Andrea Sara Laimbacher

Dr. Andrea Sara Laimbacher


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

10Years (2017-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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AMAnita Meier
Anita Meier
MSMark Suter
Mark Suter
ESElisabeth M. Schraner
Elisabeth M. Schraner
BHBruno M. Humbel
Bruno M. Humbel
TKTobler Kurt
Tobler Kurt
ALAndrea Sara Laimbacher
Andrea Sara Laimbacher
Rotaviruses (RVs) are important enteric pathogens of newborn humans and animals, causing diarrhea and in rare cases death, especially in very young individuals. Rotavirus vaccines presently used are modified live vaccines that lack complete biological safety. Previous work from our laboratory suggested that vaccines based on in situ produced, non-infectious rotavirus-like particles (RVLPs) are efficient while being entirely safe. However, using either vaccine, active mucosal immunization cannot induce protective immunity in newborns due to their immature immune system. We therefore hypothesized that offspring from vaccinated dams are passively immunized either by transfer of maternal antibodies during pregnancy or by taking up antibodies from milk. Using a codon optimized polycistronic gene expression cassette packaged into herpesvirus particles, the simultaneous expression of the RV capsid genes led to the intracellular formation of RVLPs in various cell lines. Vaccinated dams developed a strong RV specific IgG antibody response determined in sera and milk of both mother and pups. Moreover, sera of naïve pups nursed by vaccinated dams also had RV specific antibodies suggesting a lactogenic transfer of antibodies. Although full protection of pups was not achieved in this mouse model, our observations are important for the development of improved vaccines against RV in humans as well as in various animal species.

16 October 2019
Verified
Book Chapter
Closed access
PDF file
AMAnita Meier
Anita Meier
ALAndrea Sara Laimbacher
Andrea Sara Laimbacher