Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Serotype 3

This article summarizes several clinical trials investigating the safety and immunogenicity of pneumococcal polysaccharide serotype 3 conjugate vaccine. The studies evaluate different formulations and dosing regimens in various populations, including healthy adults, children, and those at increased risk for pneumococcal disease. The trials aim to assess immune responses, compare different vaccines, and establish safety profiles to help guide vaccination strategies against pneumococcal infections.

Table of Contents

What is this vaccine?

PNEUMOCOCCAL POLYSACCHARIDE SEROTYPE 3 CONJUGATED TO CRM197 ADSORBED ON ALUMINIUM PHOSPHATE is a component of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines. It is designed to protect against infections caused by the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, specifically serotype 3.[1]

This vaccine is part of a larger group of pneumococcal vaccines that target multiple serotypes of the bacteria. It is often included in vaccines like Prevenar 13 (also known as PCV13) and newer formulations like PCV15 and PCV20.[2]

How does it work?

The vaccine works by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies against the pneumococcal bacteria. Here’s a breakdown of its components:

  • Pneumococcal polysaccharide serotype 3: This is a specific part of the outer coating of the pneumococcal bacteria.
  • CRM197: This is a carrier protein that helps enhance the immune response, especially in young children.
  • Aluminium phosphate: This acts as an adjuvant, which further boosts the immune response.

When the vaccine is administered, your immune system recognizes these components as foreign and produces antibodies against them. This prepares your body to fight off real pneumococcal infections in the future.[1]

Who needs this vaccine?

Pneumococcal vaccines containing this component are typically recommended for:

  • Infants and young children as part of their routine vaccination schedule
  • Adults 65 years and older
  • People with certain medical conditions that increase their risk of pneumococcal disease

Specific recommendations may vary by country and individual health status. It’s important to consult with your healthcare provider to determine if this vaccine is appropriate for you or your child.[3]

Benefits of the vaccine

Getting vaccinated against pneumococcal disease can provide several important benefits:

  • Protection against invasive pneumococcal disease, including meningitis and bacteremia
  • Reduced risk of pneumonia
  • Decreased likelihood of ear infections in children
  • Contribution to herd immunity, protecting vulnerable individuals in the community

Studies have shown that pneumococcal conjugate vaccines have significantly reduced the incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease caused by the serotypes included in the vaccine.[2]

How is it administered?

This vaccine is typically given as an intramuscular injection, usually in the thigh for infants or the upper arm for older children and adults. The number of doses and schedule can vary depending on the specific vaccine formulation and the age at which vaccination begins.[4]

For example, infants might receive a series of doses at 2, 4, 6, and 12-15 months of age. Adults typically receive a single dose. Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate schedule based on your age and health status.

Safety and side effects

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines, including those containing this component, have been extensively studied and are generally considered safe. However, like all vaccines, they can cause side effects. Common side effects may include:

  • Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
  • Mild fever
  • Irritability in children
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Muscle pain

Serious side effects are rare but can include severe allergic reactions. It’s important to discuss any concerns or potential risks with your healthcare provider before receiving the vaccine.[1]

Ongoing research

Researchers continue to study pneumococcal vaccines to improve their effectiveness and expand protection against more serotypes. Some recent and ongoing studies include:

  • Evaluating the safety and immune response of newer pneumococcal conjugate vaccines in various age groups[5]
  • Investigating the potential for co-administration with other vaccines, such as those for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)[2]
  • Assessing the long-term effectiveness of pneumococcal vaccines in preventing disease[6]

These ongoing studies aim to further improve our ability to prevent pneumococcal infections and protect vulnerable populations.

