Trinity scientists make breakthrough in vaccine development

Scientists from Trinity College Dublin have discovered a new 'off switch' in our immune response, which could be boosted in diseases where the immune system attacks itself.

It could also be blocked to improve the efficiency of vaccines.

Researchers have discovered that a protein, called TMED7, can shut down part of our immune system once an infection has been eliminated.

The findings, which are published this week in the journal 'Nature Communications', could be particularly important in the fight to find a vaccine for Malaria or HIV.

The research was carried out in collaboration with the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.