In a new study, published in NPJ Vaccines, researchers from the Pandemic Sciences Institute and The Pirbright Institute have generated new evidence supporting the development of a universal influenza vaccine.
Influenza vaccines have long been the first line of defence against flu, but they come with a significant challenge. These vaccines are designed to target specific strains of the virus, which change rapidly each year. As new variant strains emerge, the protection offered by these vaccines quickly diminishes, necessitating annual updates and making it harder to combat potential epidemic or pandemic threats.
Scientists are therefore on a mission to create influenza vaccines that could protect against multiple strains, eliminating the need for annual updates.
Rather than focusing solely on antibodies - proteins that help the immune system fight off infections – the approach taken by PSI and Pirbright scientists aims to activate T-cells, a different part of the immune system that can recognise and respond to a variety of flu viruses. Additionally, the team explored the use of aerosol vaccines, delivered directly to the respiratory tract, a powerful way to stimulate our immune response.
Read the full story on the Pandemic Sciences Institute.