As dengue spreads, researchers discover a clue to fighting the virus
Dengue virus infects up to 400 million people each year, and there are few vaccines and no approved therapies available for any of the four species, or "serotypes," of the virus. The researchers hope their findings can inform the development of a dengue virus vaccine that prompts a similarly strong T cell response. This research comes as dengue-carrying mosquitos expand their territory into new regions, including Southern California. Health officials in California reported the state's first-ever case of locally acquired dengue virus in 2023. Since then, Los Angeles County has reported 12 additional cases of locally acquired dengue virus, and San Diego County has confirmed two locally acquired cases. "Dengue virus is expanding into areas where the majority of people have never seen the virus," says Weiskopf, who is a member of LJI's Center for Vaccine Innovation. "That will change the game." T cells help fight dengue Weiskopf and her colleagues se...