Researchers at Griffith University are developing a groundbreaking vaccine to combat chikungunya, a viral disease that has become a growing global health threat. The experimental vaccine uses engineered biopolymer particles that mimic the surface of the virus, training the immune system without relying on traditional adjuvants.
The team, led by Professor Bernd Rehm from the Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics, programmed Escherichia coli bacteria to assemble synthetic particles displaying the virus’s key E2 and E1 envelope proteins. These proteins are critical for the virus to enter human cells. By presenting them in their natural form, the vaccine triggers a strong immune response similar to a real infection, without causing disease.
“These biopolymer particles act as virus mimics that the immune system can recognize and respond to efficiently. “This adjuvant-free approach could reduce side effects and simplify production, while still generating robust, protective immunity”, Professor Rehm explained.
The vaccine also aims to prevent the chronic joint pain and inflammation that often follow chikungunya infection. By neutralizing the virus early, it may stop the cascade of immune reactions that lead to long-term complications.
Following encouraging preclinical results, the Griffith University team plans to move into clinical trials, starting with safety and tolerability studies in humans, followed by tests to evaluate long-lasting protection against both acute infection and chronic symptoms.
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