A first step towards a universal vaccine against pneumonia, meningitis
Scientists are exploring a new approach to developing a universal vaccine for pneumococcal diseases by using proteins instead of traditional polysaccharides. This method, known as reverse vaccinology, aims to provide broader protection against the 100+ serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Why it matters
A universal vaccine could significantly reduce global mortality rates from pneumonia and meningitis while lowering long-term healthcare costs.
There is a bacterium called Streptococcus pneumoniae . It comes in at least a hundred different forms, or serotypes, and lives in the tissue lining our nose and throat. S. pneumoniae is normally harmless . But when your body’s immune system becomes weaker, for example when you have a viral fever, these bacteria may invade your lungs and cause pneumonia, your brain and spinal cord to cause meningitis, and your bloodstream to cause sepsis.
These diseases are called pneumococcal diseases, and fortunately, they can be prevented by vaccines. Each of these vaccines contains a unique sugary substance called a capsular polysaccharide, aimed at each serotype of S. pneumoniae . That is, they offer protection specific to each serotype.
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