Scientists Make Significant Breakthrough in Development of First-ever Vaccine for Epstein-Barr Virus
Researchers at the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute in Australia have achieved a major breakthrough in the development of a vaccine for the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a virus responsible for infectious mononucleosis, commonly known as glandular fever. The virus is notorious for its potential to cause serious health issues such as cancer and multiple sclerosis (MS).
The team of scientists has successfully created a vaccine that targets the lymph nodes in mice, which play a crucial role in the functioning of the body’s immune system. The vaccine not only produced strong and long-lasting antibodies and T cells to fight against EBV but also induced a specific type of immunity that protects against the growth of EBV-associated tumors. Furthermore, by blocking EBV activity at an early stage, the vaccine prevents secondary issues like brain inflammation, which can ultimately lead to MS.
The combination of antibodies and T cells, both vital components of the immune system, is crucial in combating EBV. Antibodies bind to invading pathogens to eliminate them, while T cells directly destroy these pathogens and help coordinate the body’s defenses. “What we have done is we have designed what we call another arm of the immune system, that we call T cells, and combined that with antibody, and this new formulation will induce both – both the antibody and the T cell immune response,” explains Rajiv Khanna, an immunologist at the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute. He emphasizes that both antibodies and T cell immunity are essential for long-term protection against EBV-associated diseases.
EBV is part of the herpes family of viruses and can be transmitted through saliva. While approximately 95 percent of the world’s population carries the virus, most individuals contract it at an early age without experiencing any serious symptoms. However, problems arise when someone is infected with EBV later in life, particularly during adolescence. At this stage, the virus can cause more severe symptoms, including glandular fever, and increase the risk of throat and nose cancers, as well as multiple sclerosis.
Scientists are currently working to understand why EBV can be highly destructive for some individuals while remaining unnoticed by others. The focus is on minimizing the damage inflicted by the virus on the human body.
In terms of human clinical trials, the research team has already secured funding from industry partners and is actively seeking additional funding to ensure comprehensive trials. If all goes according to plan, these trials could commence in 2024 or 2025.
Vijayendra Dasari, a vaccine development scientist from the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, expresses his satisfaction with the progress made thus far, stating, “It has been very satisfying. Now we are kind of getting close to the final stages of development.”
The research findings have been published in the prestigious scientific journal Nature Communications.