Overview
- Researchers delivered a multivalent formulation that includes novel vegetative- and spore-state antigens, inactivated TcdA and TcdB that retain native structure, and the dmLT mucosal adjuvant.
- Rectal mucosal immunization cleared C. diff from the colon, whereas parenteral vaccination did not reduce colonization.
- Vaccinated animals were protected from illness, death, tissue damage, and recurrence following challenge.
- Sterilizing protection persisted when animals were challenged 60 and 200 days after the final dose, clearing both vegetative bacteria and spores.
- The Vanderbilt-led team reported the findings in Nature on Feb. 18 with NIH U19 support and plans additional preclinical tests in aged mice while proposing rectal enema delivery for human translation.