Rotavirus Immunity and Vaccination: Integrating Innate Adaptive Immune Responses for Enhanced Protection

Rotavirus Immunity and Vaccination presents a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of one of the world's most important vaccine-preventable enteric pathogens. Integrating advances in virology, immunology, and vaccinology, this chapter explores the molecular biology of rotavirus, mechanisms of viral pathogenesis, and the intricate interplay between innate and adaptive immune responses that determine protection against infection. The chapter critically examines pattern recognition receptors, interferon signaling, mucosal immunity, neutralizing antibodies, T-cell responses, and the viral immune evasion strategies that influence disease progression and vaccine effectiveness. It also provides an in-depth analysis of currently licensed rotavirus vaccines, challenges affecting vaccine performance in low- and middle-income countries, and the biological and environmental factors shaping immune protection. Looking beyond current strategies, the chapter highlights emerging vaccine technologies, including virus-like particles, mRNA platforms, nanoparticle-based vaccines, artificial intelligence-assisted vaccine design, and precision vaccinology. Emphasizing translational research and global public health perspectives, it outlines future directions toward the development of safer, broader, and more effective next-generation rotavirus vaccines. Written for graduate students, researchers, clinicians, microbiologists, immunologists, and public health professionals, this chapter serves as a valuable resource for understanding the immunological basis of rotavirus infection and the evolving landscape of vaccine development in the pursuit of equitable global disease prevention.