Scientists from the Yale University School of Medicine recently published an article in Nature describing a fascinating new way of approaching the development of a herpes vaccine. In additional to the traditional goal of vaccination - developing a robust immune response against the pathogen in question - they added a second step. They used a topical application of cytokines to recruit protective immune cells into the vaginal tract. The hope was that the cells would permanently set up shop there to prevent herpes infections from spreading into the local neurons.
It seems to have worked, but I want to include a cautionary note. The paper describes a series of early experiments in a mouse model, and it would be years before any human product based on this technique could reach the market. However, "prime and pull" does seem like a potentially promising way to address a longstanding problem in herpes vaccine development -- making sure that any stimulated immune response is present where and when it's needed.
October Content Roundup
- My Partner Has HPV - Now What?
One of the most difficult things when teaching about sexual risk behaviors is trying to explain that even though many STDs are particularly devastating, they're also not something you want to get. HPV is a great example of this paradox. Although the virus is incredibly common, and can cause serious health problems, most people will never have any idea that they're infected with it.
- Understanding Herd Immunity
In light of the ongoing controversies surrounding the HPV vaccine, I thought it was important that people learn about why widespread vaccination is so important. If enough people get vaccinated, the benefits of vaccination spread to even those who can't receive a vaccine for health or other reasons.
Source: http://std.about.com/b/2012/10/29/prime-and-pull.htm
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