- Cancer vaccine shows promise for patients with stage III and IV kidney canceron February 5, 2025 at 6:09 pm
Researchers report that all nine patients in a clinical trial being treated for stage III or IV clear cell renal cell carcinoma (a form of kidney cancer), generated a successful anti-cancer immune response after initiation of a personalized cancer vaccine.
- Antibody treatment prevents severe bird flu in monkeyson January 30, 2025 at 9:16 pm
The antibody targets a stable part of the bird flu virus, ensuring that the immune protection can resist new variants and offer long-term protection against the globally spreading airborne infection.
- A therapeutic HPV vaccine could eliminate precancerous cervical lesionson January 24, 2025 at 8:13 pm
A therapeutic vaccine targeting human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) induced regression in high-grade precancerous cervical lesions, according to the results from a phase II clinical trial.
- A chain reaction: HIV vaccines can lead to antibodies against antibodieson January 17, 2025 at 9:11 pm
Many vaccines work by introducing a protein to the body that resembles part of a virus. Ideally, the immune system will produce long-lasting antibodies recognizing that specific virus, thereby providing protection. But scientists have now discovered that for some HIV vaccines, something else happens: after a few immunizations the immune system begins to produce antibodies against immune complexes already bound to the viral protein alone.
- Child undernutrition may be contributing to global measles outbreaks, researchers findon January 16, 2025 at 6:33 pm
Amid a global surge in measles cases, new research suggests that undernutrition may be exacerbating outbreaks in areas suffering from food insecurity. A study involving over 600 fully vaccinated children in South Africa found those who were undernourished had substantially lower levels of antibodies against measles.
- Bird flu is mutating, but antivirals still workon January 15, 2025 at 5:50 pm
Researchers have identified nine mutations in a bird flu strain from a person in Texas. Bad news: this strain is more capable of causing disease and replicates better in the brain. Good news: approved antivirals are still effective.
- Hepatitis E vaccination is effective in an epidemicon January 14, 2025 at 5:51 pm
Hepatitis E, a potentially serious viral liver disease, is transmitted through contaminated water. The risk is particularly high in populations with limited access to safe water and sanitation. In South Sudan, outbreaks have regularly ravaged camps for internally displaced persons and their host populations. Although a vaccine has been available since 2011, its 3-dose regimen makes it difficult to administer in such a context.
- Self-destructing vaccine offers enhanced protection against tuberculosis in monkeyson January 10, 2025 at 5:19 pm
The in-built in protection mechanisms offer a safer and more effective way to combat the deadliest disease of 2024.
- T cells' capability to fully prevent acute viral infections opens new avenues for vaccine developmenton January 10, 2025 at 5:19 pm
Scientists have discovered that T cells -- white blood cells that can destroy harmful pathogens -- can completely prevent viral infection, to an extent previously thought only possible due to neutralizing antibodies. Their findings reshape our understanding of how our immune system works, paving the way for the design of more effective vaccines.
- Researchers discover class of anti-malaria antibodieson January 3, 2025 at 5:49 pm
Antibodies that bind to a previously untargeted portion of the malaria parasite could lead to new monoclonal antibody treatments and vaccines for malaria.
- Officials assess threat of H5N1 avian fluon January 2, 2025 at 9:25 pm
Highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza A virus (HPAI H5N1) remains a low risk to the general public, and public health experts in the United States believe that available treatments and vaccines, as well as those in development, are sufficient to prevent severe disease.
- System to auto-detect new variants will inform better response to future infectious disease outbreakson January 1, 2025 at 6:20 pm
Researchers have come up with a new way to identify more infectious variants of viruses or bacteria that start spreading in humans -- including those causing flu, COVID, whooping cough and tuberculosis.
- People who are immunocompromised may not produce enough protective antibodies against RSV after vaccinationon December 30, 2024 at 6:19 pm
Researchers have shown that people 60 years or older with weakened immunity do not respond as strongly to vaccines against the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) as people in the same age group with normal immune function.
- Public shows greater acceptance of RSV vaccine as vaccine hesitancy appears to have plateauedon December 23, 2024 at 6:53 pm
A year after becoming available, vaccines to protect against RSV in newborns and older adults are being more widely accepted by the American public, according to a new health survey.
- Scientists design workaround that improves response to flu vaccineon December 19, 2024 at 8:16 pm
Stitching together four molecules found in the standard flu vaccine ensures an immune response to all of them, scientists have shown.
- 'Unbreakable' Lassa vaccine shows promising resultson December 18, 2024 at 6:21 pm
A live-attenuated vaccine under development is safe and 100% effective against Lassa virus in preclinical studies.
