Researchers at the University of Exeter have developed a new
approach to studying potentially deadly disease-causing bacteria
which could help speed up the process of finding vaccines. Dr.
Andrea Dowling, from the Centre for Ecology and Conservation at
the university’s Cornwall Campus, has pioneered a simple screen
which can help isolate the virulent parts of the gene structures
of pathogenic bacteria. The screen allows researchers to
simultaneously run thousands of tests where genes from the
pathogen are pitted against the human blood cells that normally
attack them. “By looking at the results from these tests it is
possible to determine which parts of a pathogen’s genetic code
allow it to override immune systems,” said Dr. Dowling. “From
there we can focus in on those key areas to find out how the
pathogen works and how we can develop vaccines. The screen
allows us to study and tackle the causes of disease and
infection much quicker than other methods.” The screen has been
used by Dr. Dowling and other rese