Articles tagged with Vaccine Development
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases is conducting a Phase 1 clinical trial evaluating three experimental HIV vaccines based on messenger RNA technology. The study aims to examine the safety and ability of the vaccines to induce an immune response in adults aged 18-55 years.
A study found that maternal immunization against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can reduce antimicrobial prescribing among young infants. The research, based on a blinded, multi-country trial, showed that infants of mothers assigned the RSV F vaccine experienced fewer antimicrobial prescription courses over the first 90 days of life.
Scientists have successfully modified red blood cells to transport viral agents that trigger the immune system against SARS-CoV-2. The new method, described in PLOS ONE, shows promise as a safe and effective vaccine delivery platform with potential for rapid adaptation to emerging variants.
Researchers at Texas Biomedical Research Institute have found that adding an antibody to the widely-used TB vaccine significantly improves its long-term effectiveness. The combination of the vaccine and an IL-10 blocker allows for better control of TB infection in mice, with improved lung health and increased memory immune cells.
Researchers at UC Santa Cruz confirm their bioengineered RSV protein vaccine stimulates a stronger antibody response than the native G protein. The engineered protein is recognized by human RSV-fighting antibodies and may lead to an effective vaccine for severe respiratory disease in children and the elderly.
The NIH is conducting a clinical trial to investigate rare but serious systemic allergic reactions to COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. Participants will receive a second dose of vaccine under controlled conditions to determine safe dosing, while breathing tests and blood draws monitor their response. The study aims to provide insights into mech...
Experts argue that selling the Vaccine Manufacturing and Innovation Centre (VMIC) is baffling and should be reversed due to its strategic importance in pandemic preparedness. The UK taxpayers invested over £200m in the centre, which played a crucial role in developing and producing COVID-19 vaccines.
Researchers have created a new type of cholera vaccine consisting of polysaccharides displayed on virus-like particles, generating long-lasting antibody responses in mice. The vaccine shows promise as a next-generation cholera vaccine, potentially replacing current vaccines that last only 2-5 years.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that a third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine significantly improved protection against severe disease, hospitalization, and death. The study's results suggest that three doses of the vaccine provide greater benefit than two doses in preventing these outcomes.
Researchers have developed a new system called Species Agnostic Nanoparticle Delivery Screening (SANDS) that improves the screening process for drug-delivering nanoparticles. SANDS allows for simultaneous testing of nanoparticles in mouse, primate, and human cells, enabling more accurate predictions of delivery in humans.
The University of Texas at San Antonio has established a San Antonio-based Coccidioidomycosis Collaborative Research Center (SA-CCRC) focused on developing therapeutics and vaccines against coccidioidomycosis. The center will support applied clinical research and house an extended network of experts from partnering institutions.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute have developed a DNA-encoded immunogen that produces tier-2 neutralizing antibodies in mice, opening up new possibilities for HIV vaccine development. The study demonstrates the potential of using native-like trimer to generate broadly neutralizing antibody responses.
Children who receive repeated seasonal flu vaccines develop antibodies that provide broader protection against new strains, including pandemic viruses. This finding informs the design of a universal influenza virus vaccine for children.
The NIH is supporting research on coccidioidomycosis, also known as Valley Fever, with three new awards totaling over $4.5 million. Researchers will focus on developing diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines to combat the disease, which affects thousands of people in the US each year.
A computational study finds that Omicron's spike protein has evolved to evade multiple classes of antibodies targeting SARS-CoV-2, even those from vaccinated individuals and monoclonal antibody treatments. The study suggests vaccines still offer protection due to the development of T cell immunity.
Researchers at MIT have developed a pill that can deliver RNA to the stomach, potentially making vaccines easier to tolerate and treat gastrointestinal diseases. The capsule is designed to release RNA in the stomach, where it can stimulate an immune response without being degraded by digestive enzymes.
A new genomics study has helped guide the development of vaccines against Shigella, a leading cause of severe diarrhoea in children. The research revealed the extent of genomic diversity among Shigella species, highlighting challenges to current vaccine approaches.
A Zika virus vaccine candidate has been shown to prevent fetal malformations and detect maternal antibodies in pregnant animals. The vaccine has demonstrated high levels of protection against Zika infection in both mice and marmosets, with over 90% effectiveness observed.
Researchers at UMass Lowell are developing a production method to freeze-dry COVID-19 vaccines activated by messenger-RNA, eliminating the need for refrigeration. The innovation could ease supply chain issues and deliver lifesaving immunizations to more people worldwide.
The study reveals that Omicron's spike protein mutations increase its binding affinity to human cells and evade antibodies, contributing to its increased transmissibility. The researchers aim to develop more effective treatments against Omicron and related variants using this knowledge.
