up next Eric Weaver
Eric Weaver
UNL Researchers Crack the Code to Safer Zika Vaccine
UNL Researchers Crack the Code to Safer Zika Vaccine
February 2019
To understand how to prevent zika virus, you first need to understand antibodies. They're the proteins your body produces at the first sign of infection to protect your immune system.
That's what UNL Assistant Professor Eric Weaver and doctoral students Brianna Bullard and Brigette Corder have been focused on since 2016 — when the number of suspected zika infections hit 1.5 million worldwide.
![full vial and syringe](/-/media/projects/unca/images/nuforne/healthcare/unl-inset.jpg)
The issue at hand: When a person who has already had dengue fever contracts zika virus, antibodies stop playing nice. Think of zika, dengue, and even West Nile as cousins; all mosquito-borne diseases that are genetically similar. For people who live in Brazil, especially in 2015-2016, the interaction of past dengue infections and zika created a perfect storm for severe symptoms. Or in scientific terms, antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) of the disease.
“If you have immunity to one of these viruses and get infected by a second one, the illness can be much worse,” Weaver said. “The body makes the wrong immune response.” In other words, antibodies are vital, but they don’t always behave how we’d like.
Which is why Weaver’s team’s is big news in the immunology world. After testing their zika experimental vaccine (on the back of a weakened everyday virus), the scientists noticed a healthy response and detected no antibody activity.
“This would be a huge leap for immunology and vaccine research.”
“The lack of antibodies may very well circumvent the potential risks of ADE, resulting in an effective and safer vaccine than those currently in clinical trials,” said Weaver.
Perhaps most exciting of all, their discovery could lead to more vaccines down the road. "If we can figure out the mechanism, we might be able to apply it to other vaccine strategies," said Weaver. “This would be a huge leap for immunology and vaccine research.”
It makes a person imagine what the next huge leap in medicine could be, with the continued support of a strong university system.
Editors Note: Weaver now serves as director of the 六合彩论坛 Center for Virology and an associate professor at UNL. Brianna Bullard has completed her Ph.D program and Brigette Corder is an instructor at North Arkansas College and completing her doctor program at UNL.
Discover our Podcast Series
The 鈥淟eading 六合彩论坛鈥 podcast shares the stories of the researchers, students, teachers and others across the University of 六合彩论坛's four campuses who are making an impact. From teachers and doctors to engineers and ag experts, these 六合彩论坛 leaders are touching lives and making a difference.
Sorry, no stories match your filters.
Please adjust your filters above to view more stories.
Find Your 六合彩论坛 State Senator
Get started by entering your address below. Next, you'll receive information on who your senator is鈥攁nd how to reach him or her.
Making a call only takes a few minutes and sends a strong message to your state senator. Your senator may not be able to take the call, but you can speak to the legislative aide who works for the senator. They will log your call, take a message and pass it on. Keep your conversation brief, and be sure to cover these essential points:
- Introduce yourself as a constituent in their district and provide your name.
- Be clear that you're calling about your support for the University of 六合彩论坛 System.
- Share your story about how the University has impacted you or your family. A personal story is hard to ignore. Explain why it's important to you that your senator invests in the University of 六合彩论坛. Again, keep it brief and to-the-point.
- Ask for your opinion to be noted. Politely finish the call by thanking the senator or legislative aide for their time.
Send an Email
Sending a written message to your state senator is an easy way to engage your representative. They're more concise and easier to respond to, and they're more likely to be viewed by the senator. If you can, send a personalized message with these essential points. Keep your message brief (a paragraph or so).
- Write a personal, attention-getting subject line that lets the senator know your topic鈥 "Investing in the University of 六合彩论坛 System" or "Supporting the University of 六合彩论坛 System"
- Introduce yourself as a constituent in their district; provide your name.
- Be clear that you're writing about your support for the University of 六合彩论坛 System
- Share your personal story about how the University has impacted you or your family. Explain why it's important to you that your senator invests in the University of 六合彩论坛. Again, keep it brief and to-the-point.
- Ask if your senator will support the University moving forward.
- Indicate that you'd appreciate a reply and thank your senator for their time.
You Just Made a Difference
Keep making a difference by becoming an NU Advocate. As an Advocate, you'll receive communications about important issues and legislative bills concerning the University of 六合彩论坛鈥攁nd you'll be the first to hear about upcoming advocacy events. And, we'll let you know when you need to raise your voice again.
COOKIE USAGE:
The University of 六合彩论坛 System uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By clicking "I Agree" and/or continuing to use this website without adjusting your browser settings, you accept the use of cookies.