PHO Rounds: Leveraging Mucosal Immunology to Design Better Vaccines for Respiratory Viruses
Parenteral vaccination (by injection) has been an important practice in preventing infectious diseases and can even be traced back to the early variolation practices for preventing smallpox. While parenteral vaccines have been extremely successful in reducing the burden of many infectious diseases, efficacy is often suboptimal against mucosal pathogens, which infects one or more mucosal tissues (for example, the respiratory mucosa, intestinal mucosa, vaginal mucosa, etc.). Advances in understanding of the unique properties of the mucosal immune system have catalyzed major innovations in the development of mucosal vaccines. These vaccines hold the promise of providing broad and durable protection against seasonal epidemics and future pandemics.
Intended audience: Public health unit staff, public health professionals and individuals interested in or studying microbiology and immunology.
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Describe unique characteristics of the mucosal immune responses to pathogens.
- Understand the rational basis for mucosal vaccine design.
- Discuss ongoing developments in the preclinical and clinical evaluation of mucosal vaccines for respiratory viruses.
Presenter(s): Matthew S Miller
Matthew S Miller, PhD, is the Director of the M.G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research at McMaster University. He is also an Associate Professor of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences and holds a Canada Research Chair in Viral Pandemics. Dr. Miller completed his PhD in Microbiology & Immunology at the University of Western Ontario, where he studied the molecular virology and pathogenesis of DNA viruses. Dr. Miller has been heavily engaged in COVID-19 research, including development of next-generation vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics. He is a member of the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) COVID-19 Working Group.
Disclaimer
The opinions expressed by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies or views of Public Health Ontario, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by Public Health Ontario.
Accreditation
Public Health Ontario Rounds are a self-approved group learning activity (Section 1) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC). In order to receive written documentation for Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits, please check “Yes” beside the question “Do you require CME credits?” on the registration form.
College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) Affiliate Members may count RCPSC credits toward their Mainpro+ credit requirements. All other CFPC members may claim up to 50 Certified credits per cycle for participation in RCPSC MOC Section 1 accredited activities.
PHO Rounds are also approved by the Council of Professional Experience for professional development hours (PDHs) for members of the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors (CIPHI).
For more information or for a record of registration for other Continuing Education purposes, please contact capacitybuilding@oahpp.ca.
Accessibility
Public Health Ontario is committed to complying with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodations to participate in this event, please contact 647-260-7100 or capacitybuilding@oahpp.ca.
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