Scientists discover immune system's hidden memory could transform TB vaccine design
Researchers have identified a previously underutilized layer of immunity that acts like a cellular memory system, potentially opening new pathways for more effective tuberculosis vaccines. The finding challenges conventional vaccine development and could have major implications for public health strategies and pharmaceutical development in infectious disease.
Originaltitel: Trained immunity: a new avenue for tuberculosis vaccine development
<p>Adaptive immunity towards tuberculosis (TB) has been extensively studied for many years. In addition, in recent years the profound contribution of innate immunity to host defence against this disease has become evident. The discovery of pattern recognition receptors, which allow innate immunity to tailor its response to different infectious agents, has challenged the view that this arm of immunity is nonspecific. Evidence is now accumulating that innate immunity can remember a previous exposure to a microorganism and respond differently during a second exposure. Although the specificity and memory of innate immunity cannot compete with the highly sophisticated adaptive immune response, its contribution to host defence against infection and to vaccine-induced immunity should not be underestimated and needs to be explored. Here, we present the concept of trained immunity and discuss how this may contribute to new avenues for control of TB.</p>