Mosquitoes can be carriers of the dengue virus which infect 400 million people annually. (Photo: John Tann, flickr.com)

Mosquitoes can be carriers of the dengue virus which infect 400 million people annually. (Photo: John Tann, flickr.com)

An international team of scientists has discovered an antibody capable of neutralising all four forms of Dengue Virus (DENV). Dengue is a viral disease spread by mosquitoes. No vaccine or medication to protect against this emerging disease currently exist.

Researchers hope this finding could lead to the development of a vaccine against the disease. The authors studied the antibodies from dengue-infected human patients and discovered the new class of antibodies that can effectively neutralise the virus in both insect and human cells.

A recording of the press briefing held on December 11, 2014 is available on demand.

Original research paper published in Nature Immunology on December 15, 2014.

Names and affiliations of selected authors

Gavin Screaton, Imperial College London, United Kingdom