In the ongoing battle against influenza, the current arsenal of vaccines falls short due to their limited, seasonal protection against the virus's ever-changing proteins.

However, a groundbreaking development led by scientists at Scripps Research introduces a promising solution—an advanced universal flu vaccine designed to provide sustained protection against a spectrum of influenza A strains.

The novel vaccine design, detailed in a recent paper, targets the relatively stable influenza A protein fragment, M2e. This fragment, found on the outer envelope of flu viruses, remains consistent across various flu A strains, making it an ideal candidate for a broadly effective vaccine.

Traditional attempts to target M2e faced challenges, mainly because the protein fragment is too small to engage the immune system effectively. However, the new vaccine design from Scripps Research overcomes this limitation by presenting M2e on self-assembling nanoparticles. These nanoparticles, similar to those used in recent vaccines for HIV, SARS-CoV-2, and Hepatitis C, mimic the structure of a real virus more closely, leading to heightened immune stimulation.

The initial animal tests yielded promising results. Using a nanoparticle-based design with M2e from an H1N1 influenza A strain, the vaccine provided robust protection against sequential, high-dose exposures to both H1N1 and a different strain, H3N2. In contrast, unvaccinated mice succumbed rapidly to viral exposure.

The researchers also explored a pandemic-stopper design, incorporating a mix of M2e proteins from human, bird, and pig influenza A viruses. Encouragingly, the M2e-bearing nanoparticles persisted in mouse lymph nodes, stimulating immune responses for an extended period compared to non-nanoparticle-mounted M2e proteins.

In the words of study senior author Dr. Jiang Zhu, "This experimental vaccine has the potential to protect against diverse seasonal influenza A strains as well as future emergent strains that could cause pandemics."

Looking ahead, the researchers envision a future version of the vaccine that includes influenza B M2e proteins, leading to a true pan-influenza vaccine. Such a comprehensive vaccine, if proven effective, could significantly diminish the severity of influenza-related illnesses and pandemics, potentially reducing the virus to a manageable level even in high-risk cases.

Uvax Bio, a spin-off vaccine company from Scripps Research, is actively considering options to translate this groundbreaking M2e design into a commercial flu vaccine. The successful development and adoption of this innovative vaccine could mark a pivotal advancement in our ability to combat influenza and mitigate its impact on public health. As the scientific community continues to explore and refine strategies against influenza, the potential for enhanced, long-term immunity against this ever-evolving virus becomes increasingly tangible.

Conclusion

As research into universal flu vaccines advances, the sector holds exciting potential for future developments. The innovative strategies employed by scientists at Scripps Research open the door to broader possibilities in influenza prevention. Continued exploration and refinement in this field could pave the way for even more effective, enduring, and comprehensive solutions against the ever-evolving influenza virus.

COMPANIES TO WATCH:

Sunomix Therapeutics, Leon-nanodrugs, InnoMedica

Author

Isabella Sterling

Content Producer and Writer

Nano Magazine

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