Early transcriptomic signature of the immune response to rVSV∆G-ZEBOV-GP vaccination in Gabonese children

The recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus-vectored Zaire ebolavirus (rVSVΔG-ZEBOV-GP) vaccine has been recently approved for children. Here, the transcriptomic response to this vaccine was characterised for the first time in children using a targeted gene panel. In a randomised controlled trial in Lambaréné, Gabon, children ( n = 114, age 1–12 years old) were immunised with the rVSVΔG-ZEBOV-GP or varicella-zoster vaccine as control. Gene perturbation peaked at D1, and returned to baseline levels between D2 and D14. Genes related to type I/II interferon-signalling, pattern recognition receptors, myeloid cells and cell activation modules were upregulated, while downregulated genes were related to T cell and cytotoxicity modules. Perturbation of type-I IFN genes positively correlated with children’s age. Correlates of D28 ZEBOV-GP antibody titres were identified at D7 post-vaccination. Concluding, these findings provide insights into the vaccine-induced immune regulation at play in children.