Universal Flu Vaccine: 1918 Spanish Flu Strain Offers Hope for Comprehensive Protection

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A revolutionary vaccine derived from the 1918 Spanish flu virus has shown promising results in protecting against various strains of influenza, including the lethal H5N1 bird flu. This groundbreaking development suggests that a universal flu vaccine could be available within five years, potentially transforming the approach to influenza prevention.

 

Traditionally, the flu vaccination program requires annual updates to match the predominant strain of the virus, as influenza mutates rapidly. However, scientists have created a "one and done" vaccine by leveraging research from tuberculosis and HIV, which are also known for their high mutation rates. This innovative approach could eliminate the need for yearly flu shots.

 

The vaccine's development involved repurposing a harmless herpes virus, known as cytomegalovirus (CMV), to deliver genetic material from the flu virus into the body. This method stimulates an immune response by mimicking an infection. The vaccine specifically targets effector memory T cells in the lungs, which can recognize and respond to proteins within the virus that remain unchanged despite mutations. This focus on conserved viral proteins ensures that the immune response remains effective against various strains.

 

In a study published in Nature Communications, the vaccine was administered to 11 primates, which were subsequently exposed to the H5N1 avian influenza virus. Remarkably, six of the vaccinated primates survived the infection, while those without the vaccine succumbed to the virus. This significant survival rate underscores the potential of the vaccine to provide robust protection.

 

Jonah Sacha, a professor at Oregon Health & Science University and a lead researcher on the project, expressed optimism about the vaccine's potential. He noted that this development represents a rare instance where basic scientific research could translate into a viable vaccine within a relatively short timeframe. "It's exciting because in most cases, this kind of basic science research advances the science very gradually; in 20 years, it might become something. This could actually become a vaccine in five years or less," Sacha said.

 

The vaccine's success hinges on its ability to target the virus's core proteins, which are essential for the virus's survival and thus remain largely unchanged over time. "It worked because the interior protein of the virus was so well preserved. So much so, that even after almost 100 years of evolution, the virus can’t change those critically important parts of itself," Sacha explained.

 

This breakthrough not only holds promise for influenza but also opens the door for developing vaccines against other rapidly mutating viruses. The technology has been licensed by Vir Biotechnology, and researchers believe it could be applied to viruses like SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19, offering long-lasting immunity.

 

Douglas Reed, an associate professor of immunology at the University of Pittsburgh’s Centre for Vaccine Research, emphasized the importance of this technology in preparing for future pandemics. "Should a deadly virus such as H5N1 infect a human and ignite a pandemic, we need to quickly validate and deploy a new vaccine," Reed said.

 

Sacha also highlighted the broader implications of this research, suggesting that it represents a significant shift in how infectious diseases are addressed. "It’s a massive sea change within our lifetimes. There is no question we are on the cusp of the next generation of how we address infectious disease. For viruses of pandemic potential, it’s critical to have something like this. We set out to test influenza, but we don’t know what’s going to come next," he remarked.

 

The development of this universal flu vaccine could mark a pivotal moment in public health, providing a powerful tool against the ever-evolving threat of influenza and other viral diseases. If successful, it could drastically reduce the global burden of flu, saving countless lives and resources. The scientific community eagerly awaits further trials and validation, hopeful that this innovation will soon become a reality.

 

Credit: Daily Telegraph 2024-07-20

 

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[Tug]

Very cool hope it’s successful it could  save many lives!

[john donson]

world war Z ?  what could go wrong... covid 2030 ?

Edited July 21 by john donson

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20 minutes ago, john donson said:

world war Z ?  what could go wrong... covid 2030 ?

Apparently, you believe that a zombie movie is actually a documentary. Epidemiologists know what goes wrong when people don't get vaccinated. They know that viral infections can not only linger, but that symptoms, sometimes fatal, can emerge later.