Research on vaccines and immunization. Covers COVID and flu vaccines, outbreak response, long-lasting antibodies, and vaccination in vulnerable groups.
Researchers have discovered two antibodies that can efficiently neutralize both dengue and Zika viruses, sharing identical binding sites on their viral envelopes. This breakthrough could lead to the development of a single vaccine offering protection against both diseases.
Saint Louis University is conducting a human clinical trial of a Zika virus vaccine to prevent microcephaly and brain damage in babies. The study aims to protect people from the emerging infectious disease, which can be transmitted through mosquito bites or sexual contact.
A phase II clinical trial showed that GEN-003 immunotherapy significantly reduces genital herpes virus activity and recurrent outbreaks, lasting up to a year after treatment. This new approach may provide relief similar to daily antiviral medications but with improved convenience.
A study published in PLOS NTDs examined the immune response to a bivalent whole cell oral cholera vaccine in Haitian adults. The researchers found that the booster dose after 2 weeks did not stimulate the immune system further, suggesting an optimal dosing schedule may be needed.
Researchers found that combining local radiation therapy with anti-cancer vaccines can increase the response rate for immunotherapy agents by boosting T cell infiltration into tumors. This combination may help physicians better treat many types of cancer and could potentially lead to improved outcomes.
Researchers found that open communication about vaccine safety through VAERS did not increase public trust in vaccines. In fact, detailed incident reports significantly reduced vaccine acceptance and trust. The study suggests the media should be cautious when sharing stories about vaccine harms to avoid influencing public perception.
Researchers monitored social media in real-time to identify Zika conspiracy theories that could be affecting people's health-related decisions. The study found nearly 140,000 Tweets with keywords 'vaccine' and 'Zika,' highlighting the need for public health authorities to address concerns and debunk unscientific claims.
The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences is conducting a phase 1 clinical trial to test a hookworm vaccine in an endemic area of Brazil. The trial aims to determine the safety and efficacy of combining two existing vaccines, with potential implications for global health.
The WHO has convened an emergency committee due to the risk of a YF outbreak in unvaccinated populations in Asia. The World Health Organization is concerned about the limited supply of vaccine, but experts warn that this poses a strong risk of epidemics.
A review article by J. David Beckham highlights Zika virus's impact on global health, emphasizing the need for ongoing research to develop a viable vaccine and treatment options. The article notes that exposure avoidance through insect repellent and protective measures is currently the best approach to prevent complications.
A new approach using a two-minute video has been shown to boost pneumococcal vaccination rates among older adults, with 64% watching the entire video and receiving the vaccine. The study found that patients who viewed at least part of the video were three times more likely to receive the vaccine.
Immunizing babies against rotavirus led to a significant drop in hospitalizations and emergency department visits. The study found that even older kids benefited from the vaccination, demonstrating herd immunity.
Two patients with liver metastasis from melanoma survived for at least 8.5 and 12 years after receiving patient-specific immunotherapeutic vaccines. The vaccines were derived from the patients' own dendritic cells loaded with proteins isolated from their tumors. Co-Editor-in-Chief Donald J. Buchsbaum, PhD, describes these results as
A global health emergency is looming due to the rapid spread and potential future outbreaks of yellow fever, say Georgetown University professors. The ongoing epidemic, particularly in Angola, has led to a significant shortage of vaccines and calls for an urgent international response.
The study found significant improvements in up-to-date vaccination rates, with a 7% increase from 75% to 82%. Over-immunization for adolescents also decreased significantly. The data exchange allowed clinicians to easily access patient immunization information, reducing the likelihood of unnecessary vaccinations.
A study found that vaccination under the influence of estradiol enhances protection against genital herpes by shifting the immune response in the vaginal mucosa toward a more effective antiviral one. Estradiol accelerates and increases the response of T helper cells, promoting inflammation.
A study suggests that current vaccines provide only partial protection against the G5 strain of Japanese encephalitis virus, and natural infection with a different strain may not offer protection. The findings indicate that an emerging crisis in South-East Asia is possible, warranting further research on vaccines.
A new study finds HPV vaccination is expected to reduce cancer burden across all racial/ethnic groups, with some disparities persisting despite high vaccine uptake. The study suggests that efforts to improve vaccine uptake must be accompanied by efforts to address access issues for screening and timely diagnoses.
