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Searching for a vaccine against an ancient scourge

Researchers have conducted the largest genomic survey of the syphilis bacterium to date, correlating genetic data with clinical information to identify potential targets for a vaccine. The study found differences in bacterial strains between continents, but also similarities that suggest a global vaccine could be effective.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalThe Lancet Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 19, 2024

LJI discovery paves the way for antivirals against Ebola virus and its deadly relatives

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have captured the first detailed images of the Ebola virus nucleocapsid structure, which is crucial for replicating in host cells. This breakthrough may accelerate the development of universal antivirals that target this viral structure to combat multiple filoviruses.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2024

Single dose of mpox vaccine effective in preventing infection, study finds

A single dose of the Modified vaccinia Ankara-Bavarian Nordic (MVA-BN) vaccine was found to be 58% effective in preventing mpox infection in a recent study published in BMJ. The study used real-world health data to estimate the vaccine's effectiveness against mpox infection and included over 3,200 men who received the MVA-BN vaccine.

SourceInstitute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences·JournalBMJ·TypeObservational study·DateSep 11, 2024

While vaccines target the changing parts of coronavirus, researchers suggest it’s the unchanging parts we also need to pay attention to

A new study published in Microorganisms highlights the importance of small molecule drugs that target the unchanging parts of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The research suggests that these stable targets could provide a consistent and reliable treatment option for COVID-19, even as vaccines are updated to address changing viral strains.

SourceCorewell Health·JournalMicroorganisms·DateSep 9, 2024

Validated targets for personalized cancer immunotherapy

Researchers have developed a highly sensitive mass spectrometry-based method to detect mutation-derived tumor neoepitopes, which are recognized by the immune system. The new protocol enables the detection of low-abundance peptides in minimal tissue samples, paving the way for personalized cancer immunotherapies.

Study backs RSV vaccine safety during pregnancy

A study published in JAMA Network Open found no association between RSV vaccination during late pregnancy and increased risk of preterm birth or poor outcomes. The research provides real-world evidence supporting the safety of Pfizer's Abrysvo vaccine, offering reassurance to patients and clinicians.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 8, 2024

AI-based Alphafold: Its potential impact on predictive medicine

AlphaFold's groundbreaking ability to predict protein structures is set to transform predictive medicine, enabling the development of personalized vaccines and adaptive clinical trials. However, the review also highlights crucial challenges and ethical considerations surrounding AI integration with clinical data.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalAI in Precision Oncology·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 26, 2024

Cancers associated with human papillomavirus

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a major cause of several cancers, with cervical cancer being the most prominent. Persistent infection with high-risk HPV types can lead to malignant transformation. Vaccination and screening programs are crucial in preventing HPV-related cancers.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalExploratory Research and Hypothesis in Medicine·DateJun 17, 2024

Factors potentially contributing to the decline of the mpox outbreak in the Netherlands, 2022 and 2023

The 2022-2023 mpox outbreak in the Netherlands declined due to infection-induced immunity in high-risk groups, highlighting the importance of prompt vaccination implementation and ongoing surveillance. The study recommends swift vaccination programs and continuous monitoring to mitigate future outbreaks.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeObservational study·DateMay 23, 2024

Adding immune-boosting agent to personalized cancer vaccine supercharges the body's immune defense against malignant brain tumors

Researchers at UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have found a combination immunotherapy treatment that enhances the immune response for people with malignant gliomas. Adding an immune-boosting agent, poly-ICLC, to a personalized dendritic cell vaccine improves the immune response and activity of T cells in patients.

