Research on vaccines and immunization. Covers COVID and flu vaccines, outbreak response, long-lasting antibodies, and vaccination in vulnerable groups.
A recent study reports a correlation between declining vaccinations and increasing measles outbreak sizes in the UK. The reproductive number, measuring the spreadability of measles, has increased to approach endemic disease levels.
A new study published in The Lancet found that the meningococcal C conjugate vaccine (MCCV) may increase relapse rates of nephrotic syndrome in children with kidney disease. The vaccine was introduced to all UK children under 18 years old in 1999, but subsequent monitoring revealed a 30% increase in relapses post-vaccination.
Research suggests that cervical cancer vaccines may be less effective in women who are ovulating, due to fluctuations in antibody levels triggered by sex hormones. The study found higher antibody levels during the proliferative phase and lower levels around ovulation.
Researchers found that adults who received smallpox vaccinations as children showed fewer adverse reactions to diluted vaccine doses compared to those who never received the vaccine. The study's results have implications for potential future biological attacks and suggest that vaccine stocks may be more sustainable.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that a generalized rash on some smallpox vaccine recipients was not due to the virus, but rather a benign reaction called folliculitis. The study aimed to clarify this previously unwell-documented phenomenon and reassure physicians about accurate diagnosis.
A new study suggests that pneumococcal vaccination can save medical costs for individuals aged 50 to 64, particularly those at high risk of pneumococcal disease. The cost-effectiveness of vaccination is comparable to other preventive services in this age group.
A phase II study of a multiepitope CD8 T-cell vaccine has demonstrated promising results, inducing an immune response in 32% of patients with metastatic melanoma. The vaccine showed significant correlations with non-progression of disease and longer survival rates.
Researchers found that CEM15 renders HIV dead by altering DNA, causing mutations and preventing replication. The virus can subvert this system, enabling it to make numerous mutations and evade the host's defense.
The VA health system saw significant improvement in quality-of-care indicators after implementing reforms, including electronic medical records and accountability measures. The system outperformed Medicare on many measures, making it an excellent model for healthcare organizations to adopt.
Researchers found that smallpox vaccine-induced antibody immunity can last a person's entire life, while T-cell immunity declines slowly over time. The study also showed that repeated vaccinations have little impact on immunity levels.
Researchers have created a new vaccine that stimulates the immune system to clear nicotine from the body, potentially aiding in smoking cessation. The vaccine induces antibodies that can neutralize nicotine before it reaches the brain.
A recent survey found that the public was misled by the media's coverage of the MMR controversy, with 53% assuming there was equal evidence for both sides. The study also revealed that journalists struggled to balance competing views on issues like climate change and genetics.
Virus researchers discovered a critical role of Z-DNA in pox virus lethality, leading to potential development of anti-viral compounds effective against smallpox. The findings may also shed light on the regulation of transcription and cellular responses to viral infections.
Researchers found nearly half of British public disagree with media coverage of MMR vaccine concerns, emphasizing the importance of balanced reporting. The study also highlights the need for journalists to approach minority voices within science with caution, particularly when dealing with alarming research.
Researchers discovered that 29% of individuals were completely resistant to the Norwalk virus, with those lacking the FUT2 gene showing no signs of infection. The study suggests that vaccination may be effective in reducing disease burden and offers new hope for developing vaccines.
Researchers at UCSD School of Medicine have demonstrated that pneumococcal vaccination can reduce the extent of atherosclerosis by 21 percent in laboratory mice. This breakthrough provides insight into the biological role of immune responses and offers potential therapeutic interventions for this complex disease.
A recent study found that people with atopic dermatitis or eczema, and their household contacts, are at increased risk of complications from smallpox vaccination. The study suggests that the screening process may not be effective in identifying individuals who should not receive the vaccine.
Scientists at University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute developed a new vaccine using recombinant DNA technology to protect fish against infectious pancreatic necrosis virus. The vaccine, composed of hollow virus-like particles, demonstrates a resistance potential against the disease and has shown promising results in experiments.
A mathematical model developed by Don Klinkenberg suggests that partial vaccinations can effectively control the spread of swine fever. The model indicates that vaccination reduces the spread of the virus but does not completely prevent it, allowing for epidemic persistence for several months.
Researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center have developed a DNA-based vaccine that triples the survival rate for dogs with advanced melanoma. The vaccine, tested in nine dogs with no side effects, shows promise for treating this aggressive cancer in humans.