Scientists at Scripps Research have devised a method that can rapidly characterize antibodies using high-resolution, low-temperature electron microscopy (cryo-EM). This technique enables the identification of specific antibodies in fraction of time needed for traditional approach.
Researchers discovered nine genes in S. mansoni's autophagy pathway inhibited by the primate's immune system, preventing parasite multiplication and contaminating the host. The study suggests a potential novel therapy and vaccine against schistosomiasis.
Researchers identified 40 peptide pairs with potential cross-reactivity between BCG vaccination and SARS-CoV-2, offering a new strategy to complement existing COVID-19 vaccines. These peptides can induce T cell responses and INF-γ production, providing long-lasting immunity against viral infections.
Researchers developed a color-coded test that quickly signals whether medical nanoparticles deliver their cargo into target cells. The tool, tested in mouse cells and living mice, assesses nanoparticle formulations on their ability to escape cellular defenses and reach the cell's interior.
A phase 3 trial has shown that one dose of the Ad5-nCoV COVID-19 vaccine is highly effective against severe disease, with an efficacy rate of 91.7% at 28 days post-vaccination. The vaccine has also been found to be safe, with no serious vaccine-related adverse events or deaths reported among trial participants.
A new study reveals that mRNA vaccines activate a type of helper cell called T follicular helper cells, which assist in creating powerful antibodies and drive the development of immune memory. This strong response helps prevent severe disease and death, even against highly mutated variants like omicron.
A Phase II trial will investigate a prime-boost regimen using two different COVID-19 vaccines, with the goal of expanding access to vaccines in Africa. The study aims to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of a mixed schedule of COVID-19 vaccines.
Recent preclinical study results demonstrate the Spike Ferritin Nanoparticle (SpFN) COVID-19 vaccine developed by WRAIR elicits potent immune responses and offers broad protection against SARS-CoV-2 variants and other coronaviruses. The SpFN vaccine uses a ferritin platform to present multiple copies of the coronavirus spike protein, i...
The NIH urges a collaborative effort to characterize coronavirus genetic diversity in multiple species, better understand disease pathogenesis, and develop long-lasting vaccines; permanent immunity remains unknown for COVID-19 vaccines
A novel vaccine, TOH-Vac1, replicates inside the body's cells and generates a powerful immune response in mice and monkeys. The vaccine is based on a strain of vaccinia virus used to vaccinate against smallpox and can be programmed to protect against multiple variants.
Despite low vaccine uptake, West Africa needs to boost vaccination efforts to achieve population-level immunity. To reach 50%, 60%, and 70% coverage after 9, 12, and 18 months, vaccination speeds must increase by 4, 7, and 10 times the current pace.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology identified Th1* cells as a key marker in the body's immune signature following BCG vaccination. The study found that these cells respond well to the vaccine and can help fight the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium that causes TB.
Scientists at Kumamoto University have developed a novel peptide vaccine that improves obesity-related dyslipidemia and may be cost-effective. The vaccine targets angiopoietin-like protein 3 (ANGPTL3) and has been shown to reduce dyslipidemia in mice, producing antibodies that last for six months.
A new study found that Omicron's immune-evading capabilities are significant, but some vaccinated and previously infected individuals have 'stronger' protection. However, the protection from Omicron may be compromised over time.
Researchers at UCLA have identified rare T cells capable of targeting a protein found in SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses. By adding a fragment of this protein to vaccines, they hope to create a longer-lasting immune response and increase protection against new variants. This breakthrough could lead to more effective COVID-19 vaccines.
The study found that flu vaccination rates are significantly lower among individuals without regular healthcare providers compared to those with a provider. Vaccination rates increased with age and were higher among those with more medical conditions.
Researchers at University at Buffalo successfully freeze-dried a liposome-based liquid vaccine formula, offering a thermostable solution for future COVID-19 vaccines. The freeze-dried product showed stability at elevated temperatures and induced effective antibody responses in mice.
The study found that the Moderna vaccine offered a lower risk of documented infection (21% reduced), symptomatic COVID-19 (44% reduced), hospitalization (55% reduced), ICU admission (10% reduced), and death (2% reduced) compared to the Pfizer vaccine. The results suggest that either vaccine is effective, but Moderna may be slightly mor...
Moffitt researchers have developed a HER3-specific dendritic cell cancer vaccine that delays tumor growth and prolongs survival in mouse models. The vaccine targets the HER3 protein, which is involved in the growth and spread of many different cancer types.
