Articles tagged with Vaccine Development
CoVaRR-Net is investing $6.9 million in 15 research projects focused on understanding Omicron subvariants and finding solutions to curb their spread. The studies will explore various aspects of variants, including viral transmission between animals and people, new variant mutations, and the impact of social factors on Indigenous Peoples.
Researchers create a modified live attenuated mumps virus for delivery, showing it induces stronger immune responses and provides superior protection against SARS-CoV-2. The new vaccine candidate uses a prefusion version of the spike protein and offers potential to enhance MMR childhood vaccine.
Researchers develop technique to control pH at microsites, enabling high-throughput biomolecular synthesis and enzymatic DNA synthesis. This allows for increased experimental throughput and speeding up processes in DNA synthesis.
A recent study found higher antibody titers after the third and fourth Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine doses in individuals aged 60 or older. This population is at high risk of severe SARS-CoV-2 disease, making timely vaccination crucial.
The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine has been recommended by the CDC for primary series use in US adults ages 18+, following FDA authorization. The vaccine demonstrates 90.4% effectiveness in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 and 100% effectiveness against moderate-to-severe disease. NIH and BARDA supported its development, with NIAID scientists...
Researchers developed a new blood test that can indicate cellular immunity to SARS-CoV-2 within 48 hours. The test distinguishes between post-infection and post-vaccination immunity, enabling quick diagnosis for patients unable to produce antibodies. Long-lasting T-cell responses may protect against severe disease in re-infections.
Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine have developed a new method to test malaria vaccines that mimics natural exposure, increasing efficiency and accuracy. The study found the vaccine to be effective in both controlled clinical settings and in the field, with promising results for future mass vaccination programs.
A new recombinant VSV-vectored vaccine developed at UTMB provides rapid protection against lethal Lassa fever, a pathogen causing severe symptoms and high mortality rates. The vaccine was found to be effective against different strains of the virus, critical for outbreak scenarios.
MU researchers have identified specific mutations in the Omicron variant's spike protein that help it evade existing antibodies from vaccines or previous COVID-19 infections. These findings can inform developers of COVID-19 treatments and vaccines, which may need to target different parts of the virus to produce effective outcomes.
Researchers analyze delta variant's biophysical characteristics, revealing unique traits that evade neutralizing antibodies and contribute to severe symptoms. The study sheds light on why vaccinated individuals can still contract the virus and why delta variant hospitalizations are higher than other variants.
The International Vaccine Institute (IVI) has launched a two-week training course for biologics development and manufacturing, targeting low- and middle-income countries. The program aims to enhance local production of vaccines and biologics in LMICs to address vaccine inequity and global pandemic preparedness.
Researchers have created a new mouse model that mimics brain damage caused by severe RVFV infection, enabling the study of disease mechanisms and high-throughput testing of next-generation drugs. This breakthrough has significant implications for developing therapies and vaccines for this devastating virus.
MIT researchers create microparticles that release their payload at different times, enabling self-boosting vaccines. The particles degrade over time and break down once released, allowing for potential use in regions with limited access to medical care.
The SARS-Arena program identifies conserved peptides in the SARS-CoV-2 virus that could be used to develop vaccines. The peptides are part of the nucleocapsid protein, which is highly expressed upon infection and highly immunogenic.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has launched a Phase 1 clinical trial evaluating an mRNA-based vaccine against Nipah virus, which causes severe respiratory and brain swelling. The trial aims to assess the safety, tolerability, and immune response of the investigational vaccine in healthy adults.
A novel point-of-care biosensing device has been developed to detect measles virions in human saliva, potentially aiding in viral spread control. The device, smaller than a €1-cent coin or U.S. quarter, utilizes lab-on-a-chip technology and showed high accuracy in experiments.
Researchers have designed a new vaccine candidate using bacterial vesicles coated on gold nanoparticles to deliver antigens and stimulate an immune response against tuberculosis. The use of outer membrane vesicles has shown promise in inducing a better immune response compared to traditional subunit vaccines.
A new nanoparticle vaccine has shown promising results in protecting against a spectrum of COVID-19-causing variants and related viruses. The vaccine induces the production of cross-reactive antibodies that recognize virtually every SARS-like betacoronavirus strain, providing broad-spectrum protection against future pandemics.
Researchers developed an inhalable COVID-19 vaccine that targets the lungs specifically and effectively, allowing for self-administration via an inhaler. The vaccine prototype, RBD-Exo, elicited production of antibodies specific to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in rodent models, offering a promising solution to improve vaccine delivery.
