A Belgian hope for HIV
Researchers at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), the Brussels University Hospital (UZ Brussel) and Ghent University (UGent) have made a big step towards hope for HIV patients.
The scientists have developed an mRNA-based vaccine that could boost the body’s immune system should one get infected with HIV. The goal with this vaccine would in other words be to control the virus.
The jab uses so-called lipid nanoparticles (lipid refers to fats) that “include an additional immune-boosting signal, enhancing the vaccine’s effectiveness,” as lead researcher Prof. Joeri Aerts of the VUB explained.
If proven effective in humans (it was previously tested on mice), this new Belgian-developed vaccine could give tremendous help and tremendous hope to those people who must live with the retroviral disease. It could drastically reduce their dependency on daily medication, according to the researchers.
Well done to them, and may our Belgian scientists continue to make breakthroughs and pave the way towards a better future for all.