Non-specific effects of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines: clinical significance and molecular mechanisms
https://doi.org/10.22625/2072-6732-2025-17-4-29-34
Abstract
Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) are widely used to prevent infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, but evidence shows that they also exert clinically relevant nonspecific effects. This review summarizes current data on the impact of PCVs on non-pneumococcal respiratory infections and outlines possible underlying mechanisms. We analyzed studies published between 2011 and 2025 describing clinical outcomes, immunological responses, and molecular pathways associated with PCV use. PCVs were found to reduce influenza-related hospitalizations, respiratory syncytial virus infections, and non-pneumococcal pneumonia. These effects may result from reduced pneumococcal carriage, modulation of respiratory microbiota, and trained innate immunity. Further research is required to clarify populationlevel implications of next-generation PCVs.
About the Authors
A. U. Mirzova
Federal Research and Clinical Center of Infectious Diseases
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Saint-Petersburg
K. V. Zhdanov
Federal Research and Clinical Center of Infectious Diseases
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Saint-Petersburg
S. M. Kharit
Federal Research and Clinical Center of Infectious Diseases;
Saint-Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Saint-Petersburg
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Review
For citations:
Mirzova A.U., Zhdanov K.V., Kharit S.M. Non-specific effects of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines: clinical significance and molecular mechanisms. Journal Infectology. 2025;17(4):29-34. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.22625/2072-6732-2025-17-4-29-34
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