A phase I clinical trial found that antibody therapy increased the effectiveness of cancer vaccines in patients with metastatic melanoma and ovarian cancer. The treatment, which blocks CTLA-4, elicited a potent immune response and killed cancer cells.
A Danish study found that individuals exposed to contaminated poliovirus vaccine had no increased risk of cancer compared to those not exposed. The findings contradict previous laboratory and epidemiologic evidence suggesting a link between SV40 contamination and human cancer.
A phase I clinical trial of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 blockade therapy has shown promising results in boosting the immune system against cancer. The treatment enhanced the anti-tumor activity of certain vaccines and improved responses in patients with melanoma and ovarian cancer.
Researchers at University of California - San Diego develop new compound cidofovir analogs to treat poxvirus infections, showing effectiveness in preventing death and maintaining efficacy when given prior or after infection. The study found two compounds, HDP-CDV and ODE-CDV, to be most effective against lethal cowpox infection.
Researchers developed a method using bacteriophages to deliver vaccine components, offering advantages over traditional naked DNA vaccines. The technique has significant production and storage benefits, making it an attractive solution for addressing sudden vaccine demands.
Researchers genetically engineered tobacco mosaic virus to instruct spinach plants to manufacture protective antigen fragments, which can be easily purified and used in a vaccine. The resulting subunit vaccine has shown promise as a more efficacious and safer alternative to existing anthrax vaccines.
Scientific studies have found no link between vaccines and chronic diseases such as asthma and food allergies. Reducing vaccination rates can lead to increased rates of preventable infectious diseases, according to the article co-authored by Dr. Paul Offit.
Researchers have made a significant breakthrough in developing a cancer vaccine by attaching tumor material to antibodies, inducing an immune response against cancer in animal experiments. The vaccine's effectiveness may also be applied to other diseases such as arthritis and whooping cough.
The Lancet discusses the conflict between scientific openness and global security concerns, highlighting the need for defensive biological research to prevent the spread of knowledge and dangerous materials. Pneumococcal vaccines are also reviewed, showing varying effectiveness in developed countries.
AVANT Immunotherapeutics awarded subcontract to develop oral combination vaccine against anthrax and plague using proprietary technologies. The vaccine aims to offer rapid, effective protection from multiple biological agents with a single dose, eliminating the need for protracted dosing regimens.
Smallpox experts suggest limiting vaccinations to first responders to prevent complications and ensure public safety. The authors cite studies from the 1960s documenting vaccine-related complications, including spread to close contacts and increased risk of morbidity and mortality.
A study found that injecting beta-amyloid binding agents into the bloodstream reduced brain plaques and amyloid protein levels in mice with Alzheimer's disease. The researchers suggest this approach as an initial step towards developing targeted drugs with fewer side effects.
A study found no significant association between exposure to contaminated poliovirus vaccine and the incidence of pleural mesothelioma, a rare lung cancer. Incidence rates increased among older males, but remained stable or decreased in younger age groups.
A new study has found that chicken pox vaccine is safe and effective for children with chronic kidney disease. The study shows that vaccination can prevent severe complications such as pneumonia and brain inflammation in these patients.
A study analyzing Boston smallpox case records found that young patients, those unvaccinated, and those with severe disease had the lowest survival rates. In contrast, a college student study on echinacea found no effect on cold symptoms, highlighting the need for more research into its efficacy.
A large clinical trial will be conducted at 16 US sites, with Saint Louis University leading as the national coordinating site. The study aims to prevent genital herpes in women using an investigational vaccine.
Researchers have developed a new vaccine that amplifies the production of beneficial antibodies to combat IP-10, a protein responsible for autoimmune disease progression. The vaccine rapidly suppressed experimentally induced rheumatoid arthritis and MS, offering potential relief for millions.
Ethiopian wolf populations are threatened by rabies, which spreads rapidly among packs. Vaccinating surrounding dogs is a costly and difficult option, but researchers found vaccinating wolves themselves could increase survival rates. Developing an oral rabies vaccine for wolves may be a more effective solution.
A study by Cardiff University found that the British public is strong on opinions about scientific issues like climate change and biotechnology but weak on actual knowledge. The survey revealed that people's trust in sources like scientists and media outlets is low, suggesting a need for more effective communication strategies.
UT Southwestern researchers have developed a vaccine against the deadly bioterrorism toxin ricin, which can be administered in foods and water or sprayed as an aerosol. The new vaccine has shown protective effects in mice and is believed to be safe and effective in humans.
