Researchers Develop Experimental Malaria Vaccine With Modified Virus
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Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Animal Trials have Produced Excellent Protection Results Against the Virus
Scientists have developed an experimental malaria vaccine using a genetically engineered adenovirus -- the virus responsible for the common cold -- and are preparing to launch clinical trials in humans in the coming months, according to a study published last week in Nature Medicine, London's Observer reports.
The team -- which included British, Irish, French and U.S. scientists -- modified the adenovirus to contain a piece of the malaria parasite's protein coat. When injected into the bloodstream, the modified virus triggers the production of antibodies that will attack malaria parasites. According to project leader Simon Draper of Merton College, Oxford University, this is the first time that genetically engineered viruses have been used to stimulate the production of antibodies, the "best form of immune defense" against malaria. Draper added that the "crucial point about the technology" developed by the team is that it could be used to combat other diseases, including HIV.
With funding from Britain's Medical Research Council and the Wellcome Trust, the researchers have carried out trials in animals and achieved complete protection against the disease. According to Draper, the team is building vaccine stocks to begin human trials in a few months to test for safety and efficacy.