T-cell based dengue vaccine PRAHR wins best innovation award at GBU-Biothon

Researchers believe the innovative idea holds immense promise for tackling a wide range of diseases including cancer through cutting-edge immunoengineering technologies.

Dengue virus, which is the causative agent of dengue fever transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, infects cells of immune system namely dendritic cells and macrophages. Most individuals infected, recover with little to no complications and develop substantial immunity against the infecting viral serotype.

“However, when exposed to another serotype of the virus (dengue virus has four serotypes, DENV 1-4) these individuals are at an increased risk of developing severe disease, a condition that clinicians call antibody-dependent disease enhancement or ADE. The first instance of viral infection, usually by a single serotype, culminates in the secretion of antibodies by B-cell activation, and the eventual elimination of the virus from the system. Thus, rendering the individual immune to the serotype encountered,” explains Dr Kumar.

Prof Rakesh Rawal, head of department Medical Biotechnology GBU told this paper, “A major complication arises at the time of second infection by another serotype, when antibodies generated in the first instance bind to viral antigens with a much lower affinity. The presence of these “low affinity” antibodies prevents clearance of the virus by agglutination and increases their uptake by immune cells possessing thus increasing the viral uptake and severity of infection.”

Further adding, Prof Rawal said, “Secondary dengue infections are often associated with pneumonia and death…Currently, there are only two dengue vaccines available and both being live vaccines have major safety concerns associated with their use…”

To identify potent TCR sequences, the group of four students-Nachiket Waman, Tanish Kumar, Karishma Mistry, Achal Nawghade-combined multi-serotype viral antigen identification with affinity-based enrichment of reactive T cells obtained from individuals with primary infection.

“The group ideated a fresh and unique approach to tackle a major health concern by employing cutting-edge immunoengineering technologies and impressed the panel of industry experts judging the event. Thus, winning us the Award for Best Societal Impact at Biothon 2025,” Nachiket Waman, animal biotechnology postgraduate student said.