Weill Cornell Medicine researchers have engineered two mycobacterial strains with kill switches for tuberculosis vaccine improvements. Their studies address the challenge of creating safer vaccines suitable for human trials. Despite TB being largely controlled in developed nations, it remains deadly globally, killing over a million yearly. The conventional BCG vaccine doesn't effectively protect adults from pulmonary TB, prompting research into higher efficacy methods. Collaborators found that injecting BCG intravenously improved protection in macaques, leading to the development of a modified strain that stimulates immune response but can be eliminated when necessary.
We aimed to make this high-dose intravenous injection safer, without destroying the vaccine's ability to stimulate a strong immune response.
BCG protects children from tuberculosis meningitis, but it doesn't effectively protect adults from pulmonary tuberculosis.
The disease kills over a million people a year worldwide, and continues to pose a significant public health challenge.
Weill Cornell Medicine has developed mycobacterial strains with "kill switches" to ensure controlled safe trials and enhanced vaccine efficacy.
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