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New single vaccination approach to killer diseases

Scientists have developed a new single vaccination approach that simultaneously protects against both influenza and pneumococcal infections, overcoming the limitations of current vaccines. The approach combines vaccines targeting different components of the virus and bacteria, inducing enhanced cross-protective immunity.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Microbiology·DateMay 20, 2019

Running rings around cholera outbreaks

A study modeling cholera epidemics suggests that targeting vaccine and other interventions to areas around existing cholera cases is an effective way to control outbreaks. The results indicate that oral cholera vaccine is the most effective intervention, with a radius of 70-100 meters being optimal for administration.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 27, 2018

Nanoparticle vaccinates mice against dengue fever

Researchers developed a new type of nanoparticle vaccine that effectively vaccinated mice against one dengue virus serotype. The vaccine targets only one strain, but its development could pave the way for vaccines against all four serotypes, potentially offering better protection against life-threatening disease.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateOct 20, 2016

Key findings to develop a vaccine against Toxoplasma

Researchers at Osaka University have discovered a new role for p62 in the immune response to Toxoplasma gondii, paving the way for the development of an inactivated vaccine. The study found that p62 plays a crucial role in activating killer T cells in infected cells stimulated by interferon-γ.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 29, 2015

NIH-funded study reveals why malaria vaccine only partially protected children, infants

The NIH-funded study found that the RTS,S vaccine was most effective against malaria in children with the same protein variant, while a mismatch corresponded to lesser protection. The research used advanced genomic sequencing technology to investigate genetic variations in the CS protein, which may limit or restrict vaccine protection.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 22, 2015

Few states require HPV vaccine

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is currently required in only two US states, with vaccination coverage substantially below the Healthy People 2020 target. A recent study found that HPV vaccination rates are lower than those for other adolescent vaccines, such as hepatitis B and meningococcal conjugate vaccines.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJul 14, 2015

New malaria vaccine candidates identified

Researchers discovered new vaccine targets that could help combat malaria by identifying previously untested antigens and gaining insights into antigen combination. A group of infected children was followed over six months to identify combinations of antibodies providing up to 100% protection against clinical episodes.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 30, 2014

Hitting a moving target

Scientists at the Scripps Research Institute have discovered that a single site on the surface protein of HIV can be targeted by an AIDS vaccine, potentially neutralizing nearly all strains of the virus. The study suggests that this approach could lead to a highly effective vaccine that targets a specific site on the Env protein.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 14, 2014

Young women most at risk least likely to be offered HPV jab

Research reveals young women most at risk of cervical cancer are least likely to be offered and complete the HPV jab. The survey found that these women need targeted efforts to improve vaccination uptake, which was below 80% required for significant impact on cervical cancer rates.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalSexually Transmitted Infections·DateMar 17, 2014

New vaccine against group B meningococcal disease to target this largest remaining source of such disease in Europe, North America, and some developing regions

A new vaccine has been developed to protect against group B meningococcal disease, a major cause of meningitis in high-income countries and some developing regions. The vaccine was found to be highly effective in adolescents aged 11-17 years, with 99-100% protection after two or three doses.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 17, 2012

Studies reveal potential of HPV vaccine to substantially reduce incidence of cervical cancer and suggest screening programs could be modified

A bivalent HPV vaccine has been shown to offer excellent protection against the most serious immediate precursor to invasive cervical cancer. The vaccine also partially protects against four other cancer-causing HPV types, which together with HPV16/18 cause about 85% of cervical cancer worldwide.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateNov 8, 2011

Targeted human papillomarvirus vaccination: A cost-effective intervention against anal cancer in men who have sex with men

A recent study found that targeted human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in men who have sex with men is a cost-effective intervention against anal cancer. The quadrivalent vaccine has demonstrated high efficacy against anal lesions and genital warts in young MSM. Vaccination at ages 12-26 years without previous exposure to HPV-target...

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateNov 2, 2010

Study by Pittsburgh researchers identifies possible vaccine target for chlamydia

Scientists at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh have identified a plasmid-deficient strain of Chlamydia that fails to cause disease in animal models. This finding represents a major step forward in developing a vaccine against chlamydial disease, with potential to protect against damage to reproductive organs and infertility.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Pittsburgh·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateSep 12, 2007

Outsmarting the smartie bug

Researchers sequenced and analyzed over 1.8 million genetic codes to determine functions of genes involved in polysaccharide capsule production. The new vaccine protects children from many common serotypes, but monitoring is needed to track potential changes in capsular types.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMar 9, 2006

Rabies spread speeds up

Rabies experts predict that raccoon rabies could spread rapidly across Ohio, with the virus potentially covering the state within 41 months. The study suggests that a strategic approach to controlling the spread of the disease is needed, including early detection and high-powered intervention programs.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 28, 2005

Broad-based vaccination of wild mice could help reduce lyme disease risk in humans

Researchers developed a broad-based vaccination for Lyme disease by targeting white-footed mice, which play a key role in spreading the disease. The study found that vaccinating these mice reduced nymphal infection prevalence by 16% and had potential implications for preventing other vector-borne diseases.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 13, 2004