UC Davis

The rapid development and application of different SARS-Cov2 vaccines world-wide has resulted in impressive efficacy and protection from this deadly pandemic. However, the existence of different and continuously developing vaccine candidates coupled with the likelihood of continued application due to both waning immune responses and emergence of viral mutants, means that more basic research regarding their efficacy and continued application are needed. This is particularly true with use of preclinical models involving effects when given during pregnancy. The substantial body of data on the impact of maternal immune activation (MIA) on neurologic development and behavior in the progeny necessitates the need to have all vaccine candidates, particularly when inducing strong toll receptor (TLR) responses, involving these models. Use of other preclinical models involving autoimmunity and allergy coupled with incorporation of human modifying variables of aging and obesity should also be applied to better reflect the heterogeneity of the general population and potential off-target effects that may arise. Additionally, the use of human ACE2 receptor transgenic mouse models can shed insights given the differential tissues expression at different stages in development. However, to foster these types of basic research studies involving different vaccine products, initiatives must first be implemented and supported at the governmental level even while clinical data still accumulates.