Thailand´s research on bird-flu vaccine for animals has shown progress by killing the H5N1 strain of the virus, according to The Nation newspaper.

    The DNA-based vaccine was found in laboratory trials to have stimulated cell-mediated immunity (CMI) on CD8 T-cell receptors, which are associated with stimulating the immune system to kill the virus, Kamol Chaweewan, a researcher responsible for vaccine-development, was quoted by the newspaper as saying Wednesday.

    However, he said the vaccine´s effectiveness on CD4 T-cell receptors to stimulate the virus-eradication mechanism remains unclear and needs further study.

    So far, Thailand has yet to allow the use of any vaccine on poultry, but it is really a necessity to develop one as an alternative measure to contain bird flu, said Associate Professor Suviroj Rojanasathien of Chiang Mai University´s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.

    Composed of HA and NA proteins, the DNA vaccine tended to be effective in uprooting the virus from infected mice, but it may fail to protect them from contracting it, the researcher said.

    Advantages of the new vaccine include lower production costs, better and longer-lasting immune-system stimulation, longer shelf life and safe use, according to Kamol.

    He added final results of the trial need to be proved through more advanced laboratory facilities that can not be found in Thailand.