Cuba is currently carrying out several studies on vaccines against dengue, among which a Cuban vaccine candidate is in preclinical study phase.
During the 13th International Dengue Course, being held in Havana, Alienys Izquierdo, master's degree in Virology, explained that specialists from the "Pedro Kouri" Cuban Institute of Tropical Medicine (IPK), and the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (IGBC) have been working since some years ago on the development of a vaccine.
This concern a protein, a very specific region of the virus inducing neutralizing antibodies. So, if we have neutralizing antibodies, then we will have protection, said the expert, who is a member of the National Dengue Vaccine Project.
The first thing we did was to implement and evaluate monovalent vaccine formulations, one for each dengue serotype (DEN-1, 2, 3 and 4). We have seen its effectiveness in controlling animals' virus replication.
Now we mix these formulations and produce a quadrivalent vaccine, which is what we are currently evaluating in mice and we are going to test in non-human primates, said.
About the issue, Guadalupe Guzman, head of the IPK Department of Virology, stated that the country is conducting several researches in immunology and genetics of the individual, vector resistance to insecticides, as well as public good strategies including the population to control the ailment.
About 300 experts worldwide are involved in the meeting taking place every two years in the IPK facilities. The scientific agenda includes lectures and symposia on integrated, clinical surveillance, risk environmental factors, community participation, and control of the Aedes Aegypti mosquito.