They are developing a universal vaccine that covers all strains.
This week’s magazine Journal of Virology published results that mark a vital step toward creating a universal flu vaccine that can protect against all strains of the virus and possibly provide immunity for more than one season.
Researchers from the Institute Research by Lerner from the Cleveland Clinic in the US. announced that their universal influenza vaccine candidate, tested in animal models, caused a strong immune response and provided protection against serious infections after exposure to the virus.
This new study builds on earlier promising preclinical studies in mice led by Dr. Ted M. Rosswhich is headed by Global vaccine development at the Cleveland Clinic.
Scientists hope to begin human clinical trials within one to three years. Virologist Naoko One, The study’s leader said: “Our goal is to make the vaccine span multiple seasons and provide protection against all strains that are dangerous to humans.”
In their study, the team identified four main types of influenza viruses. with special emphasis on influenza A and B, which pose the greatest risk to humans. Current seasonal flu vaccines include proteins from three or four subtypes of these viruses, such as H1N1, H3N2 and IBKHowever, because the virus mutates rapidly, predicting which strains will be the most dangerous and choosing the right components is an ongoing challenge.
Genetic sequences of influenza
Ross’ team used an innovative methodology called COBRA (Computationally Optimized Broadly Reactive Antigens) They first downloaded thousands of genetic sequences from flu strains across seasons and digitally analyzed them to identify conserved amino acids between viruses.
As a result of this analysis, the scientists selected eight proteins associated with a robust immune response, focusing on those antigens that can offer long lasting and broad protection“We refined our selection to include the most promising proteins, like putting together a greatest hits album,” Uno explained.
Among the notable proteins, one can highlight proteins types H1 and H3as well as strains of less common strains such as H2, H5 and H7some of which have pandemic potential. For example, the H5N1 avian influenza outbreak had a high mortality rate and was recently detected in dairy cattle in Texas, as well as other species.Our vaccine has proven effective against several variants of the H5 virus.“,” he added.
Intranasal vaccine undergoes trials
In recent experiments, the vaccine candidate was administered via nasal spray. Blood tests showed that after four weeks the mice developed antibodies against the virus and were protected from infection when exposed to the pathogen.
Ross and his team are now advancing vaccine testing in the United States, while Uno is collaborating with researchers in India and the European Union in a global effort to take the vaccine to the next level.
What is flu?
Influenza is a respiratory viral infection that causes fever, chills, runny nose, body aches, and cough. It is easily transmitted from person to person. Influenza can cause symptoms that range from moderate to severe. Most people recover. Children, older adults, and people with certain medical conditions are at risk of serious illness and even death.
Most people get the flu when they breathe in airborne droplets from the cough or sneeze of someone with the flu. You can also get the flu if you touch something that has the virus on it and then touch your mouth, nose, or eyes.
People often confuse colds, flu, and COVID-19. They are different, but have similar symptoms. Most people get a cold several times a year. In contrast, people usually only get the flu once every few years.