Mucosal Vaccination Strategies against Clostridioides difficile Infection

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) presents a major public health threat by causing frequently recurrent, life-threatening cases of diarrhea and intestinal inflammation. The ability of C. difficile to express antibiotic resistance and to form long-lasting spores makes the pathogen particularly challenging to eradicate from healthcare settings, raising the need for preventative measures to curb the spread of CDI. Since C. difficile utilizes the fecal-oral route of transmission, a mucosal vaccine could be a particularly promising strategy by generating strong IgA and IgG responses that prevent colonization and disease. This mini-review summarizes the progress toward mucosal vaccines against C. difficile toxins, cell-surface components, and spore proteins. By assessing the strengths and weaknesses of particular antigens, as well as methods for delivering these antigens to mucosal sites, we hope to guide future research toward an effective mucosal vaccine against CDI.

Automated summary

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a significant public health threat due to its ability to cause recurrent and life-threatening diarrhea and intestinal inflammation. The pathogen's antibiotic resistance and spore-forming capability make it challenging to eradicate from healthcare settings, emphasizing the importance of preventative measures. A mucosal vaccine that generates strong immune responses holds promise in preventing colonization and disease. This mini-review summarizes the progress and potential targets for mucosal vaccines against C. difficile, aiming to guide future research towards an effective vaccine against CDI.