Researchers have discovered that ulvan extracted from marine algae can prevent the infection of cells with the Corona virus. The study suggests that this cheap and accessible natural material may help solve the global spread of the pandemic in developing countries without access to vaccines.
A recent study estimates that COVID-19 vaccination prevented almost 470,000 deaths among people aged 60 years and older across Europe. The authors found that early implementation of vaccination was associated with the largest reduction in expected deaths.
A real-world study of BBV152 found that two doses resulted in 50% effectiveness against symptomatic COVID-19 in hospital workers. The study's findings support the importance of a second dose for maximum protection, but highlight limitations in estimating vaccine effectiveness against severe outcomes.
Researchers developed a novel vaccine using mRNA technology that prompts a quick response to components of tick saliva, limiting infection. The vaccine offers broad-based protection against other tick-borne diseases and can be used in conjunction with traditional vaccines.
A new mRNA vaccine, CV2CoV, has demonstrated a ten-fold higher antibody response and significantly improved protective efficacy against COVID-19 compared to the original CVnCoV. The second-generation vaccine induced antigen-specific memory B cell responses and T cell responses in non-human primates.
Researchers have developed a new strategy to combat the tick-borne Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus by reconstructing its structure and identifying neutralizing antibodies. The study, published in Science, offers insights for developing therapeutics and vaccines against the virus.
The CDC's four-tiered vaccine prioritization strategy outperformed most approaches in reducing deaths and cases, while some optimizations could improve outcomes. The study found that prioritizing healthcare workers and individuals under 16 was optimal, but strategies focusing on comorbidities were also effective.
A new vaccine combines the part of the 'spike' protein with a combination adjuvant, inducing full protection in aged mice and potentially equivalent to current mRNA vaccines. The formulation is relatively easy to manufacture and may not require extreme cold storage, enabling its use in more settings.
Researchers have discovered a promising new treatment and vaccine for Alzheimer's disease by targeting the toxic form of amyloid beta protein. Both the antibody-based treatment and the protein-based vaccine reduced Alzheimer's symptoms in mouse models, offering hope for potential transformation in patient lives.
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have discovered that naturally acquired immunity to malaria works differently than immunity following vaccination. The immune system uses natural killer cells to fight the parasite, which is more tailored to the disease than other typical infections.
The BBV152 COVID-19 vaccine demonstrated robust antibody response and induced 77.8% protection against symptomatic COVID-19 in a phase 3 trial. No severe vaccine-related adverse events or deaths were reported among participants.
A gene-silencing therapy harnessing nanoparticles called small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) for drug delivery has protected against Zika virus transmission in pregnant mice to the mouse fetuses. The treatment reduced fetal neurological damage, including virus-induced brain shrinkage.
A new study reveals that memory T helper cells can work with memory B cells to effectively defend the body against chronic viruses. This finding has direct relevance to developing new vaccines for HIV and hepatitis C, as it suggests a more sustained immune response.
An international research team discovered that intestinal bacteria can distribute their metabolic products throughout the body via the bloodstream using membrane vesicles. The study found that these vesicles can overcome the blood-brain barrier and enter brain cells, suggesting a new method for delivering drugs or vaccines.
A new protein-based vaccine design has been developed that elicits strong immune responses in mice and does not require cold storage. The technology targets antigen-presenting cells directly, potentially filling global vaccination gaps and offering a manufacturing advantage over existing COVID vaccines.
A study of 780,225 Veterans found that protection against COVID-19 declined by 38.8% from February to October 2021 for all vaccine types, with overall vaccine protection declining from 87.9% to 48.1%. Vaccination remained protective against death in those who became infected during the Delta surge.
A new report highlights the alarming global impact of Group B streptococcus, which can lead to up to 150,000 infant deaths annually. Maternal vaccination is seen as a cost-effective solution to reduce this toll, with significant health benefits in all regions.
Researchers at Duke University and UNC-Chapel Hill have identified a new antibody that can block infections and minimize symptoms against a broad array of coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2. The antibody was tested in animal models and found to be effective in protecting mice against developing severe lung symptoms.
A study of 8,889 vaccinated patients and 88,898 unvaccinated patients found the Ad26.COV2.S vaccine to be effective in reducing SARS-CoV-2 infection. The results support mass vaccination efforts globally amid variant spread.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that antibody levels against SARS-CoV-2 stay higher in people who were infected by the virus and then received protection from mRNA vaccine compared to those who only got vaccinated. A longer interval between virus exposure and first vaccine dose may enhance antibody response.
Researchers at University of Queensland successfully protected mice from COVID-19 using a US-developed vaccine candidate delivered via a pocket-sized, pain-free applicator. The vaccine produced strong immune responses and neutralized multiple variants, including UK and South Africa variants.