 |
|
Possible Hepatitis C vaccine
September 04, 2007Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infects up to 500,000 people in the UK alone, many of the infections going undiagnosed. It is the single biggest cause of people requiring a liver transplant in Britain. Now scientists have found monoclonal antibodies which may make a successful vaccine a reality, researchers heard today (Tuesday 4 September 2007) at the Society for General Microbiology's 161st Meeting at the University of Edinburgh, UK, which runs from 3-6 September 2007.
Hepatitis treatment is expensive and only successful in half of patients. Untreated or unresponsive patients can go on to develop cirrhosis of the liver, with life affecting consequences or the need for a transplant.
In a collaborative effort with groups across Europe and the USA, scientists from Nottingham University have recently identified antibodies that can successfully prevent infection with many diverse strains of Hepatitis C virus in laboratory models.
"The clinical potential of this work cannot be overstated. Historically, successful vaccines against viruses have required the production of antibodies, and this is likely to be the case for Hepatitis C virus", says Dr Alexander Tarr from the Virus Research Group at the University of Nottingham. "Identifying regions of the virus that are able to induce broadly reactive neutralising antibodies is a significant milestone in the development of a HCV vaccine, which will have distinct healthcare benefits for hepatitis sufferers, and could also help us design vaccines for other chronic viral diseases such as HIV".
Hepatitis C virus infects 180 million people worldwide. Infection with the virus can lead to liver cancer, and is the most common reason for liver transplantation in both the UK and the USA.
"We are also currently exploring the possibility of improving liver transplantation success rates by passively infusing people with these antibodies" says Dr Tarr. "We are also using the information gained by identifying and characterising the antibody responses to Hepatitis C virus to design new ways of making vaccine candidates. If the antibodies we have discovered can be reproduced by vaccination, control of the disease might be possible".
Society for General Microbiology
"The clinical potential of this work cannot be overstated. Historically, successful vaccines against viruses have required the production of antibodies, and this is likely to be the case for Hepatitis C virus", says Dr Alexander Tarr from the Virus Research Group at the University of Nottingham. "Identifying regions of the virus that are able to induce broadly reactive neutralising antibodies is a significant milestone in the development of a HCV vaccine, which will have distinct healthcare benefits for hepatitis sufferers, and could also help us design vaccines for other chronic viral diseases such as HIV".
Hepatitis C virus infects 180 million people worldwide. Infection with the virus can lead to liver cancer, and is the most common reason for liver transplantation in both the UK and the USA.
"We are also currently exploring the possibility of improving liver transplantation success rates by passively infusing people with these antibodies" says Dr Tarr. "We are also using the information gained by identifying and characterising the antibody responses to Hepatitis C virus to design new ways of making vaccine candidates. If the antibodies we have discovered can be reproduced by vaccination, control of the disease might be possible".
Society for General Microbiology
Hepatitis News and Current Hepatitis Events RSSEarly trigger for type-1 diabetes found in mice, Stanford scientists report
Scientists at the Stanford University School of Medicine are shedding light on how type-1 diabetes begins.
To protect against liver disease, body puts cells 'under arrest'
A stable form of cell-cycle arrest known to offer potent protection against cancer also limits liver fibrosis, a condition characterized by an excess of fibrous tissue, according to a new report in the August 22nd Cell, a Cell Press publication.
Senescence in liver cells is found by CSHL scientists to help limit acute tissue damage
Although post-reproductive life in humans is often associated with decline and a loss of powers, an analogous state in certain cells -- called senescence -- is proving to be one of ironic potency. Scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) today reported that a particular class of senescent liver cells orchestrates a sequence of events in living mice that can limit fibrosis, a natural response of the liver to acute damage.
Trapping white blood cells proves novel strategy against chronic viral infections
Seeing disease-fighting white blood cells vanish from the blood usually signals a weakened immune system. But preventing white blood cells' circulation by trapping them in the lymph nodes can help mice get rid of a chronic viral infection, researchers at Yerkes National Primate Research Center and the Emory Vaccine Center have found.
Trapping white blood cells proves novel strategy against chronic viral infections
Seeing disease-fighting white blood cells vanish from the blood usually signals a weakened immune system. But preventing white blood cells' circulation by trapping them in the lymph nodes can help mice get rid of a chronic viral infection, researchers at Yerkes National Primate Research Center and the Emory Vaccine Center have found.
Nano vaccine for hepatitis B shows promise for third world
Chronic hepatitis B infects 400 million people worldwide, many of them children. Even with three effective vaccines available, hepatitis B remains a stubborn, unrelenting health problem, especially in Africa and other developing areas.
Early treatment is key to combating hepatitis C virus
Canadian researchers have shown that patients who receive early treatment for Hepatitis C virus (HCV) within the first months following an infection, develop a rapid poly-functional immune response against HCV similar to when infection is erradicted spontaneously, according to a new study published in the Journal of Virology.
