Posted on 08/14/2013 8:11:18 PM PDT by TexGrill
SINGAPORE: A new strategy that cripples the ability of the dengue virus to escape the host immune system has been discovered by A*STAR's Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN).
The discovery, scientists said, brings hope to what may become the world's first universal dengue vaccine that can give full protection from all four types of the virus.
The dengue virus requires the enzyme called MTase, also known as 2'-O-methyltransferase, to chemically modify its genetic material to escape detection.
In this study, the researchers discovered that by introducing a genetic mutation to deactivate the MTase enzyme of the virus, initial cells infected by the weakened MTase mutant virus are immediately recognised as foreign.
As a result, a strong protective immune response is triggered.
At the same time the mutant virus hardly has a chance to spread in the host.
This research was done in collaboration with Singapore's Novartis Institute of Tropical Diseases (NITD) and Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology and is published in the PlosPathogens journal.
It is also supported by Singapore STOP Dengue Translational and Clinical Research (TCR) Programme grant.
Dr Katja Fink, team leader from SIgN, said: “There is still no clinically-approved vaccine or specific treatment available for dengue, so we are very encouraged by the positive results with this novel vaccine strategy.
(Excerpt) Read more at channelnewsasia.com ...
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