Scientists develop universal vaccine to protect against allergies, cold and flu
Scientists believe that we are an important step closer to a universal vaccine that can protect against colds, flu, Covid and allergies.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine in the US tested a vaccine formula on mice that protects against various respiratory viruses, sepsis-causing bacteria and even house dust mites.
The vaccine is administered via nasal spray and provides broad protection in the lungs for several months.
If this vaccine were developed for humans, it could replace the multiple vaccines for respiratory infections administered each year during winter and could even work against new pandemic microbes.
D., director of Stanford Medicine’s Institute of Immunity, Transplantation and Infection and lead author “I think we have a universal vaccine against various respiratory threats,” Bali Pulendran said.
“Imagine receiving a nasal spray in the autumn months that protects you from all respiratory viruses, including Covid-19, flu, respiratory syncytial virus and the common cold, as well as bacterial pneumonia and early spring allergens,” Dr Pulendran said. “This will transform medical practice.”
For the study published in the journal ScienceMice were given a drop of the vaccine, known as GLA-3M-052-LS+OVA, into their noses, providing protection for several months.
Researchers have shown that beneficial T cells in the lungs that work against pathogens can send signals to the body’s innate immune cells to keep them active.
Rather than trying to mimic part of a pathogen, the vaccine mimics the signals that immune cells use to communicate with each other during infection.
Dr Pulendran thinks two doses of the nasal spray will be enough to provide protection in humans and estimates the vaccine could be available within five to seven years, depending on funding.
Professor Ian Jones, a virologist at the University of Reading, believes the new vaccine design will be used in the future, but warns that a universal vaccine is some way off.
“Given how diverse the human population is, we are some way off from a true one-dose and forget it vaccine, as safety considerations are considerable. A one-size-fits-all vaccine may not work, and existing seasonal vaccines for flu, Covid or RSV will remain the norm for some time,” he said. Independent.
Professor Jonathan Ball, a virologist at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), also believes scientists are “huge steps” away from a truly universal vaccine.
He said: “We need to make sure that keeping the body on ‘high alert’ does not lead to friendly fire, where a hyper-ready immune system inadvertently triggers unwanted side effects.”
Daniela Ferreira, professor of vaccinology at Oxford University, found the research “exciting”.
“Throughout our lives, we are constantly exposed to viruses and bacteria that infect the respiratory tract. As a result, most of us carry ‘memory’ immune cells, including some that live in the nose and lungs. This research shows that it may be possible to use existing immune memory as a basis for broad protection even against unrelated pathogens,” he explained.