International panel updates treatment guidelines for HIV infection
An evaluation of recent data has led to an update in the guidelines and recommendations for antiretroviral treatment of adult human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, according to an article in the August 6 issue of JAMA, a theme issue on HIV/AIDS.
Imiquimod, an immune response modifier, is dependent on the OGF-OGFr signaling pathway
Researchers at The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania have discovered that the efficacy of imiquimod, a clinically important immune response modifier with potent antiviral and antitumor activity, is dependent on the Opioid Growth Factor (OGF)-OGF receptor (OGFr) axis for its action.
Researchers disprove long-standing belief about HIV treatment
Researchers at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center have disproved a long-standing clinical belief that the hepatitis C virus slows or stunts the immune system's ability to restore itself after HIV patients are treated with a combination of drugs known as the "cocktail."
More Hepatitis News Articles
 | Dr. Melissa Palmer's Guide To Hepatitis and Liver Disease by Melissa Palmer In the United States alone, more than four million people are infected with the hepatitis C virus, and chronic liver disease is the twelfth leading cause of death. In this revised and updated edition of her groundbreaking 2000 book, renowned hepatologist Dr. Melissa Palmer discusses all facets of liver disease, from symptoms and tests to treatment options and lifestyle changes. In addition, this... |
 | Herbs for Hepatitis C and the Liver (A Storey Medicinal Herb Guide) by Stephen Harrod Buhner An insightful overview of the impending Hepatitis C epidemic, its causes, the most recent research, and an in-depth, detailed look at the botanical medicines that show promising results for restoring liver function. Includes formulas for using herbs to strengthen the liver and combat... |
 | Hepatitis C Cookbook: Easy and Delicious Recipes by Heather Jeanne Hepatitis C is a potentially fatal virus that attacks the liver. According to the Centers for Disease Control, Hepatitis C has already infected an estimated four to five million Americans, and worldwide it may have infected as many as 200 million. Most experts agree that if the rate of Hepatitis C infection isn't curbed soon, it will eventually kill more people each year than AIDS. However,... |
 | Living with Hepatitis C: A Survivor's Guide, Fourth Edition (Living with) by Gregory T. Everson, Hedy Weinberg "An extremely useful title…recommended."—Library JournalLiving with Hepatitis C was the first book to explain in everyday language the causes of the disease, the major and minor symptoms, and all of the latest treatments, including pegylated interferons. Since its first publication, researchers have made dramatic strides in helping the millions of Americans who suffer from this deadly... |
 | Living With Hepatitis C For Dummies by Nina L. Paul A comprehensive, empathetic guide for anyone suffering from this serious liver disease Approximately 4 million Americans and 170 million people worldwide suffer from hepatitis C, a viral liver disease that is treatable but not curable. It accounts for more than 40 percent of U.S. liver disease deaths-about 8,000 to 10,000 people annually-and is the most common reason for liver transplantation.... |
 | Triumph Over Hepatitis C : An Alternative Medicine Solution Revised Edition by Lloyd Wright A graphic, turbo charged saga, depicting actual events in the life of Lloyd Wright, as he struggled with the menace, Hepatitis C. gue of Bicyclists Mr. Wright describes how American doctors deal with Hepatitis C, there lack of knowledge and education about life saving and immune system boosting herbs, supplements and foods. This is a true life journy from infection to being at "Death's Door",... |
 | The Hepatitis C Help Book, Revised Edition: A Groundbreaking Treatment Program Combining Western and Eastern Medicine for Maximum Wellness and Healing by Misha Ruth Cohen, Robert Gish, Kalia Doner A fully updated and revised edition of an important health guide, including the latest information on optimum interferon protocol. Hepatitis C has been called "the emergent and preeminent public-health problem of the twenty-first century--surpassing HIV." It has also been dubbed "The Shadow Epidemic," because it is one of the most clandestine of viruses and infects healthy people who have no idea... |
 | Healing Hepatitis Naturally (Doctors' Prescription for Healthy Living) If you're suffering from hepatits... If you don't know where to turn to enhance your body's healing response and your doctor's conventional treatments are not helping as much as you expected... Healing Hepatitis Naturally is an indispensable resource. Learn how: Herbal formulas support overall wellbeing, normalize liver enzymes and support viral clearance in cases of hepatitis. Systemic oral... |
 | The Hepatitis C Handbook by Matthew Dolan This definitive guide explains clearly what Hepatitis C is, outlines the course of the disease and the associated symptoms, and describes how it is transmitted. The author discusses available treatments as well as lifestyle changes that may help. Extensive sections on herbs, vitamins, and nutritional supplements are also... |
 | The Liver Disorders and Hepatitis Sourcebook (Sourcebooks) by Howard J. Worman The latest information on living with and treating liver disorders The Liver Disorders and Hepatitis Sourcebook, Revised Edition, gives you frank assessments of the latest therapies and drugs. It also provides advice on how you can navigate the day-to-day challenges of living with a liver disorder, and diet and nutrition guidelines, including the truth about the effectiveness of herbal... |
| © 2008 BrightSurf.com |