Respiratory syncytial virus suppression of the antiviral immune response: Implications for evaluation of candidate vaccines

Abstract

Respiratory syncytial virus infections recur throughout life despite induction of immunity by the first natural infection. Results of an extensive series of studies indicate that the virus adversely affects the human antiviral recall response to challenge, although subsequent infections are less severe than the initial illness. The observations suggest that candidate vaccines for respiratory syncytial virus should not be expected to prevent clinical illness upon subsequent exposure. Candidate vaccines may be considered effective if they render a subsequent natural infection less severe. This is what would be expected from an initial and commonly more severe natural infection and sensitization.

Keywords: Anamnestic immune response; Influenza virus; Lymphocytes; Peripheral blood mononuclear cells; Respiratory syncytial virus; Vaccine evaluation.