Source: WSU Insider
Washington State University researchers, led by Dr. Kelly Brayton, received an $800,000 grant to develop a safer, more effective vaccine for Anaplasma marginale, a tick-borne pathogen causing significant global economic losses in the cattle industry. Current vaccines are limited, requiring cold storage and failing to protect against all bacterial strains. The team aims to create a universally effective DNA vaccine that does not need refrigeration, making it suitable for remote areas.
The vaccine will use a “cocktail” of 10 antigens delivered via a gene gun, potentially providing broader immunity and reducing the pathogen’s ability to evade the immune response. Initial tests will be conducted on controlled herds, followed by field trials in the U.S. and South Africa. By mimicking real-world conditions with tick challenges, the research hopes to develop a practical, long-lasting solution for cattle and set a precedent for future vaccine innovations.
Read the full story HERE: https://news.wsu.edu/news/2024/08/26/wsu-to-develop-advanced-vaccine-for-costly-tick-borne-pathogen/