A “missing piece” in the development of Lyme disease was discovered. Are we closer to the vaccine?

Lyme disease, the most common tick-borne disease, still holds secrets. The biggest mystery is the microorganisms that cause it – Borrelia burgdorferi. They are said to be among the smartest bacteria, which makes fighting Lyme disease very difficult. The discovery of scientists from the American Cornell University may turn out to be a milestone in the treatment and development of a vaccine. They identified a “missing element” in the development of Lyme disease. “This is proof of how unique this bacterium is,” they say.

1. Lyme disease (also called Lyme disease) is the most common disease transmitted by ticks. It is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi
2. These microorganisms are said to be among the smartest of all bacteria
3. Scientists have discovered how Borrelia tricks the immune system. A protein called NapA plays a major role
4. Researchers in France are working on a vaccine against Lyme disease (VLA15). It is currently the only active Lyme disease vaccine in clinical development
5. More current information can be found on the Onet homepage.

Lyme disease is still a mysterious disease. Why?

Lyme disease (also called Lyme disease) is the most common disease transmitted by ticks. It is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi carried by ticks living in forested areas of Asia, Europe and the United States.

Lyme disease was first heard in the 80s. The Global Lyme Alliance indicates that since 1982, the number of reported cases of Lyme disease has increased 25 times. In terms of specific numbers, it is estimated that there are 476 jobs in the United States each year. new cases of Lyme disease. In Poland in 2019, there were 20 thousand of them. 614, a year earlier about 460 less.

One may be tempted to say that Lyme disease is a mysterious disease. It may be asymptomatic for a long time, what is more, it can “fake” other diseases – it can take the form of arthritis, neuroborreliosis (inflammation of the brain and meninges), and less often myocarditis. The neurological complications of the disease include: memory and concentration disorders, emotional disorders, even psychosis.

For now, the best way to avoid Lyme disease (and other tick-borne diseases) is proper prophylaxis. When going to the forest or on a trip, remember about appropriate clothing – long pants, long-sleeved blouses, socks and full shoes, a hat. We should also use specialist tick repellants, avoid tall grasses, and after returning from a walk, let’s have a thorough look at the body (including the scalp).

Cunning bacteria that cause Lyme disease

Why is Lyme disease still a mysterious disease? This is “due” to the bacteria that cause it – the already mentioned Borrelia burgdorferi spirochetes. These microorganisms are said to be among the smartest of all bacteria. They are very mobile, they can change shape, and when the conditions are unfavorable, they can encapsulate and wait months for the situation to change.

These microorganisms, like other Borrelia bacteria, have a triple cell wall that protects their interior. What distinguishes Borrelia burgdorferi from their background is an additional casing. Thanks to it, the cells of the immune system do not see a foreign body (antigen) in them. These are just some of the possibilities of Borrelia spirochetes.

Lyme disease has been the subject of research by the team of prof. Brandon Jutras from Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences in New York. In 2019, a scientist identified a component of the cell wall of Borrelia burgdorferi as the likely cause of the inflammation associated with Lyme disease. It’s a peptidoglycan. It has been found that the association remains in the body of Lyme patients weeks or even months after infection, causing inflammation and pain. Today, scientists are adding another missing piece to the puzzle. Scientists from the laboratory of prof. Jutras discovered a protein related to the peptidoglycan Borrelia burgdorferi that plays a boosting role in the inflammatory response. They were called NapA.

Proof of how unique Lyme bacteria are. What have the scientists discovered?

– NapA is another element of the constantly evolving puzzle – says prof. Tomorrow. In his opinion, it seems to play a fundamental role in the everyday life of Borrelia spirochetes, supporting the protective properties of peptidoglycan. What’s more, as the scientist emphasizes, it turns out to be a “tricky protein, capable of deceiving our immune system”.

– We think the cunning NapA site has two modes: In the early stages of infection, when dying bacteria release peptidoglycan, NapA acts as a decoy, attracting immune cells. This allows the viable bacteria to escape and infect the body. In the later stages of the disease, the discovered protein can attract immune cells to peptidoglycan, a molecule capable of causing inflammation, the scientist explained. Mari Davis, who participated in the research, emphasizes: “This is proof of how unique this bacterium is.

The team of prof. He wants to use Jutras in the work on the development of tests diagnosing Lyme disease as well as in the treatment of the disease. – Theoretically, it could also be a possible path for the development of vaccines against Lyme disease – he emphasizes.

Let us remind you that while for another tick-borne disease – tick-borne encephalitis – we can get vaccinated, in the case of Lyme disease, it is not possible. Admittedly, in 1998 the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the Lyme disease vaccine known as LYMErix, in 2002 it was withdrawn from the market due to doubts about its effectiveness and serious side effects.

Currently, the only active Lyme vaccine in clinical development is VLA15 from Valneva. In March 2021, the start of the second test phase was announced. VLA15 stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against the six common North American and European serotypes of the OspA surface protein – typical of Borrelia burgdorferi.

You may be interested in:

1. Attention! This is the biggest mistake when removing the tick. Never do that
2. Plants that repel ticks. It is worth having them in the garden
3. Lyme disease – questions to which it is good to know the answer

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