Common cold could help find hepatitis C vaccine

A COUSIN of the common cold virus offers the first hope of an effective vaccine against the chronic liver infection hepatitis C, it is revealed today.

Early trial results mirror responses seen in the minority of people with natural immunity to the disease, which can lead to severe liver damage and early death.

Scientists are encouraged by the findings but caution that it may take several years to develop a fully approved vaccine.

Professor Paul Klenerman, from the Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine at Oxford University, a leading member of the research team, said: “We’ve found that it’s possible to prime large cellular immune responses against hepatitis C that last for at least a year.

“The immune responses are exciting and we are beginning the next stage of trials.

“While we are hopeful, it could be a long road to any vaccine that protects people against hepatitis C.”

Hepatitis C is caused by a virus that can remain hidden in the bloodstream for decades before showing any symptoms.

Its effect is insidious, producing mild flu-like effects while inflicting slow damage to the liver which can lead to cirrhosis and cancer.

Because of the lack of symptoms, many sufferers do not know of their condition.

The virus is carried in the blood and, to a lesser extent, other bodily fluids. It is most commonly transmitted by sharing needles to inject drugs, but can also be passed on via toothbrushes, razors, scissors, tattoos and body piercing.

There is a low risk of the virus passing from mother to child or between sexual partners.

To date there has been no available vaccine for hepatitis C. The new trial results, published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, suggest one may now be within reach.