“Holy grail” of neonatal immunology

American researchers have discovered a method that may make vaccinating at birth a possibility.

Although some vaccines can (and are) given at birth, for the vast majority of vaccinations, this is not feasible. The problem is the immaturity of the neonate’s immune system. If the baby is unable to mount an adequate immune response to the constituents of the vaccine, then the vaccination would be ineffective.

Immunologists from the Children’s Hospital, Boston, have discovered a remarkable property in a molecule dubbed “Toll-like receptor 8”. The toll-like receptors (TLR) normally detect foreign proteins (e.g., for bacteria and viruses) and then trigger an immune response. In babies, however, this process is inhibited, probably to prevent the immune system from attacking the mother while in utero. Nevertheless, it appears that TLR-8 is the exception to the rule and can be stimulated with a number of different compounds.

It is suggested that if these compounds are added to vaccines, then they could be given in the neonatal period as well. The greatest interface that a baby has with the health system is in the immediate days after birth. Neonatal vaccination could help prevent the somewhat erratic vaccination rates in children. Furthermore, it would also allow for the babies to be protected from these diseases in the first few months of life.

Says Dr Ofer Levy (lead researcher in the study):

“We have stumbled across the molecular holy grail of neonatal immunology.”

I never knew that a field as specialised as neonatal immunology could have a “holy grail”, but all the same, this is a finding that could potentially revolutionise the administration of vaccines in children.

From: BBC News

Vaccines at birth a possibility (excerpt)

...Currently, most immunisations are given to babies at two months of age because they are unable to mount an immune response to the majority of vaccines.

But US scientists have found a way to stimulate an immune response in newborns, following the discovery of a type of molecule present at birth...

...Newborn babies have an immature immune system. This, coupled with their reduced response to most vaccines, leaves very young babies vulnerable to infections...

...But immunologists from the Children's Hospital, Boston, say they have found a molecule, called Toll-like receptor 8, which could be stimulated to boost immune responses and enable vaccination...