Australian Research May Lead to Improved Rabies Vaccine

New research published in Cell Reports by investigators from Monash University and the University of Melbourne shows how a rabies virus protein called P protein binds to STAT1, which is an important transducer of immune responses in mammalian cells. Blocking P protein from binding could lead to development of oral rabies vaccines that are more effective and more convenient to give. This could be especially useful for campaigns designed to reduce rabies in feral dogs.

More details on the research on how rabies virus binds to a protein that triggers immune responses can be read at AVMA. The original study is also available in Cell Reports.

More information on rabies in dogs and other domestic animals is available in the Merck Veterinary Manual.