Children's Immune Systems Uncover New Antibody Targets for Dengue Vaccine Development

Recent research has provided significant insights into how children's immune systems respond to dengue fever, one of the most widespread mosquito-borne illnesses globally. The study, conducted over two years in the Philippines with nearly 3,000 children aged 9 to 14, examined immune responses before and after a mass vaccination campaign using Dengvaxia. Blood samples from both vaccinated and unvaccinated children helped scientists compare immune profiles, particularly focusing on those who contracted dengue more than once versus those who remained healthy.

A key discovery was the prevalence of specific quaternary antibodies, known as EDE-like (envelope dimer epitope) antibodies, which were notably more common in children with multiple dengue infections. These antibodies are associated with a reduced risk of developing symptomatic or severe dengue, making them promising targets for future vaccines. The findings suggest that vaccines designed to elicit these types of antibodies could enhance protection across different dengue virus types.

This research advances the understanding of immune mechanisms involved in dengue protection and could lead to improved diagnostic tools for assessing immunity and risk in endemic areas. Developing vaccines that stimulate the production of broadly neutralizing antibodies like EDE could significantly impact dengue control efforts worldwide.

The study underscores the importance of targeting specific antibody responses to improve vaccine efficacy and safety, especially in populations with repeated exposure to the virus. Overall, these insights foster hope for more effective dengue vaccines and better management of the disease in the future.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-children-immune-reveal-antibody-dengue.html