- Study shows drop in use of antiviral medications in young children with influenzaon December 17, 2024 at 6:11 pm
Despite national medical guidelines supporting the use of antiviral medications in young children diagnosed with influenza, a recent study reports an underuse of the treatment.
- Staphylococcus aureus thwarts vaccines by turning on a protein that halts immune responseon December 16, 2024 at 5:56 pm
After dozens of clinical trials, there are still no effective vaccines against Staphylococcus aureus. In two new studies, scientists report that the pathogen turns on the protein interleukin 10, shutting down the protective vaccine response. But blocking the protein restores vaccine efficacy in an animal model.
- Model advances rational design of more effective maternal vaccines for newbornson December 12, 2024 at 5:02 pm
Research on vaccines may help save more lives.
- Updated Hep B vaccine more effective for people with HIVon December 10, 2024 at 7:21 pm
A newer vaccine against hepatitis B virus was clearly superior to an older vaccine type in inducing a protective antibody response among people living with HIV who didn't respond to prior vaccination.
- Americans are uninformed about and undervaccinated for HPVon December 10, 2024 at 4:49 pm
Research shows that HPV accounts for 70% of all throat cancers, but only one-third of the public is aware that HPV causes throat cancer.
- Rotavirus vaccine is safe for use in NICU babies, study suggestson December 9, 2024 at 5:29 pm
Researchers found that transmission of rotavirus vaccine strains in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is rare and without clinical consequences, strongly suggesting that giving the rotavirus vaccine to eligible infants during their hospitalization provides immune benefits that outweigh any risks. The findings could serve as the basis for a change in clinical practice.
- Pregnancy enhances natural immunity to block severe fluon December 3, 2024 at 3:18 am
Scientists have discovered that pregnancy may trigger a natural immunity to boost protection against severe flu infection. Contrary to the common belief that pregnancy increases vulnerability to infections, researchers found that it strengthened an immune defense in mice, blocking the Influenza A virus from spreading to the lungs, where it can cause severe infection.
- Cervical cancer deaths in young women plummet after introduction of HPV vaccineon November 27, 2024 at 6:54 pm
Researchers found a reduction in cervical cancer mortality in women under the age of 25, which is likely due to the introduction of the HPV vaccine.
- Stopping severe malaria by harnessing natural human antibodieson November 20, 2024 at 5:17 pm
Scientists have identified human antibodies capable of targeting the proteins responsible for severe malaria, potentially paving the way for new vaccines or treatments. Using organ-on-a-chip technology, researchers successfully demonstrated that these antibodies prevent infected red blood cells from adhering to vessel walls, a key driver of severe malaria symptoms. The antibodies neutralize a conserved region of the malarial protein PfEMP1, overcoming its notorious variability and shedding light on acquired immunity mechanisms. This interdisciplinary study, published in Nature, highlights the power of international teamwork in addressing major health challenges like malaria.
- Researchers use biophysics to design new vaccines against RSV and related respiratory viruseson November 19, 2024 at 6:23 pm
In most people, the lung-infecting pathogens known as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV) trigger mild cold-like symptoms. But in infants and seniors, these viruses can cause severe pneumonia and even death. Vaccines against both viruses, however, have been difficult to design. Now, scientists have analyzed the structure and stability of a critical RSV and hMPV protein to better design vaccines that target it.
- New nasal vaccine shows promise in curbing whooping cough spreadon November 18, 2024 at 10:06 pm
A new nasal whooping cough vaccine showed an ability to prevent both infection and transmission of the disease in mice. Current vaccines offer treatment but fail to halt transmission of the bacteria that cause the disease.
- Potential single-dose smallpox and mpox vaccine moves forwardon November 13, 2024 at 5:34 pm
An FDA-approved vaccine for smallpox and mpox is effective but causes side effects. The other requires multiple doses. An experimental single-dose vaccine uses the horsepox virus to harness the benefits of both strategies.
- Study reveals best timing for getting the RSV vaccine during pregnancy to protect newbornson November 11, 2024 at 11:17 pm
Current guidelines recommend that pregnant people receive a vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) -- which typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms in most adults but can be deadly for infants -- during weeks 32-36 of pregnancy. New research suggests that vaccination earlier in that time-frame, closer to 32 weeks, could provide the best protection for newborns against RSV.
- New study traces impact of COVID-19 pandemic on global movement and evolution of seasonal fluon November 7, 2024 at 9:05 pm
Increased capabilities for genomic surveillance have offered new insights into global viral evolution. Seasonal flu showed a 'remarkable' bounce back to pre-pandemic levels once international air travel resumed. Regions with fewer COVID-19 restrictions were associated with sustained flu virus transmission.
