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Breakthrough in next-generation polio vaccines

Researchers at the University of Leeds have developed a more affordable and lower-risk polio vaccine using virus-like particles (VLPs). VLPs mimic the outer protein shell of poliovirus but are empty inside, making them non-infectious yet capable of triggering an immune response.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 11, 2025

Detections of poliovirus in sewage samples require enhanced routine and catch-up vaccination and increased surveillance, according to ECDC report

The EU/EEA has detected circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) in sewage samples, prompting increased vigilance. To prevent a return of the disease, countries must maintain high vaccination rates and close vaccination gaps, as well as strengthen environmental surveillance.

Eradicating polio will require changing the current public health strategy

Global virus network experts propose changes to global polio eradication strategy, emphasizing the need for high vaccination coverage and adaptable policies. They suggest using both inactivated and live, weakened vaccines, as well as reconvening a scientific advisory group to respond to new data and public health emergencies.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 6, 2023

Research shows how poliovirus takes over cells from within

Poliovirus researchers at Umeå University have gained a new understanding of how the virus behaves in infected cells, revealing key protein roles and cellular processes involved. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new antiviral treatments and vaccines targeting the autophagy system.

SourceUmea University·JournalNature Communications·TypeNews article·DateOct 12, 2022

Global poliovirus risk management and modeling

The global polio eradication initiative is facing setbacks due to ongoing outbreaks in Afghanistan and Pakistan, despite significant progress made since 2015. The recent special issue of Risk Analysis evaluates the GPEI strategies and finds that the initiative was off track even before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted immunization activ...

SourceSociety for Risk Analysis·JournalRisk Analysis·DateFeb 16, 2021

Nanopatch polio vaccine delivers

A recent study published in Scientific Reports has shown that the Nanopatch, a microscopic vaccine delivery platform, is more effective at combating poliovirus than traditional needles and syringes. This breakthrough has significant implications for the eradication of polio, a disease responsible for tens of millions of cases worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 5, 2017

On the brink of eradication: Why polio research matters

Researchers like Dr. Julie Pfeiffer are studying poliovirus, a highly infectious childhood disease now close to global eradication, to gain insights into other viruses like Ebola, Zika, and influenza. This basic research can lead to new treatments and vaccines for these viruses.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateApr 20, 2017

Scientists prove new approach to Polio vaccines works

A research team at the University of Leeds has identified new mutations that make 'empty capsids' stable enough to act as vaccines, replacing traditional killed poliovirus vaccines. The stabilised VLPs are suitable for use after the virus has been eradicated and can be produced without growing live virus.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalJournal of Virology·DateFeb 1, 2017

How to wipe out polio and prevent its reemergence

A new study using disease-transmission models shows that silent transmission of poliovirus could continue for more than three years with no reported cases. To ensure eradication, aggressive surveillance and vaccination campaigns must continue in endemic countries after the last reported case.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 19, 2015

New bivalent polio vaccine is more immunogenic than current vaccines and could play key role in global polio eradication

A new bivalent oral vaccine against poliovirus types 1 and 3 has been found to be more immunogenic than current vaccines, inducing a stronger immune response in newborn babies. The vaccine's effectiveness is comparable to that of the existing monovalent and trivalent vaccines, offering enhanced immunity for both virus types.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 25, 2010

Common cold virus can cause polio in mice when injected into muscles

A study by Duke University Medical Center found that Coxsackievirus A21 can cause polio-like symptoms in genetically engineered mice, as it bypasses the usual nasal cavity route and infects muscle cells instead. The findings have significant implications for the understanding of viral behavior and potential vaccine development.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 6, 2004

Study reveals family secret of how viruses enter cells

A research group from Purdue University analyzed the interaction between poliovirus and its receptor, finding that it uses a similar site to bind as human rhinoviruses. The study provides new insights into how viruses selectively attach to receptors and may suggest ways for developing drugs to prevent illnesses caused by viral pathogens.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 3, 2000