Scientists discovered a new protein in humans in the late 1990s, which is now being developed to control bacteria which cause tuberculosis.
Clinical trials are to begin in 2009 but a charity says it could be 10 years before it is available for general use.
TB kills 1.7m people each year, and there are concerns that the bacteria which causes it are becoming resistant to current drugs.
The only existing TB vaccine, Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG), which was created in 1921, is only partially effective.
It is hoped the new vaccine will have more success treating sufferers, particularly in the developing world.
It could work in three ways.
Firstly, by activating the dormant TB allowing it to be treated with drugs. Secondly, by ensuring the bacteria stays dormant and finally by working as a traditional vaccine preventing the bacteria from establishing.
The Aeras Global TB Vaccine Foundation, which was founded to develop new, cost-effective TB vaccines for use in the developing world, has licensed the discovery of the protein.