Ireland – The team of Dr. O’Neill of Trinity College in Dublin has uncovered a novel protein of the immune system. It looks promising for the development of more effective vaccines.

Tag Protein discovered by scientists regulates a process necessary for the vaccine to act. It limits the action of another protein, called Tram. It has an important role in the immune response of the body by activating the vaccine components recognized by an immune protein.

Vaccine research has been focused on how the immune system can respond better to a vaccine. Knowing what can block the action of a protein as important as Tram in the immune response is very significant.

By blocking Tram, Tag can slow down the action of a vaccine. Research is underway to find a way to interfere in the activities of Tag and thus improve the performance of experimental vaccines against AIDS and malaria and other diseases.