Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine identified a protein that may boost vaccine effectiveness, according to a study published in the journal Scientific Reports.
For the study, researchers administered a vaccine to one group of mice and the same vaccine with the protein mixed in to a second mouse cohort. The vaccine and protein group experienced a more robust immune response compared to the group administered the vaccine alone.
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Vaccines typically work by either increasing the body's production of antibodies or stimulating cytotoxic T cells, which directly attack the infectious entity. The protein — called PorB — proved unique in the fact that it can do both.
"This study has wide implications as it could not only be used to help the body identify and fight off bacterial infections, but it could also potentially help the body use its own machinery to fight off other diseases like cancer, HIV and influenza before they have a chance to establish within the body," said corresponding author Lee Wetzler, MD, professor of medicine and microbiology at BUSM.
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