = 11), or no-vaccine (n = 4), we have identified important macrophage populations and their molecular signatures that may play a major role on protection against pneumonia with or without viral challenge. We hope this immunological knowledge could improve vaccine efficacy by disrupting viral–bacterial synergy. Funding Sources Gates Foundation Topic Categories Microbial, Parasitic, and Fungal Immunology (MPF)
Journal article
Oxford University Press (OUP)
2025-11-01T00:00:00+00:00
214
31 Biological Sciences, 32 Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, 3107 Microbiology, 3202 Clinical Sciences, 3207 Medical Microbiology, Lung, Prevention, Biodefense, Pneumonia, Infectious Diseases, Pneumonia & Influenza, Influenza, Emerging Infectious Diseases, Immunization, Genetics, Vaccine Related, 2.2 Factors relating to the physical environment, 3.4 Vaccines, Infection, 3 Good Health and Well Being