The Sm14+GLA-SE Recombinant Vaccine Against and in Adults and School Children: Phase II Clinical Trials in West Africa.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Following previous successful Phase I clinical trials conducted in men and women in a non-endemic area for schistosomiasis in Brazil, the Sm14 vaccine was evaluated in an endemic region in Senegal. We report successful clinical trials in adults (Phase IIa) and school children (Phase IIb), respectively, of a 14 kDa fatty acid-binding protein (Sm14) vaccine + a glucopyranosyl lipid A (GLA-SE) adjuvant.

METHODS

Participants were evaluated based on clinical assessments, laboratory tests (including hematologic and biochemical analyses of renal and hepatic functions), and immunological parameters (humoral and cellular responses) up to 12 months after the first vaccination dose in the Phase IIa trial and after 120 days in the Phase IIb trial.

RESULTS

The results showed strong immunogenic responses and good tolerance in both adults and children, with no major adverse effects. Importantly, significant increases in Sm14-specific total IgG (IgG1 and IgG3) were observed as early as 30 days after the first vaccination, with high titres remaining at least 120 days afterwards. Sm14-specific total IgG serum levels were also significantly enhanced in adults and in both infected and non-infected, vaccinated children and elicited robust cytokine responses with increased TNFα, IFN-γ, and IL-2 profiles.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the Sm14+GLA-SE vaccine is safe and highly immunogenic, with a clearly protective potential against schistosomiasis, supporting progression to the next Phase III clinical trials.