US Philippines study finds EDE-like antibodies protect 4 dengue types
Technology
Scientists from the US and the Philippines have found that a special type of antibody, called EDE-like antibodies, play a big role in protecting people from all four types of dengue.
Since dengue threatens about half the world's population, this could be a game-changer for future vaccines.
Cebu study: EDE-like antibodies reduce severity
Researchers followed nearly 3,000 children in Cebu, Philippines, over five years, checking their immune responses after infection or vaccination.
Children with these EDE-like antibodies were much less likely to get sick or need hospital care from dengue.
EDE-like antibodies are a key component in generating cross-serotype immunity, which means they might be the secret sauce for better vaccines and stronger protection against severe dengue.