A recent study published in eLife reveals that novel swine flu viruses have emerged, driven by the frequent introduction of human viruses to pigs. The analysis of nearly 600 flu viruses from multiple continents shows a high level of antigenic diversity, posing a significant risk to human health.
Global norovirus experts identify key gaps in knowledge and provide information to further vaccine development. The most efficient approach is developing a vaccine for young children, with the greatest impact at the global level.
HPV vaccination programs in Canada are currently limited, leaving men vulnerable to HPV-related diseases. The Canadian Medical Association Journal recommends expanding the programs to include males and negotiating with pharmaceutical companies to decrease costs.
Experts argue that good governance, long-term technology investment, and strong product management skills are essential to combat infectious outbreaks. The proposed global strategy aims to pool funds and coordinate efforts to develop effective countermeasures for these diseases.
A new study reveals that laboratory mice infected with common human viruses develop an immune system similar to newborn humans, but unlike adult humans. This finding suggests that the lack of infection may be a reason why research mice differ from humans.
Scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have created a mouse model to study Zika virus, allowing researchers to test vaccines and antivirals while understanding the virus's effects on human brains. The model, lacking key immune system defenses, shows the virus causes severe pathology in brain tissue.
A new mouse model developed by researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine enables the study of Zika virus infection and its effects on the brain. The model, which lacks key immune system components, allows for the testing of vaccines and antivirals against the virus.
A phase 1 trial evaluated two candidate Ebola vaccines, Ad26.ZEBOV and MVA-BN-Filo, in healthy volunteers. The study found that immunization with Ad26.ZEBOV generated an initial immune response and sustained elevation of specific immunity, suggesting partial protection against Ebola.
An immunization regimen using two Ebola vaccine candidates was found to be safe and well-tolerated, inducing an immune response in healthy adult volunteers. The study's results suggest that the vaccines could provide durable protection against Ebola, which is essential for areas with intermittent outbreaks.
A new HPV vaccine could significantly reduce cervical cancer incidence by 73% and healthcare costs if states coordinate policies to improve coverage. Increased funding can lead to improved vaccine coverage and public health.
A mobile-phone-based system is demonstrating huge potential for improving public health service delivery in resource-poor settings. The system has facilitated ongoing data collection, greatly improving data quality, timeliness, and cost-effectiveness.
Scientists at Oxford University have identified biomarkers that could indicate TB risk and provide clues to assess the effectiveness of potential new vaccines. The discovery was made using immune correlates, also known as biomarkers, which can be measured in the blood.
A vaccine developed for smallpox improved lung function in a mouse model of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis by inducing resident memory CD4+ T cells. This immune response was associated with reduced fibrosis and increased survival rates.
A recent study found that HPV vaccination stimulates robust immune responses in girls and young women with chronic kidney disease and dialysis, but less optimal responses among those with a kidney transplant. This highlights the need for additional research to protect kidney transplant recipients from HPV infections.
Researchers at McMaster University have identified a critical step in the immune system's recognition of DNA viruses, which could lead to vaccinations for herpes, the common cold, and even cancer. The discovery involves an interaction between proteins S6K1 and STING that triggers antiviral responses.
The NIH has awarded six grants to study the molecular mechanisms behind combination vaccine adjuvants, which improve vaccine effectiveness and could lead to new treatments for diseases like HIV and tuberculosis. Researchers will explore how individual adjuvants work in combination and how synergies between them can be optimized.
A novel vaccine strategy has been developed to provide both short-term and long-term protection against the Chikungunya virus. The strategy combines a non-viral, vector-based monoclonal antibody delivery method with a DNA-based vaccine approach.
Researchers at UTMB have developed a new mouse model for Zika infection, removing a bottleneck in preclinical testing. The model is available for immediate screening of antivirals and vaccine candidates.
A team of UCI scientists led by Philip Felgner has received $8 million to develop a new vaccine for Q fever, a highly infectious agent considered a potential bioterrorism weapon. The vaccine aims to mitigate severe side effects of the current vaccine and is expected to be safer and more effective.
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University recommend revisiting current adult vaccination schedule due to long-lasting immunity against tetanus and diphtheria. A revised 30-year schedule could reduce healthcare costs by two-thirds, saving approximately $280 million annually.
A new study found that conflicting expectations between parents and medical providers about scheduling follow-up appointments is the most common reason for patients not completing the HPV vaccine series. Researchers suggest improving education and dialogue between providers and parents to increase vaccination completion rates.
