The Fifth International Neonatal and Maternal Immunization Symposium (INMIS 2019): Securing Protection for the Next Generation

Abstract

Despite significant progress in reaching some milestones of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, neonatal and early infant morbidity and mortality remain high, and maternal health remains suboptimal in many countries. Novel and improved preventative strategies with the potential to benefit pregnant women and their infants are needed, with maternal and neonatal immunization representing effective approaches. Experts from immunology, vaccinology, infectious diseases, clinicians, industry, public health, and vaccine-related social sciences convened at the 5th International Neonatal and Maternal Immunization Symposium (INMIS) in Vancouver, Canada, from 15 to 17 September 2019. We critically evaluated the lessons learned from recent clinical studies, presented cutting-edge scientific progress in maternal and neonatal immunology and vaccine development, and discussed maternal and neonatal immunization in the broader context of infectious disease epidemiology and public health. Focusing on practical aspects of research and implementation, we also discussed the safety, awareness, and perception of maternal immunization as an existing strategy to address the need to improve maternal and neonatal health worldwide. The symposium provided a comprehensive scientific and practical primer as well as an update for all those with an interest in maternal and neonatal infection, immunity, and vaccination. The summary presented here provides an update of the current status of progress in maternal and neonatal immunization.

Neonatal sepsis and transient immunodeficiency: Potential for novel immunoglobulin therapies?

“…The development of protective and therapeutic treatment options is an ongoing challenge, but many promising strategies are currently being investigated. Presently, antibody supplementation therapy seems to be the closest to being a successful clinically applicable treatment, either in the form of maternal vaccination or mAbs ( 83 ). While maternal vaccination currently is the best strategy for term-born neonates, preterm neonates may benefit most from innovative antibody therapies, especially intravenous immunoglobulin G enriched with IgM and IgA, and modified synthetic polyvalent immunoglobulins ( 83 ).…”

Protective Role of an Initial Low-Dose Septic Challenge against Lethal Sepsis in Neonatal Mice: A Pilot Study

“…Given the failure of post-septic treatment research to date, it would be beneficial to establish preventive methods in addition to elucidating the pathophysiology of neonatal sepsis. Some specific preventive approaches have been proposed to positively modify the immune response of neonates, including vaccination or limited exposure to non-infectious components of bacteria that are recognized by the innate immune system [12]. In recent years, it has been reported that certain infectious conditions and vaccinations induce a wide range of protective effects against other pathogens through the innate immune system, a characteristic known as "trained immunity" [13].…”