Gold dust vaccine 'boosts immune system'

A vaccine has been developed to boost the immune system, utilising the power of gold dust, according to new research.

During clinical trials in the US, researchers found miniscule gold particles embedded in a vaccine and injected into the body were able to carry special proteins to immune cells.

The report, which was published in the journal Nanotechnology, showed how effective these small elements of dust – which basically mimic a virus – can be.

At present, the current approach is determined by the use of dead or inactive viruses by way of a vaccine, but in this study, the tiny bits of gold imitate the virus.

The experiments were conducted on a protein that is located on the surface of the the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The damaging impact of this comes from a protein known as F.

"A vaccine for RSV, which is the major cause of viral pneumonia in children, is sorely needed," said lead author of the study Professor James Crowe.

"This study shows that we have developed methods for putting RSV F protein into exceptionally small particles and presenting it to immune cells in a format that physically mimics the virus. Furthermore, the particles themselves are not infectious."