For the first time, researchers report how they discovered a new class of antibody that could lead to the development of a universal vaccine against dengue – a rapidly emerging, mosquito-borne virus that infects around 400 million people worldwide every year.

Share on Pinterest Researchers found a new class of antibodies that can neutralize all four types of dengue virus produced from human or mosquito cells.

In the journal Nature Immunology, the international team – including members from the University of Melbourne in Australia – reports the first finding of a class of antibody that can neutralize all four types of dengue virus when it is produced from human or mosquito cells.

As well as leading to an effective universal vaccine, the hope is that the discovery will also result in improved laboratory tests that together will reduce the global burden of dengue.

Dengue is a fast-spreading tropical viral infection that is transmitted via mosquitoes. Dengue fever can be life-threatening, and there are currently no licensed vaccines or treatments.

Dengue usually causes flu-like symptoms, but sometimes a more severe form can occur. Severe dengue fever is a big killer that affects mainly children in parts of Asia and Latin America. Most of the half million people hospitalized with dengue fever every year are children.

The geographical spread of the disease is increasing. It threatens the Southern US and Australia, and there is also concern of possible spread to Southern Europe.