A new nanoparticle-based vaccine has demonstrated broad immune responses in non-human primates against a spectrum of SARS-like betacoronaviruses. The vaccine targets the 'conserved' part of the viral spike, which does not change between variants or animal strains.
Researchers at Georgia State University developed a universal flu vaccine offering broad cross-protection against different strains and subtypes of influenza A viruses. The vaccine, using M2e-stalk protein genetic fusion, induces immunoglobulin G antibodies and protective cellular T cell immunity in mice.
A Phase 1 clinical trial of a novel influenza vaccine, BPL-1357, has begun at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center. The study aims to test the safety and immune response of the vaccine in healthy adult volunteers.
Researchers analyzed antibodies to internal and surface proteins of SARS-CoV-2, finding that profiles of internal proteins predicted survival outcomes as well as those for surface proteins. The study suggests targeting other parts of the virus could enhance COVID-19 vaccines and therapies.
Researchers will evaluate COVID-19 vaccination safety in 1,800 pregnant participants and monitor immune response. The study aims to provide information on vaccine efficacy for mothers and babies.
A research team at MedUni Vienna has discovered key mechanisms of mugwort allergy, laying the foundation for a potential vaccine. The study found that fragments of the major mugwort pollen allergen can be used for effective therapy, providing a promising first step towards causal therapy and prevention.
Scientists at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center have made encouraging progress in developing a vaccine against Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which is linked to various diseases. The new concept uses nanoparticles displaying dummy copies of gH/gL proteins, stimulating antibody production that can disrupt EBV's ability to infect healthy cells.
A University of Waterloo study found that current Hepatitis B vaccination, screening, and treatment strategies in Ontario would leave the province short of its goal to reduce preventable infections. The report's authors developed a computer model simulating long-term effects of existing strategies, which they found would only decrease ...
Illinois Tech philosopher J.D. Trout argues that journalists should prioritize settled science and dismiss 'alternative facts' as cons. He suggests that reporters should not engage with disputed claims when the scientific consensus is clear, and instead promote epistemic humility and respect for expert knowledge.
Researchers developed a rapid blood assay that measures the magnitude and duration of immunity to SARS-CoV-2, allowing large-scale monitoring of population immunity. The test takes less than 24 hours to perform and is scalable to use broadly in the population.
A Penn State-led team examines the shift to biotechnology platform-based vaccine manufacturing, which enabled rapid production of COVID-19 vaccines. This approach could be applied to future virus research and development, facilitating modular manufacturing and mass customization.
A new European-African partnership aims to develop a safe, effective, and affordable vaccine against placental malaria. The €10 million ADVANCE-VAC4PM project will advance the clinical development of two promising vaccine candidates, PRIMVAC and PAMVAC, using a novel capside-Virus-Like Particle (cVLP) platform.
A new study from Tel Aviv University developed a unique treatment for AIDS that may be developed into a vaccine or a one time treatment. The treatment involves engineering type B white blood cells to secrete anti-HIV antibodies in response to the virus.
Scientists have proven that inhaled aerosol vaccines provide stronger immune responses and better protection from respiratory infections compared to nasal sprays. This method delivers vaccine droplets directly into the airway, inducing a broader protective response.
A molecule in mosquito spit called sialokinin has been identified as a potential new target for vaccination against Yellow Fever, Dengue and Zika. Researchers found that sialokinin causes blood vessels to become permeable, allowing viruses to infect the host.
Researchers at Nagoya University developed a chemical-only process to create customized mRNA vaccines, offering an inexpensive and large-scale production of mRNA. The new method allows for precise molecular design and stable mRNA with improved translational activity.
A new study by the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus explores the effects of multiple mutations in SARS-CoV-2 variants. The findings suggest that certain mutations work together to improve virus fitness, making it challenging for antibody treatments to neutralize new variants.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified a new vaccine candidate based on nano-sized membrane vesicles that provide protection against multiple pneumococcal strains. The vaccine target two conserved lipoproteins MalX and PrsA, showing serotype-independent cross-protection.
A cross-sectional survey of 23,000 adults in 23 countries found that 15% of healthcare providers reported vaccine hesitancy. Factors associated with hesitancy include lower income and younger age, but not efficacy concerns. Strategies to address hesitancy include training and clear information on vaccine safety and distribution.
Recent studies from Cedars-Sinai have shed light on the importance of a gene in embryo development and its potential link to physical abnormalities. Additionally, research has shown that getting vaccinated against Covid-19 can strengthen immune responses in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. The institution is also working on ne...