HPV vaccination has shown high safety and efficacy, inducing high antibody titers against papillomaviruses. Hepatitis B vaccination is also highly effective in preventing chronic infection, with a 95% effectiveness rate in children.
Researchers discovered that an inactivated chickenpox vaccine may prevent healthy elderly people from developing shingles and protect transplant recipients against viruses and bacteria. The vaccine boosted memory T cells to mount an attack during the transplant and recovery, reducing shingle risk.
A vaccine has been shown to delay symptoms of prion brain disease in mice by inducing an immune response and producing antibodies. This breakthrough could potentially lead to a therapeutic response and prevent the disease in animals at risk.
The company's phase I clinical trial will examine NicVAX's safety and ability to stimulate the immune system in nonsmokers. If successful, additional trials will be conducted to investigate its efficacy in smokers and ex-smokers.
Tumor vaccines via dendritic cells aim to enhance the immune response against cancer cells Researchers found that dendritic cells can stimulate the production of antibodies and T-cells specific to cancer antigens
A multi centre collaborative study found a two-thirds reduction in group C meningococci carriage after UK-wide vaccination. The programme protected both vaccinated and unvaccinated populations, providing valuable insights for future comprehensive vaccines.
Researchers have developed a new TB vaccine by fusing a Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigen with a gene that highly expresses a thiol-specific-antioxidant protein from Leishmania major. This hybrid DNA vaccine increased protein production, leading to a more robust immune response in mice.
Emory University is conducting a clinical trial to evaluate an improved anthrax vaccine regimen with reduced injections and muscle administration. The study will enroll 1,560 volunteers across six sites and aim to simplify the existing dosing schedule while providing more data on safety.
A study by Kansas State University researchers has linked anthrax vaccination to poor health outcomes in Gulf War veterans, suggesting that the combination of vaccinations and medications may have adverse effects on susceptible individuals. The research also found that falsified or destroyed medical records made it difficult to assess ...
A recent study found that people previously infected with HCV are 12 times less likely to develop persistent infection than those infected for the first time. This suggests that immunity can be acquired to protect against viral persistence, making vaccines a potential solution to reduce medical consequences of HCV infection.
Fox Chase Cancer Center researcher Glenn F. Rall is studying whether a link exists between the measles vaccine and the development of autism. He believes that maternal exposure history to measles may afford protection to offspring, but more research is needed.
A new vaccine targeting ticks' gut wall could significantly reduce their fertility and larval survival, decreasing the risk of diseases like Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis. The development comes as tick-borne diseases are increasing in the UK and becoming more prevalent globally.
University of Rhode Island researchers, Thomas Mather and David Nelson, are developing a new Lyme disease vaccine using tick saliva genes. They have received $2.3 million NIH grant to identify promising genes over five years.
A new NIAID study found that diluting smallpox vaccine can expand the US vaccine supply fivefold, providing more protection against a potential outbreak. The trial used a freeze-dried live vaccinia virus vaccine and resulted in high take rates with minimal side effects.
Researchers have developed a potent antiviral drug, HDP-CDV, that can block the replication of variola and orthopox viruses, including smallpox. The oral drug is 100 times more active than existing cidofovir and may be used to treat and prevent smallpox infections.
Researchers at Virginia Tech will develop plant-expressed antigens and adjuvants to create affordable, effective vaccines. The goal is to produce inexpensive, disease-fighting vaccines through plant-based delivery systems.
A new peptide-based vaccine has been shown to reduce arterial plaque formation by 60-70% in mice with high cholesterol levels, according to a study led by Cedars-Sinai's P.K. Shah and the Swedish team of Gunilla Nordick-Fredricksson. The vaccine targets the major protein component of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.
A new study shows that a vaccine based on a chimpanzee adenovirus possesses the immunological strengths of a human adenovirus vaccine without its drawbacks. The vaccine, developed by researchers at The Wistar Institute, has been shown to be effective in mice against rabies and other viruses.
A new protocol for administering pneumonia vaccines has shown promising results in improving vaccination rates among hospital patients. The study found that the protocol resulted in a 38% vaccination rate, compared to 4.9% in standard procedures. This intervention can potentially save lives and reduce healthcare costs.
A recent outbreak in England and Wales highlights the need for better vaccination coverage among Mecca pilgrims, with a previously rare strain causing high case-fatality rates. Enhanced surveillance and early recognition are crucial to prevent further transmission of the disease.