An improved understanding of what influences immune system development is key to informing vaccine design for children from low- and middle-income countries. (Photo: Christian Heuss, Swiss TPH)
An improved understanding of what influences immune system development is key to informing vaccine design for children from low- and middle-income countries. (Photo: Christian Heuss, Swiss TPH) - In lowand middle-income countries, children have the greatest need for protection afforded by vaccination due to a higher incidence of infectious diseases. However, the vaccines for these children often show a lower efficacy when compared to similar populations in high-income settings. A new study by the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) and partners from the Babraham Institute, ISGlobal and others published yesterday in Science Translational Medicine reveals that the immune system of children varies according to age, location and anaemia status. This knowledge is crucial to improve vaccine efficacy. Children's immune system composition and vaccine responsiveness is determined by a myriad of factors, such as age, anaemia status, and the setting in which they live, according a new study by Swiss TPH and partners published yesterday in Science Translational Medicine . The findings demonstrate that a deeper understanding of the effect that age and non-genetic factors like location and anaemia status have on immune system development has potential to improve the efficacy of childhood vaccinations in populations who need it the most.
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