Since the rapid rise and spread of the Zika virus, the search for a vaccine has ensued. Although the virus causes mild symptoms in most, its association with serious birth defects in pregnant women, including abnormal fetal brain development and microcephaly, and Guillain-Barré syndrome in adults (an autonomic disease -immune which causes paralysis) requires a vaccine. Previous viral control efforts have only prevented exposure to the vector - the Zika mosquito - and so a vaccine would be a vital and effective attempt to eradicate the virus. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay Efforts to make an effective vaccine are paying off, but a new study suggests a radical approach. Annie Elong Ngono of the La Jolla Institute of Allergy and Immunology demonstrated the specific importance of certain immune cells as mediators in producing the defensive response to Zika, and identified them as targets for future development of a vaccine. These cells, called CD4+ T cells or T helper cells, “contribute to the generation of [antibody] responses…and to the control of viral infection,” in mice infected intravaginally, with the researchers concluding that “the characteristic dominant protective role of CD4+ T lymphocytes during primary infection with ZIKV” are producing antibodies. Although CD4+ T cells are not necessary to control intravenous infections in mice, the memory they confer to intravaginally infected mice led to immunity against lethal doses of Zika. Research led by Amelia Pinto has already shown that T helper cells produce the CD4 protein which prevents neurological symptoms in mice infected with Zika by stopping the invasion of the brain and spinal cord and therefore the associated serious symptoms. Besides other roles in the immune system, T helper cells contribute to adaptive immunity. After an initial exposure to the pathogen, the system creates a response that remains in the body as immunological memory, meaning subsequent infections are less severe and cleared more quickly. Adaptive immunity is the basis of vaccinations, and this link between T helper cells, antibody production, and Zika could be the missing key to a vaccination. T helper cells are one of the most vital aspects of immunity and, unsurprisingly, they could be the answer to a cure. Researchers can limit their attempts to finding an “effective” vaccine to “specifically promote CD4+ T cell activation,” rather than wasting time on other immune cells. Previously, Zika viral immunity was attributed to another T cell – cytotoxic or CD8+ T cells. This research highlights the value of a multifaceted approach to questions and the exploration of new ideas. Research relies on collaboration, as evidenced by the progress of the Zika vaccine. Additionally, nowadays it is difficult to maintain public interest in a topic for a long time, making rapid and immediate development of a vaccine crucial. The public loses interest as infection rates decline or outbreaks are geographically restricted. Scientists and pharmaceutical companies are unable or unwilling to work on drugs and vaccines. Companies are facing significant financial losses for their research: after the recent Ebola virus outbreak, as.