Pneumonia remains one of the main causes of death worldwide, particularly among the most vulnerable populations. The bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae is the main cause. The rise in antibiotic resistance underscores the urgent need to develop new prevention strategies. In this context, Valentin Sencio, Arnaud Machelart and their collaborators from Lille Infection and Immunity Center (CNRS UMR9017, INSERM U1019, Univ. Lille, IPL) explored the potential of BCG vaccine to induce protection against infection S. pneumoniaeAs a reminder, this tuberculosis vaccine was developed at the Pasteur Institute in Lille. Researchers have demonstrated that intranasal administration of BCG protects against pneumococcal infection. Alveolar macrophages These bacteria appear as key players: their activation by BCG enhances their ability to eliminate pneumococcus. This research highlights the potential of intranasal BCG vaccination to stimulate local pulmonary immunity and reduce susceptibility to bacterial respiratory infections. It thus opens new avenues for pneumonia prevention, particularly in light of the growing challenges of antibiotic resistance.
BCG immunization through intranasal instillation protects mice against Streptococcus pneumoniae infection by enhancing alveolar macrophage activity
Valentin Sencio, Camille Bouzet, Joan Fine, Charlotte Costa, Axelle Grandé, Alexandre Vandeputte, Laurye Van Maele, Carine Rouanet, Jean-Claude Sirard and Arnaud Machelart
Science Report. 2026 May 23. doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-53277-x
Lille Center for Infection and Immunity “University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, Pasteur Institute of Lille, Lille University Hospital”
