Trial of T.cruzi DNA Vaccine in Experimental Model of Disease Challenge Infection

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Sponsor: Stanford University

Location(s): United States

Description

Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, is the most serious tropical parasitic disease in the Americas. Chronic Chagas infection leads to fatal complications in the heart, nervous system, and digestive tract. Current therapy is limited entirely to supportive care. The Stanford team wanted to produce a DNA vaccine to prevent chronic development of this disease. The basic concept is that DNA from the parasite is injected into infected individuals and their bodies will mount an immune response that will be helpful in fighting off the infection. The DNA vaccine is the ideal treatment for Chagas because it induces cell specific immune responses, it is stable, low cost, and has short dosing regimen.