#vaccine-development

#vaccine-development

For years scientists have suspected that the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)a type of herpesvirus that infects 94 percent of the global population by adulthood and causes mononucleosis (aka mono)might be one cause of lupus, an autoimmune disorder. But these assumptions were based mostly on anecdotal reports. Now researchers at Stanford University and their colleagues have confirmed that the virus can reprogram immune cells that produce antibodies in a way that triggers and sustains lupus.

Influenza viruses regularly accumulate small genetic changes, necessitating yearly updates to vaccines, and can also make sudden leaps through major genetic changes and reassortment.

The team at Texas Biomedical Research Institute is gearing up in full protective gear before entering a BSL-3 facility to work with H5N1, SARS-CoV-2, and tuberculosis.

"Generation Gold Standard is a paradigm shift, extending vaccine protection beyond strain-specific limits and preparing for flu viral threats not just today's, but tomorrow's."

This trend may continue unless there is a reduction in the underlying factors that increase risk for invasive [group A strep] or there is an effective preventive measure such as a vaccine.