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One step closer to a DNA vaccine against dengue virus

A recent study published in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology has made significant progress in developing a DNA vaccine against the dengue virus. Researchers have successfully induced persistent humoral and cellular immune responses in mice, providing efficient protection against lethal challenge from one of the four ser...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·DateJun 29, 2017

Sorting out HIV

Researchers at EMBL and ESPCI Paris have developed a new technique to rapidly sort HIV viruses, which could significantly speed up vaccine development. The system enables the analysis and sorting of hundreds of HIV viruses per second, allowing for rapid testing of millions of viral variants.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateMay 25, 2017

ECDC report shows strong potential of E-health to increase vaccination coverage in Europe

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has released a survey report on immunisation information systems, showing strong potential for e-health to increase vaccination coverage. Digital systems are being piloted across EU/EEA countries, including automated reminders that can identify under-vaccinated populations.

Experts seek to jump-start vaccine development

A new article recommends establishing an institute focused on developing vaccines of public health importance without commercial interest. The proposed institute will require collaboration among stakeholders from industry, government, academia, and private foundations.

SourceWiley·JournalAnnals of the New York Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 23, 2017

Researchers identify mechanism in chikungunya virus that controls infection and severity

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health identified a mechanism by which the chikungunya virus controls infection severity. The study found that all alphaviruses and coronaviruses may work in the same way, and that breaking a specific protein bond can prevent viral replication.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 30, 2017

NIAID officials call for continued Zika research

Researchers emphasize the need for continued study of Zika virus due to its serious complications and the importance of developing effective vaccines and treatments. Lessons learned from other arboviruses like West Nile and Chikungunya highlight the risks of fading interest in diseases that transition to endemicity.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateJan 13, 2017

Zika antibodies from infected patient thwart infection in mice

Researchers have identified two neutralizing antibodies against Zika virus that exclusively target the virus, demonstrating high specificity and protecting mice from infection. These antibodies, Z23 and Z3L1, block infection by targeting the virus' envelope protein, offering potential hope for preventative and treatment approaches.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 14, 2016

New method helps compare cholera vaccine costs

Researchers developed a standardized approach to analyze full costs of cholera vaccines in developing countries, revealing significant variability in costs. The analysis showed vaccine delivery costs ranging from $0.36 to $6.32 per person vaccinated, with procurement costs varying between $0.29 and $29.70.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateDec 8, 2016