A promising vaccine approach to induce longer-lasting protective immunity against COVID-19: NUS Medicine-Monash University study

A team of scientists has developed a novel vaccine approach that induces long-lasting protective immunity against SARS-CoV-2 virus in pre-clinical models. The Clec9A-RBD antibody construct targets specific dendritic cells, leading to exceptional durability of immune responses and potential to address shortcoming of current mRNA vaccines.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalMolecular Therapy·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 6, 2024

Hepatitis B is globally underassessed and undertreated, especially among women and Asian minorities in the West

A new study reveals that chronic hepatitis B is globally undertreated, especially among women and Asian minorities in the West. The research highlights the need for targeted outreach to reduce new infections and deaths, with oral antiviral therapy being a lifesaving but underutilized treatment option.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Hepatology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 1, 2024

New strategy could lead to universal, long-lasting flu shot

Researchers at Duke University have developed a new vaccine strategy that targets the portion of the flu virus surface with less variability, aiming for universal and long-lasting protection. The experimental vaccine elicits an immune response focused on the stalk region, which remains consistent despite viral mutations.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 1, 2024

Pandemic fatigue and vaccine hesitancy continue to affect global public health, new 23-country study in Nature Medicine reports

A new survey of 23,000 respondents from 23 countries reports mixed signals on the current acceptance of vaccines generally, especially COVID-19 boosters. The study found that global uptake of at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose rose to 87.8%, but intent to get a booster was lower compared to previous years.

SourceCUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy·JournalNature Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateApr 29, 2024

Global cervical cancer vaccine roll-out shows it to be very effective in reducing cervical cancer and other HPV-related disease, but huge variations between countries in coverage

The global cervical cancer vaccine roll-out has shown significant effectiveness in reducing HPV-related diseases. However, there are huge variations in coverage between countries, with high-income nations leading the way and many low- and middle-income countries lagging behind. Globally, only 44% of girls have received at least one dos...

Annual vaccination campaign with second dose protects high-risk groups from SARS-CoV-2 and may save health care costs

A study found that an annual vaccination campaign with a second dose for children under 2 years old and individuals aged 50 and over can significantly reduce hospitalizations, deaths, and healthcare spending. The optimal timing for the second vaccination is delivering it 5 months after initial vaccination.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateMar 25, 2024

Study: Vaccinated people had lower risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes

A recent study published in Lancet Infectious Diseases found that vaccinated individuals had a lower risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes compared to unvaccinated individuals. The study also showed significant reductions in hospitalization and death rates from COVID-19, particularly among older individuals and those with compromised immune...

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateMar 6, 2024

Double risk of dementia after mouth ulcer virus

A new study from Uppsala University found that people who have had herpes virus are twice as likely to develop dementia as those who have never been infected. The researchers studied 1,000 70-year-olds over 15 years and confirmed previous research on the potential link between herpes and dementia.

SourceUppsala University·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 14, 2024

How T cells combat tuberculosis

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have identified 137 unique T cell epitopes targeted by the immune system in patients with active TB. These findings may lead to the development of new diagnostics and therapies for the disease, which affects over 1.3 million people worldwide.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2024

Structural study points the way to better malaria drugs

A new study published in Nature Communications has provided structural insights into a potent antimalarial drug candidate's interaction with the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. The research suggests that the drug, TDI-8304, can selectively target and kill resistant parasites, offering hope for more effective treatments against ...

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 18, 2024

ACIP releases 2024 Adult Immunization Schedule featuring four new vaccines

The 2024 adult immunization schedule features four new vaccines, including the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, mpox vaccine, a new MenACWY-MenB combo vaccine, and updated versions of the COVID-19 vaccine. Clinicians stress the need for effective communication strategies to increase vaccine uptake among skeptical patients.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateJan 11, 2024

Researchers map how measles virus spreads in human brain

Mayo Clinic researchers used genetic sequencing to study the measles virus's spread in a human brain. The study found that the virus acquired distinct mutations that drove its spread from the frontal cortex outward. This knowledge may help develop effective antiviral drugs to combat SSPE, a rare and lethal brain disease caused by measles.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateDec 21, 2023

T cells tackle new 'Pirola' SARS-CoV-2 variant

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology found that most T cells can still target epitopes on the new Pirola variant, suggesting people may be able to mount a response against it. The study's findings provide positive news in the fight against SARS-CoV-2, emphasizing the importance of vaccination with updated vaccines.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 8, 2023