Analysis of the Mechanisms of Protective Humoral Immunity in Response to the Pneumococcal Vaccine

The lack of clear guidelines and studies addressing the proper response to the pneumococcal vaccine (Pneumovax ®) has hampered our ability to diagnosis and care for our immunodeficiency patients. Should an age matched normal response range to the Pneumovax ® be established, it would have a profound impact in the diagnosis, safety and care of immunodeficiency patients. Moreover, characterizing the B cell compartments response to the Pneumovax ® may better delineate the mechanism of protective immunity from Pneumovax ® and provide an additional tool for the diagnosis and care for immunodeficiency patients.