- RSV vaccines effective, but more people need to get themon October 28, 2024 at 8:44 pm
Doctors detail what we learned after the first season following the approval of RSV vaccines. The vaccine effectively prevented severe illness in older, but only 24 percent of eligible US adults received the vaccine, compared to 50 percent for flu shots. Better public awareness and improved vaccine access are needed to increase uptake.
- Maternal antibodies interfere with malaria vaccine responseson October 23, 2024 at 10:36 pm
Maternal antibodies passed across the placenta can interfere with the response to the malaria vaccine, which would explain its lower efficacy in infants under five months of age, according to new research. The findings suggest that children younger than currently recommended by the WHO may benefit from the RTS,S and R21 malaria vaccines if they live in areas with low malaria transmission, where mothers have less antibodies to the parasite.
- Study finds tuberculosis changes liver metabolism and could promote diabeteson October 21, 2024 at 4:31 pm
Scientists have discovered that tuberculosis disrupts glucose metabolism in the body.
- Big data, real world, multi-state study finds RSV vaccine highly effective in protecting older adults against severe disease, hospitalization and deathon October 17, 2024 at 11:46 pm
This multi-state study is a real world data analyses of the effectiveness of the RSV -- short for respiratory syncytial virus -- vaccine. VISION Network researchers report that across the board these vaccines were highly effective in older adults, even those with immunocompromising conditions, during the 2023-24 respiratory disease season, the first season after RSV vaccine approval in the U.S.
- mRNA vaccines for disease outbreaks can be synthesized in less time with new techniqueon October 17, 2024 at 3:32 pm
With viral outbreaks spreading more quickly, faster responses and quicker development of new vaccines has become crucial. However, production of the mRNA used in vaccines is hindered by its production, which involves both chemical synthesis and a slower enzyme-mediated process. A team of researchers has successfully developed a cutting-edge technology for the production of fully chemically synthesized mRNA with high purity that cuts out the need for enzymes. Using this innovative technique, mRNA can be made faster and purer, making it possible to respond more swiftly to virus outbreaks and emerging diseases at an earlier stage.
- New mRNA vaccine created to prevent and treat C. difficileon October 17, 2024 at 3:27 pm
A new vaccine provides hope for treating and even preventing the highly contagious and difficult-to-treat Clostridioides difficile infection, more commonly known as C. difficile or C. diff. In animal models, this first mRNA-LNP C. difficile vaccine was found to protect against C. difficile first-time infections and relapsing infections by inducing a robust immune response, promote clearance of existing C. diff bacteria from the gut, and even overcome deficits in host immunity to protect animals after infection, according to researchers. The results will pave the way for clinical trials of the vaccine.
- Mpox vaccine is safe and generates a robust antibody response in adolescents, study findson October 16, 2024 at 4:09 pm
A clinical trial of an mpox vaccine in adolescents found it was safe and generated an antibody response equivalent to that seen in adults, according to a planned interim analysis of study data. Adolescents are among the population groups affected by mpox in the current Clade I mpox outbreak.
- Study may help boost performance and reduce side effects of mRNA vaccineson October 16, 2024 at 4:00 pm
A new study has provided a detailed analysis of how mRNA vaccines circulate and break down in the human bloodstream. The research aimed to help improve the safety and effectiveness of these vaccines, including reducing the side effects that people commonly experience such as headaches, fever and fatigue.
- Bacterial vaccine shows promise as cancer immunotherapyon October 16, 2024 at 3:59 pm
Researchers have engineered bacteria as personalized cancer vaccines that activate the immune system to specifically seek out and destroy cancer cells.
- Researchers confront new US and global challenges in vaccinations of adultson October 7, 2024 at 3:51 pm
Over the past decade, decreasing vaccination rates now threaten the huge beneficial impacts of vaccinations in the U.S. and globally. Researchers discuss the multifactorial barriers including increasing vaccine hesitancy and new clinical and public health challenges in vaccinations of U.S. adults.
- Reduced risk of serious cardiovascular disease after COVID vaccinationon September 30, 2024 at 4:29 pm
People who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 have a significantly lower risk of developing more severe cardiovascular conditions linked to COVID-19 infection, according to a new Swedish study. At the same time, some cardiovascular effects are seen after individual doses of the vaccine.
- Getting the flu and then your shot may benefit immunityon September 30, 2024 at 4:28 pm
Researchers found that natural immunity from previous flu infections has a significant impact on how well future influenza vaccinations work.
- People with unmedicated mental illness are less likely to be vaccinated against COVID-19, Swedish study findson September 26, 2024 at 5:20 pm
Vaccination coverage for COVID-19 is high in both people with and without mental illness, according to a new study. However, Swedish registry data revealed that individuals with unmedicated mental illness have lower vaccination levels.