Researchers analyzed numerous studies and reports to find that unvaccinated individuals comprised a substantial proportion of cases in measles and pertussis outbreaks. Vaccine refusal was associated with an elevated risk for measles and pertussis, even among fully vaccinated individuals.
Researchers from Penn Medicine warn that labelling public health initiatives as 'natural' could lead to harmful decision-making by some parents. They argue that this messaging undermines important health practices, such as childhood vaccination.
Researchers developed a nanoparticle technology called Salipro to stabilize membrane proteins in a lipid environment, allowing for high-resolution studies of their structure and function. This enables the discovery of new drugs, therapeutic antibodies, and vaccines targeting these proteins.
Researchers found that carbohydrate polymers control the physical behavior of vaccines and provide a protective cloud against protein denaturation. The conjugates were over 50 times larger than the protein, with flexible properties that retained the highly flexible nature of the carbohydrates.
Two investigational vaccines against Ebola virus disease induced an immune response among 1,000 participants in the Phase 2 PREVAIL I trial. The cAd3-EBOZ and rVSV-ZEBOV vaccines were well-tolerated and elicited measurable and demonstrable antibodies, respectively.
A new Penn study reveals that fish induce production of a specific antibody, IgT, in response to pathogen exposure on their gills. The researchers found that IgT coats the microbiota in the gills, helping control the community of friendly microbes.
A new vaccination scheme is projected to reduce the frequency of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in China. The study suggests that serotype replacement will not significantly impact the benefits of a HFMD vaccination campaign, with cross-protection lasting an average of 6.77 weeks.
Researchers present an experimental Ebola vaccine with 100% efficacy against the virus in West Africa and propose a novel vaccination strategy using ring vaccination. This innovative approach could be adapted to combat other emerging threats like Zika virus.
University of Leeds researchers will run computer software to identify compounds that could be the basis of antivirals for Ebola. The project focuses on finding effective anti-viral drugs, as vaccines are not yet available to treat infected patients.
Development assistance for vaccines in low- and middle-income countries increased from $822m in 2000 to $3.6bn in 2014, driven by the creation of Gavi and US/UK contributions.
Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health review vaccination policies, finding that states like Mississippi and West Virginia have high immunization rates with strict exemption laws. The authors suggest alternatives to eliminating nonmedical exemptions entirely, including making them more difficult to obtain.
A Kaiser Permanente study found moderate protection against whooping cough during the first year after vaccination, but effectiveness dwindles to less than 9% after four years among teenagers vaccinated with newer acellular pertussis vaccine as infants and children. Targeted rounds of vaccination may be necessary for adolescents.
A study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found that voucher promotions and celebrity PSAs did not increase Tdap vaccination among caregivers. The researchers discovered that financial barriers were a significant factor, but so were perceptions about the risk and severity of whooping cough.
UC Davis researchers have created virus-like particles based on Hepatitis E proteins to target breast cancer. These particles can carry vaccines or drugs, potentially delivered through food or drink.
A follow-up study found most vaccinated children maintained anti-hepatitis A antibodies until age 15-16 years, suggesting protection for at least 30 years. The findings support current US vaccine recommendations and do not require booster doses.
A new study found that 75% of vaccine-related posts on Pinterest are negative towards vaccination, highlighting the need for better communication about vaccination. The researchers argue that institutions need to value public engagement and advocacy to effectively promote vaccines.
Researchers at Colorado State University are developing a multiplayer game to plan for disease outbreaks. The game uses powerful software to predict and analyze the severity of an outbreak, providing real-time visualizations such as heat maps of potential danger zones.
Researchers show that large groups of people sharing in a conspiracy will very quickly give themselves away, using equation to estimate time before exposure. For instance, moon landing hoax would be revealed in just 3 years and 8 months.
Human monoclonal antibodies isolated from Ebola survivors can neutralize multiple species of the virus, including Bundibugyo, Sudan, and Zaire viruses. These findings suggest a common therapeutic or vaccine strategy could solve all Ebola viruses.
BioMARC, a high-containment biopharmaceutical unit at CSU, has been awarded $4.6 million to develop and manufacture vaccines for three additional viruses causing severe long-term disease. The facility will produce vaccines using VRP technology, which works to better immunize individuals.
Researchers have found a link between the chickenpox and shingles vaccine and corneal inflammation in rare instances. Primary care physicians should discuss this potential side effect with susceptible patients before vaccination.