Scientists have discovered a protein that could help make vaccinations more effective and also provide protection from other diseases such as cancer. The researchers purified a protein found on the exterior of bacteria (neisseria meningidis) and used it as an accessory to provide a better vaccination response.
‘The protein, called PorB, can help make vaccinations more effective and also provide protection from other diseases such as cancer.’
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Typically, vaccines can either increase the amount of antibody production or they can stimulate cells (called cytotoxic T cells) to directly kill the offending agent. The protein, called PorB, is unique in that it can do both, the researchers said.
The study, published online in the journal Scientific Reports, may lead to greater understanding of how vaccine enhancers work and can best be used.
"This study has wide implications as it could not only be used to help the body identify and fight off bacterial infections, but it could also potentially help the body use its own machinery to fight off other diseases like cancer, HIV, and influenza before they have a chance to establish within the body," explained corresponding author Lee Wetzler, Professor of Medicine and Microbiology at Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) in the US.
In this study, the researchers used two experimental models. The first model was given a vaccination with antigen and mixed PorB, while the second model was given the antigen alone.
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"Our study deepens the general understanding of how vaccine adjuvants modulate immune responses," Wetzler said.
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Source-IANS