- Campylobacter jejuni-specific antibody gives hope to vaccine developmenton September 25, 2024 at 4:36 pm
A team has discovered an antibody that specifically binds to the food poisoning bacteria Campylobacter jejuni. It was also found that this antibody inhibits the activity of proteins involved in bacterial energy production.
- A two-dose schedule could make HIV vaccines more effectiveon September 20, 2024 at 8:08 pm
Researchers have shown that they can generate a strong immune response against HIV with two doses of a vaccine given one week apart.
- Searching for a vaccine against an ancient scourgeon September 19, 2024 at 9:47 pm
Syphilis cases have surged worldwide, leaving public health officials scrounging for ways to stop the spread. Now, a large, collaborative study of syphilis genetics from four continents has found hints of a possible target for a vaccine.
- Researchers develop promising Lassa fever vaccineon September 12, 2024 at 5:56 pm
A promising Lassa fever vaccine shows potential to prevent severe disease and death in animals.
- Hep C: We're closer than ever to solving mystery of deadly viruson September 9, 2024 at 3:30 pm
Around 300,000 people die from hepatitis C every year. A new study has mapped the protein complex that enables the virus to infect our cells, potentially paving the way for an effective vaccine.
- One antibody to neutralize them all?on September 6, 2024 at 6:17 pm
An antibody developed by researchers works against a wide range of COVID-19 variants and related coronaviruses, including past, present and potentially future strains.
- Global experts help nanomedicines deliver on healthcare promiseon September 6, 2024 at 6:16 pm
New findings from a global team of expert scientists in academia and industry has generated new research quality standards that will help slash costs and reduce the time it takes to develop advanced nanomedicine treatments and make them available for patients.
- New RSV vaccine for older adults can result in individual and societal cost savings, benefitson September 6, 2024 at 6:16 pm
Vaccination against respiratory syncytial virus for adults over 60 is likely cost-effective by preventing illness, hospitalizations, lost quality of life and deaths, according to new research.
- New study provides insight to why COVID vaccines hit some harder than otherson September 4, 2024 at 5:08 pm
Researchers published a paper highlighting factors that may explain why some people perceived more side effects than others including stress, exercise, and use of hormonal birth control.
- Investigational mpox mRNA vaccine reduces disease severity in primates compared to available vaccineson September 4, 2024 at 5:08 pm
The most frequently used mpox vaccine provides partial immunity to the disease but isn't always able to prevent severe symptoms or disease transmission. A new vaccine candidate from Moderna, mRNA-1769, more effectively limits symptoms and disease duration in primates that were infected with a lethal strain of the mpox virus when compared to a currently licensed modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) vaccine.
- H5 influenza vaccines: What needs to be done to reduce the risk of a pandemicon September 4, 2024 at 5:08 pm
As the global threat of H5N1 influenza looms with outbreaks across species and continents including the U.S., three international vaccine and public health experts say it is time to fully resource and support a robust strategy to address this and future potential pandemic influenza threats, including to consider voluntary vaccination for those now at exposure risk.
- COVID-19 vaccination mandates boosted uptake among health care workers, study findson August 31, 2024 at 3:06 am
A new study has found that state-level COVID-19 vaccination mandates successfully increased vaccine rates among health care workers, a finding that, while perhaps unsurprising, provides evidence of room to improve vaccination rates even among a highly vaccinated, highly educated population.
- Game-changing needle-free COVID-19 intranasal vaccineon August 27, 2024 at 2:50 pm
A next-generation COVID-19 mucosal vaccine is set to be a gamechanger not only when delivering the vaccine itself, but also for people who are needle-phobic.
- Gut bacteria composition influences rotavirus vaccine efficacyon August 26, 2024 at 10:29 pm
Certain types of gut bacteria can hinder the efficacy of the rotavirus vaccine, according to researchers.
- Universal flu vaccine candidate protects against infection in miceon August 22, 2024 at 4:59 pm
A new flu vaccine candidate incorporates proteins from 8 strains of influenza.
- T helper cells may be the key to improving annual influenza vaccineson August 20, 2024 at 4:44 pm
Scientists have discovered why the flu vaccine can perform poorly. They found that a specific type of immune cell, called T follicular helper cells, indirectly controls the anti-influenza response. These helper cells often 'see' the wrong parts of the virus, likely leading to immunity that is less effective.
- Nasal spray flu vaccine candidate shows promise when administered alongside high dose annual shoton August 15, 2024 at 8:36 pm
A unique influenza vaccine candidate that's inhaled appears safe and could bolster protection against seasonal and pandemic influenza for people vulnerable to severe disease when they receive it in addition to the annual flu shot.
Vaccines
