This study describes the first primate model of immune protection against Ebola virus, a model that may allow scientists to rationally design a vaccine that prevents this dreaded disease in humans. We have not known if immunity to the virus exists or what parts of the immune response are important. Our studies show that animals can launch an effective immune response against Ebola virus, and we can use knowledge of this response to design a vaccine that protects non-human primates from infection. Although much more work needs to be done, we hope this moves us closer to new vaccines and treatments for Ebola and other viruses. The Ebola virus kills quickly, giving the body little time to launch an effective immune response.
Infected individuals suffer severe pain, high fever and extensive internal bleeding.
Although the virus periodically strikes humans, scientists do not know where it resides in nature between outbreaks. Developed by the Alameda, California-based company TheraSense, FreeStyle allows people with diabetes to obtain a blood sample from places other than their fingertips. Blood glucose monitors have previously only used fingertips to get adequate blood for an accurate reading. Because of the sensitive nerve endings in fingertips, repeated testing is painful. As the ability to monitor extends to other sites of the body, less painful areas can be used and testing can be done in a more convenient fashion for the patient, which encourages compliance with necessary monitoring.