Towards the First Pediatric Vaccine against Bronchiolitis

The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the principal cause of pediatric bronchiolitis (human RSV) and calf pneumonia (bovine RSV). Currently, no human vaccine exists, and those aimed at bovines are not efficient enough. Yet, it is a particularly contagious disease affecting almost all children under 2 and accounting for more than 60% of respiratory diseases observed in dairy herds and up to 70% in meat producing herds. In few cases, the infection can lead to the infant’s hospitalization. Moreover, infants who have had severe bronchiolitis are at increased risk to develop asthma in later years. These viruses thus represent a major issue in animal and human health.

Two teams from the INRA research unit “Molecular Virology and Immunology” in Jouy-en-Josas, France, developed a molecule formed with proteins of the virus that are well conserved among bovine and human strains. These particles are formed by assembling this protein in a ring shape nanometer-sized structure. Exposing mice or calves to these entities activates immune defenses which confer a good protection against the virus.

Recent studies from the same INRA teams led to an improved ring comprising other virus elements that are important to increase the vaccine’s efficiency. For its part, DBV Technologies has developed a patented technology allowing the administration of an allergen/antigen with a cutaneous patch (Viaskin®). In partnership with INRA, the company managed to load the patch with the vaccine. Putting together scientific knowledge and technologies developed by INRA and DBV Technologies would thus lead to the development of the first pediatric vaccine, that is non-invasive and without adjuvant, and efficient through skin.

The pre-clinical phase, which was granted €600 000 by ANR and will last for 30 months, will prove the concept of a patch vaccine, on several animal models, notably the pig whose skin is similar to man’s. This R&D success illustrates the benefits given by the “One Health” approach, when integrated projects bring together scientific knowledge in both medical and veterinary research. Public and veterinary health will both benefit from the expected achievements of this partnership.