Study Aspect Details
Vaccine Types Pneumococcal polysaccharide serotype 3 conjugate vaccine, V116, PCV20, PPSV23
Study Populations Healthy adults, children, individuals at increased risk for pneumococcal disease
Age Ranges 11-15 months, 18-64 years, 50+ years, 60+ years
Primary Outcomes Safety (adverse events), Immunogenicity (OPA titers, IgG levels)
Secondary Outcomes Cross-reactive immune responses, Comparison between vaccines
Study Designs Randomized, controlled, open-label, double-blind
Follow-up Periods 30 days to 6 months post-vaccination

Ongoing Clinical Trials on Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Serotype 3

  • Study of pneumococcal vaccines in healthy young adults, older adults and people with HIV infection

    Recruiting

    3 1 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    The Netherlands
  • Study on the Effectiveness of Pneumococcal Vaccines PCV13 and PPV23 in Adults with Acute Leukemia or Lymphoma Undergoing Chemotherapy

    Recruiting

    3 1 1 1
    France
  • Study on Long-Term Kidney Transplant Outcomes in Low-Risk Patients Using Tacrolimus Alone or with Mycophenolate Mofetil

    Not yet recruiting

    3 1 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    The Netherlands
  • Study on the Safety and Immune Response of a 21-Valent Pneumococcal Vaccine in Healthy Infants, Toddlers, Children, and Adolescents

    Not recruiting

    3 1 1
    Estonia Poland
  • Study on the Safety and Immune Response of V116 Vaccine for Pneumococcal Disease in Adults Aged 50 and Older

    Not recruiting

    3 1 1 1
    Germany Spain
  • Study on the Best Time for Influenza Vaccine Administration in Adults Aged 60-85 Using Influenza Vaccine and Drug Combination

    Not recruiting

    3 1 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    The Netherlands
  • Study on the Safety and Immune Response of a 21-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine in Healthy Infants and Toddlers

    Not recruiting

    3 1 1 1
    Belgium Czechia Estonia Finland Germany Greece +3
  • Study on Long-Term Safety and Effectiveness of Ofatumumab for Patients with Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis

    Not recruiting

    3 1 1 1
    Austria Belgium Bulgaria Croatia Czechia Denmark +15
  • Study on the Safety and Immune Response of V116 Vaccine in Children and Adolescents at Higher Risk for Pneumococcal Disease

    Not recruiting

    3 1 1 1
    Finland France Poland Spain Sweden
  • Study on Venetoclax and Dexamethasone for Patients with Relapsed and Refractory Multiple Myeloma with Translocation (11;14)

    Not recruiting

    2 1 1 1
    Denmark

Glossary

  • Opsonophagocytic activity (OPA): A measure of antibody function that assesses the ability of antibodies to facilitate the uptake and killing of bacteria by immune cells.
  • Immunoglobulin G (IgG): A type of antibody found in blood and other bodily fluids that plays a crucial role in the immune response against pathogens.
  • Geometric mean titer (GMT): A way of averaging antibody levels across a group of participants that accounts for the typically skewed distribution of titer values.
  • Serotype: A distinct variation within a species of bacteria, in this case referring to different strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae.
  • Conjugate vaccine: A type of vaccine where a weak antigen is attached to a stronger antigen to enhance the immune response, particularly in young children.
  • Pneumococcal disease: Infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, which can lead to pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections.
  • Adverse event (AE): Any unfavorable and unintended sign, symptom, or disease temporally associated with the use of a medical treatment or procedure.
  • Immunogenicity: The ability of a substance, such as a vaccine, to provoke an immune response in the body.
  • Polysaccharide: A type of carbohydrate consisting of a large number of sugar molecules bonded together, often found on the surface of bacteria.
  • CRM197: A non-toxic mutant of diphtheria toxin commonly used as a carrier protein in conjugate vaccines to enhance immune responses.

References

  1. http://clinicaltrials.eu/trial-id/2022-501519-15-00
  2. http://clinicaltrials.eu/trial-id/2022-501988-40-00
  3. http://clinicaltrials.eu/trial-id/2022-502791-22-01
  4. http://clinicaltrials.eu/trial-id/2023-505154-18-00
  5. http://clinicaltrials.eu/trial-id/2023-506236-32-00
  6. http://clinicaltrials.eu/trial-id/2023-504625-39-00