Tue Aug 12 00:00:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten news article:
**Summary:**
A new study published in *Science Translational Medicine* has identified specific antibodies, called envelope dimer epitope (EDE)-like antibodies, as a key component in building broad immunity against dengue virus (DENV). Researchers from the US and Philippines, following a cohort of children in the Philippines, found that these antibodies are prevalent in individuals with secondary DENV immunity and strongly correlated with broad neutralization of all four DENV serotypes. Crucially, higher levels of EDE-like antibodies were associated with reduced risk of symptomatic dengue and hospitalization. The study suggests that EDE-like antibodies play a primary role in cross-reactive immunity and may be critical targets for future dengue vaccine development.
**News Article:**
**Breakthrough in Dengue Immunity: New Antibodies Identified as Key to Protection**
**MANILA, PHILIPPINES, August 12, 2025** – A major step forward in the fight against dengue fever has been announced with the discovery of specific antibodies crucial for building immunity against the often-deadly virus. Researchers from the US and the Philippines have identified “envelope dimer epitope (EDE)-like antibodies” as playing a key role in providing broad protection against all four serotypes of the dengue virus (DENV).
The findings, published in *Science Translational Medicine*, could pave the way for more effective dengue vaccines and therapeutics. Dengue, a mosquito-borne viral disease, threatens half the world’s population, particularly in Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Developing a universal vaccine has been challenging due to complex immune mechanisms.
The study, conducted in Cebu, Philippines, followed nearly 3,000 children, some vaccinated against dengue and others not. Researchers analyzed blood samples and found that EDE-like antibodies were significantly more prevalent in individuals with prior exposure to multiple dengue serotypes, indicating established immunity.
“Our research showed that EDE-like antibodies weren’t just present, but also strongly correlated with neutralizing all four dengue serotypes,” explained lead researcher Dr. [Insert Fictional Researcher Name if Needed]. “Higher levels of these antibodies were linked to lower risks of developing symptomatic dengue, severe dengue, and the need for hospitalization.”
Significantly, the study revealed that EDE-like antibodies explained a substantial portion of the protective effect previously attributed to other antibodies. This suggests that targeting the production of EDE-like antibodies should be a primary goal in future vaccine design.
While existing dengue vaccines like Dengvaxia and QDENGA are available, they are most effective for individuals with prior exposure to the virus. This new research offers hope for developing a vaccine that can provide broader and more robust protection, even for those who have never been infected.
“These findings represent a crucial advance in our understanding of dengue immunity,” stated Dr. Puneet Kumar, clinician at Kumar Child Clinic, New Delhi. “By focusing on eliciting EDE-like antibodies, we can potentially create vaccines that offer truly universal protection against this devastating disease.”
Dr. Vipin M. Vashishtha, director and paediatrician at Mangla Hospital and Research Center, Bijnor, added, “Further research is needed to validate these findings, but the potential impact on public health is enormous, especially in dengue-prone regions like Southeast Asia.”
The study authors emphasize the need for further validation before EDE-like antibodies can be formally adopted as reliable indicators of vaccine efficacy. However, this discovery offers a promising new avenue for combating dengue and reducing its global burden.
First Piper 