A new study found that vaccinated people with mild breakthrough COVID-19 infections can experience debilitating long COVID symptoms. Vaccination reduced the risk of death by 34% and long COVID by 15%, but not all manifestations were prevented. Researchers emphasize the need for additional layers of protection to mitigate risks.
Researchers at Georgia State University developed a nanoparticle vaccine combining two proteins that induce immune responses against SARS-CoV-2. The vaccine shows potential for broader and safe protection with robust ADCC activity and sustained immunity.
The UK's Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation advises that COVID vaccines should be offered to 5–11-year-old children, but deem immunization as non-essential. Dr Hamid Merchant explains why current vaccines are not suitable for children due to efficacy and safety concerns.
New experiments in mice contradict fears that COVID-19 vaccination affects fetal growth and fertility. Vaccination is shown to protect the fetus from infection, while infection reduces fetal growth. The study adds further evidence against popular claims of vaccine harms during pregnancy.
A study published in Nature Cardiovascular Research reveals that rare T cells targeting apolipoprotein B can contribute to inflammation and atherosclerosis progression. Researchers discovered these cells resemble regulatory T cells but develop a new identity as heart disease develops.
Researchers discovered that adaptive immune response against TB matures over time, with key players in immunity becoming activated by three months after infection. The emergence of these activated T cells is inversely correlated with the number of granuloma-contained live bacteria, suggesting they play critical roles in bacterial control.
A community-focused approach led by Boston Medical Center significantly improved COVID-19 vaccination uptake in historically disinvested Black and Latino communities. The initiative administered over 100,000 first doses, with a focus on mobile vaccination events and community-based clinics.
A national study found that the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine prevented 8.7 million symptomatic cases, 690,000 hospitalizations, and 110,000 deaths in the US. The vaccine also saved more than $30 billion in healthcare costs and over $40 billion in lost productivity.
The 2022 Warren Alpert Prize recognizes Karikó, Weissman, Şahin, Türeci, and Huang for their pioneering mRNA research. Their work led to the design of COVID-19 vaccines, marking a crucial turning point in pandemic response.
Two projects aim to vaccinate 40,000 and 60,000 people in Ethiopia against cholera, using the OCV vaccine developed by IVI. The mass vaccination campaign will also establish a disease monitoring system to strengthen local public health capabilities.
A vaccine candidate for eastern equine encephalitis virus, western equine encephalitis virus, and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus has been found safe and well-tolerated in a clinical trial. The vaccine induced a neutralizing antibody response against all three viruses.
Researchers found that MS patients treated with Rituximab who have higher B cell counts of 40/µL or more develop protective levels of antibodies after vaccination. This suggests that measuring B cell level before vaccination is crucial for increasing the chance of a positive response.
The NIH has launched a Phase 1 clinical trial to evaluate an investigational preventative vaccine for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The study aims to assess the safety and immune response of the EBV gp350-Ferritin nanoparticle vaccine with a saponin-based Matrix-M adjuvant.
New research suggests that ADCC responses and strain susceptibility influence HIV-1 mother-to-child transmission during breastfeeding. Enhancing ADCC through a vaccine may not be sufficient to prevent transmission due to chronically infected individuals' ADCC-resistant strains.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet study how the immune system protects against malaria, finding that people who have contracted the disease before develop a tolerance that prevents severe disease. This knowledge can aid in the development of more effective vaccines.
Researchers found that left-handed chiral gold nanoparticles increased the immune response in human cells even without an antigen, leading to a 25.8% increase in vaccine efficacy. The discovery uses chirality to enhance immune responses, potentially applicable to various vaccines.
A study of 48,000 individuals found that third-dose vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 with mRNA vaccines was associated with increased reporting of low-severity adverse events. However, there was no significant increase in the reporting of severe adverse events.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in enhancing the antiviral T cell response triggered by therapeutic vaccines for chronic hepatitis B. By removing natural killer cells and activating them with cytokines, they boosted the control of HBV infection.
Researchers at Rutgers University propose a new approach to COVID-19 vaccine testing by combining conventional and challenge trials. This parallel approach, called Combining Conventional and Challenge trials (CCC), aims to facilitate faster and more accurate vaccine assessment and more effective pandemic response.
Meningitis vaccines may offer significant protection against gonorrhoea, reducing cases of the infection considerably. Studies suggest a two-dose course of 4CMenB provides 40% protection against gonorrhoea in young adults and adolescents.
A new peptide-based vaccine, CoVac-1, has been shown to induce a T cell-dependent response in 93% of patients with B-cell deficiencies, including those with leukemia and lymphoma. The vaccine's T cell immunity exceeds that of individuals without immune deficiency or those who have received standard COVID-19 vaccines.