q about pneumococcal vaccine

[MudPhud20XX]

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So FA explains you need to conjugate a carrier protein to a polysaccharide to elicit T cell activation and class switching. Then it give examples of two pneumococcal vaccines

1. PCV --> pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (Prevnar)
2. PPSV --> pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine with no conjugated protein (Pneumovax)

So what is the point of making PPSV, if it isn't conjugated?

 

[TheNsg300]

I think the difference lies in what you hope to accomplish and de specific demographic u target. For kids, u give them PCV, capsular polysaccharide wit a protein conjugate, primarily to make de antigen T-cell dependent nd ensure isotope switching and mainly enable memory response which doesn't take place in de absence of de conjugate, plus it's a primary immune response. For adults,especially elderly nd those at risk,those individuals have already had a primary immune response as well as a memory response, u aren't particularly concerned wit that. And the polysaccharide wud be immunogenic enuf to stimulate the B-cells for a secondary immune response.

 

[Jabbed]

So FA explains you need to conjugate a carrier protein to a polysaccharide to elicit T cell activation and class switching. Then it give examples of two pneumococcal vaccines

1. PCV --> pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (Prevnar)
2. PPSV --> pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine with no conjugated protein (Pneumovax)

So what is the point of making PPSV, if it isn't conjugated?

PCV covers 13 strains and PPSV covers 23. Both are administered in >65 year old adults.

 

[MudPhud20XX]

I think the difference lies in what you hope to accomplish and de specific demographic u target. For kids, u give them PCV, capsular polysaccharide wit a protein conjugate, primarily to make de antigen T-cell dependent nd ensure isotope switching and mainly enable memory response which doesn't take place in de absence of de conjugate, plus it's a primary immune response. For adults,especially elderly nd those at risk,those individuals have already had a primary immune response as well as a memory response, u aren't particularly concerned wit that. And the polysaccharide wud be immunogenic enuf to stimulate the B-cells for a secondary immune response.

That makes so much sense. Thanks man!