Researchers have developed a novel vaccine based on T cells against the Zika virus. This has proven to be particularly effective in mouse models. Scientists claim that this new vaccine could potentially lead to the global eradication of the disease. The mosquito-borne flavivirus has found its way into South America in recent years in connection with yellow fever, dengue fever and West Nile viruses.
Fighting the Zika virus
The virology researchers come from the University of Adelaide and are led by Professor Eric Gowans and Dr. Branka Grubor-Bauk directed. The work was carried out in collaboration with Professor Dan Barouch. He is director of the Center for Virology and Vaccine Research (CVVR) at Harvard Medical School. The other Adelaide professor involved is Sarah Robertson, director of the Robinson Research Institute at the University of Adelaide. Other scientists are from the universities of Adelaide, South Australia and Flinders.
“This is the first vaccine study to show that a T cell-based vaccine provides protection against infection,” said Grubor-Bauk. “Our vaccine offers an advantage over other vaccines in development by addressing the ongoing concerns around aggravation of infection following exposure to dengue viruses. This finding shows for the first time that protective T-cell vaccines against Zika virus are available.
This years-long research has reached a significant stage thanks to funding from the National Foundation for Medical Research and Innovation. The introduction of an effectivevaccine against itwill prevent infection of pregnant women and the resulting congenital effects on the unborn child.
Significant research results
“The next steps are to prepare the vaccine for Phase I human clinical trials. This includes further preclinical studies, which are crucial. This will allow us to determine the most effective dosage and demonstrate protection against such infections in various preclinical models of the disease.”
“The aim is to minimize risks and create an attractive technology with a strong IP position for licensing or joint development with a commercial partner.”
The researchers say these findings will inform other research into flavivirus vaccine development. This can be done by allowing scientists to focus theDevelopment of vaccinesshift to vaccines based on virus envelopes and antibodies.
