Immunization is one of the most cost-effective public health measures, especially in the pediatric population that receives the majority of vaccines globally. Indeed, coordinated national vaccination programs lead to high vaccine coverage and a significant reduction of the burden from infectious diseases and associated mortality. However, there is a lack of understanding of the specific response induced by immunization in this special population. Also, there are still challenges ahead to develop new vaccines for current and emerging respiratory pathogens, including the understanding of the mechanisms of action of vaccine formulations in mucosal compartments. Using in vitro and in vivo models, our lab aims to use systems immunology approaches to analyze the mechanisms leading to the development of effective innate and adaptive immune responses to vaccination. Specifically, we focus on how adjuvants, vaccine components that are key to trigger innate responses, can enhance and shape adaptive immunogenicity in the respiratory tract.
