An experimental mRNA vaccine provides protection in preclinical animal models against infection from Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, according to new research from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Results from these preclinical animal models suggest that the vaccine prevents the development of Lyme disease and may represent a powerful tool in reducing the number of Lyme disease cases.
that causes Lyme disease is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks, and can cause fever, headache, fatigue, and a skin rash. If left untreated, infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system. Most cases of Lyme disease can be treated successfully with a few weeks of antibiotics, but some individuals develop post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome , which can cause long-lasting symptoms like severe joint pain and neurocognitive issues.
"Bacteria are more complex organisms than viruses, and therefore it can be more challenging to develop effective vaccines against them," said senior author, Norbert Pardi, Ph.D., an assistant professor of Microbiology."Here we were able to identify a target for a mRNAThe vaccine, described recently in the journal technology employed in the Pfizer and Moderna SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, which was pioneered at Penn. Along with mRNA vaccine pioneer Drew Weissman, MD, Ph.D.
Tests in animal models showed that the mRNA vaccine targeting OspA induced a strong antigen-specific antibody and T-cell response after a single vaccination that could protect from infection of B. burgdorferi. What's more, the vaccine elicited a strong memory B cell response, which can be activated much later to help prevent infection by B. burgdorferi long after the vaccine is administered.
"Cases of Lyme disease have been rising sharply in the United States, underscoring the need for a vaccine to protect individuals from ," said Pardi."The mRNA technology shows great promise for use in developing a vaccine that may prevent Lyme disease and subsequent development of the debilitating symptoms of PTLDS."Matthew Pine et al, Development of an mRNA-lipid nanoparticle vaccine against Lyme disease,
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Tufts Lyme Disease Initiative receives $7M in grants to advance research to next levelResearchers at the Tufts Lyme Disease Initiative recently received grants totaling more than $7 million to build on an already impressive array of discoveries that Tufts' teams have made to combat tick-borne diseases.
Read more »
Tui says demand for travel helps summer bookings soar close to pre-Covid levelsHoliday firm Tui has said the bounce back in demand for travel helped summer bookings soar close to pre-Covid levels, but revealed growth was held back by disruption from devastating wildfires in Rhodes.
Read more »
Live updates from Daniel Farke's pre-Hull City vs Leeds United press conferenceLatest updates from the Leeds United manager's press conference ahead of Wednesday's Championship clash with Hull City at MKM Stadium as Daniel Farke faces questions on team news
Read more »
Celtic with £41m pre-tax profit in 'record' resultsCeltic announce a pre-tax profit of £40.7m for the year to June following Champions League participation and player trading surplus.
Read more »
Pre-match press conference: Mikel Arteta (Champions League: Arsenal vs. PSV Eindhoven)Ahead of Arsenal's return to the Champions League, Mikel Arteta faced the media and revealed that winger Martinelli is out due to an injury, but could be fit to face Tottenham this weekend.
Read more »
MCAS scores show Mass. students still lagging compared to pre-pandemicMassachusetts students are making progress in math and English language arts (ELA), 2023 test scores reveal, but they still lag behind compared to the years before the pandemic. On Tuesday the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education released the 2023 Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) scores. MCAS are a standardized test administered to grades 3 -8 and high school….
Read more »