Post by Paddy by Grace on Sept 26, 2009 5:45:55 GMT -7
cbs11tv.com/local/h1n1.swine.flu.2.1177669.html
We could be weeks away from the release of a vaccine for H1N1. But, some researchers say the very first vaccine may not offer much protection. They believe a breakthrough in vaccine technology here in North Texas could protect you and your family for years.
Karin Webb and her two children like to be outside, staying active. But, just two months ago, their summer fun came to a screeching halt.
"I got a phone call from the school, the director of the daycare, and she let me know that there was three possible cases of the flu," Webb said.
It was later confirmed to be H1N1, or swine flu. Her daughter Audrey was already running a fever, so Karin took the kids in so they could all be checked out.
"We all came back positive, which was a little scary because my son and I didn't have any symptoms," she said.
Webb says she worried she might have been spreading the disease to others without knowing it. That's why scientists at the Baylor Research Institute in Dallas are looking for ways to stop the disease before it spreads.
We're manipulating your immune system specifically to react to this group of viruses," said Dr. Michael Ramsay, Chief of the research institute. "It's a totally different approach to how we manage disease, and not just the infective diseases, but all diseases."
Dr. Ramsay says most vaccines are made using part of the actual virus. But, viruses can change in structure which could make the vaccine useless. So, these doctors are now focusing on something we already have in our bodies called a Dendritic cell.
"A dendritic cell is a tiny little cell that you can find just below the skin and in the blood vessels that basically orchestrates your immune system," Dr. Ramsay explained.
Here's how the researchers say the cell works to protect. Scientists attach a specific molecule that's found in ALL flu viruses to the dendritic cell. Researchers have studied that molecule for the past five years and say every flu virus has this molecule inside it. Once the armed dendritic cell is injected back into the body, it causes other cells to react and form a shield.
Click here to see a video depicting how the process works in similar cancer research. (Courtesy: Baylor Research Institute)
"We hope that we can generate a broad immune response so that not only will it protect you against H1N1 but whatever flu comes along," Dr. Ramsay said.
And, it's not just flu viruses. Dr. Ramsay says they're looking at using this technology on dozens of other diseases including cancer.
"I think we can make a big impact on many of the common illnesses that we're all facing at the moment," he said.
Dr. Ramsay believes the immune response could last longer - potentially offering two more more years of protection from just one shot. That's something Karin Webb says she and her family can get behind.
"I think it would be so awesome if it worked," she said. "I would be the first one in line."
The Baylor Research Institute just received $14 million dollars from the National Institute of Health to continue its study. Dr. Ramsay says he hopes this technology could be in use as early as 2012.
We could be weeks away from the release of a vaccine for H1N1. But, some researchers say the very first vaccine may not offer much protection. They believe a breakthrough in vaccine technology here in North Texas could protect you and your family for years.
Karin Webb and her two children like to be outside, staying active. But, just two months ago, their summer fun came to a screeching halt.
"I got a phone call from the school, the director of the daycare, and she let me know that there was three possible cases of the flu," Webb said.
It was later confirmed to be H1N1, or swine flu. Her daughter Audrey was already running a fever, so Karin took the kids in so they could all be checked out.
"We all came back positive, which was a little scary because my son and I didn't have any symptoms," she said.
Webb says she worried she might have been spreading the disease to others without knowing it. That's why scientists at the Baylor Research Institute in Dallas are looking for ways to stop the disease before it spreads.
We're manipulating your immune system specifically to react to this group of viruses," said Dr. Michael Ramsay, Chief of the research institute. "It's a totally different approach to how we manage disease, and not just the infective diseases, but all diseases."
Dr. Ramsay says most vaccines are made using part of the actual virus. But, viruses can change in structure which could make the vaccine useless. So, these doctors are now focusing on something we already have in our bodies called a Dendritic cell.
"A dendritic cell is a tiny little cell that you can find just below the skin and in the blood vessels that basically orchestrates your immune system," Dr. Ramsay explained.
Here's how the researchers say the cell works to protect. Scientists attach a specific molecule that's found in ALL flu viruses to the dendritic cell. Researchers have studied that molecule for the past five years and say every flu virus has this molecule inside it. Once the armed dendritic cell is injected back into the body, it causes other cells to react and form a shield.
Click here to see a video depicting how the process works in similar cancer research. (Courtesy: Baylor Research Institute)
"We hope that we can generate a broad immune response so that not only will it protect you against H1N1 but whatever flu comes along," Dr. Ramsay said.
And, it's not just flu viruses. Dr. Ramsay says they're looking at using this technology on dozens of other diseases including cancer.
"I think we can make a big impact on many of the common illnesses that we're all facing at the moment," he said.
Dr. Ramsay believes the immune response could last longer - potentially offering two more more years of protection from just one shot. That's something Karin Webb says she and her family can get behind.
"I think it would be so awesome if it worked," she said. "I would be the first one in line."
The Baylor Research Institute just received $14 million dollars from the National Institute of Health to continue its study. Dr. Ramsay says he hopes this technology could be in use as early as 2012.