[Source: ScienceDaily] – Fresh understanding of the virus that causes chickenpox and shingles could lead to improved vaccines and diagnostic tests, a study suggests.
Scientists at the University of Edinburgh devised a technique to separate the virus into its constituent proteins and then print them on to a biochip, before incubating the chip with blood from people who had previously had the infection.
They were able to pinpoint which proteins in the virus triggered a reaction in the body’s immune system, giving scientists clues about how best to design a vaccine or blood test.
For more information: Fresh Findings About Chickenpox Could Lead to Better Blood Tests