Nanoparticle lung vaccine protects against HIV, herpes

Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) say the nanoparticle vaccine could help protect against influenza and other respiratory diseases, as well as prevent sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV, human papilloma virus and herpes simplex virus. The scientists note that many viruses and bacteria infect humans through mucosal surfaces, such as those in […]

Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) say the nanoparticle vaccine could help protect against influenza and other respiratory diseases, as well as prevent sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV, human papilloma virus and herpes simplex virus. The scientists note that many viruses and bacteria infect humans through mucosal surfaces, such as those in the lungs. Therefore, they wanted to develop vaccines that are able to establish a “front line of defense” at mucosal surfaces. The nanoparticle works by protecting the vaccine long enough to generate a strong immune response in the lungs, as well as in mucosal surfaces away from the site of vaccination, such as the reproductive and gastrointestinal tracts.