Vector salivary protein based prophylactic vaccines- Dr Jesus G. Valenzuela, NIH

Prophylactic vaccine development is one of the main aims of the vaccine industry. With 40+ diseases categorised as ‘Neglected’ by WHO, a surprisingly large number, is it economically viable for companies to spend time and money on research and development projects on neglected diseases? Tell us below.

Some 50% of Neglected Tropical Diseases are Vector-Borne, for example Leishmaniasis, identified by WHO as a neglected disease of increasing public health importance with 12 million people infected and 350 million at risk. Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease transmitted to mammalian hosts through the bites of infected sand flies. The geographical reach of this disease is truly extraordinary as it can be found in nearly 88 countries, across a variety of climates, ranging from rain forests to deserts! According to Dr Jesus G. Valenzuela, Chief, Vector Molecular Biology Section, NIH, who spoke at the World Vaccine Congress 2012 in Washington, a multi-disciplinary approach is needed to help solve this ever-growing problem and develop a Leishmaniasis vaccine.

Watch the full presentation and discover more about the vector salivary protein based vaccine for a neglected tropical disease:

· Vector saliva is always inoculated at the site of pathogen transmission

· Specific salivary proteins are immunogenic and drive a protective response

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