What is it about?
In light of vaccine hesitancy in the Philippines stemming from a previous dengue vaccine trial, our group set out to determine whether a live attenuated JEV vaccine, which is already being used for routine immunization in neighboring Asian countries, poses a threat to enhance dengue post-immunization. We investigated its ability to elicit neutralizing antibodies, the cross-reactivity of these antibodies to dengue, and whether dengue infection is enhanced in vitro.
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Why is it important?
In 2019, efforts were made to introduce a subnational JEV immunization program in the Philippines, but vaccine uptake was poor. Although the live attenuated JEV vaccine has been proven to be safe and effective, providing evidence specifically addressing dengue enhancement using Filipino samples is crucial for reigniting interest in this much-needed vaccine in a region endemic for both JEV and dengue.
Perspectives
This study was motivated by a locally relevant question in the Philippines. As a member of Project SAFeV (the parent study that provided this study's cohort), I view this work as our contribution to the advocacy for including the JEV vaccine in the Philippines’ national immunization program -- a much-needed, long-overdue public health initiative with the potential to save children’s lives. Beyond this, I hope this work contributes to our broader understanding of flavivirus cross-reactivity globally.
Dr. Fatima Ericka Vista
University of the Philippines Manila
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Antibody responses to Japanese encephalitis virus and dengue virus serotype 2 in children from an orthoflavivirus endemic region after IMOJEV vaccination, PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, September 2025, PLOS,
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0013550.
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