Developing a Vaccine to Lower Cholesterol
Scientists at The University of New Mexico have developed a groundbreaking vaccine targeting high cholesterol, a leading cause of heart disease and stroke. The vaccine, aimed at lowering LDL cholesterol levels by targeting the PCSK9 protein, offers a potentially more affordable treatment option compared to current drugs like PCSK9 inhibitors. Join the discussion on how this innovative vaccine could revolutionize cardiovascular care and global health.
Learn more about the cholesterol-lowering vaccine or Bryce Chackerian’s lab.
Read the study published in NPJ Vaccines.
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About Our Guest(s)
Bryce Chackerian
Bryce Chackerian is a Professor in the University of New Mexico's Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology. His research journey began during his post-doctoral fellowship at the National Cancer Institute, where he explored Virus-like particles (VLPs) for antigen display. In his laboratory, Chackerian's focus lies in developing vaccines against infectious agents and self-antigens associated with chronic diseases.
By engineering vaccines that leverage the immunogenicity of virus particles, his team has demonstrated the ability to enhance antibody responses against a variety of antigens, including those typically poorly immunogenic. This innovative approach holds significant promise for advancing vaccine development and addressing critical health challenges.
Hosted by UCAM’s Carly Bowling
Long-time listener, first-time podcaster, Carly Bowling, is a university communication representative in The University of New Mexico’s University Communication and Marketing team (UCAM). She is thrilled to help shed light on the outstanding research work being done at UNM, New Mexico’s only R1 university. In addition to producing IPNRS, she contributes stories and videos to the UNM Newsroom, the University’s official communications platform.
Bowling is a graduate of the Arizona State University Walter Cronkite School of Journalism (’19). Her background includes multimedia journalism, documentary filmmaking, photography and writing. She is passionate about science communication and making academic topics and research accessible and interesting to people from all backgrounds and she hopes you’ll consider subscribing to the show!