AI Summary
The research led by Oregon Health & Science University has revealed a promising approach to developing a universal influenza vaccine. The study tested a vaccine platform against the 1918 influenza virus, which generated a robust immune response in nonhuman primates exposed to the avian H5N1 influenza virus. The results showed that primates inoculated against the 1918 flu survived exposure to the H5N1 virus, while the unvaccinated group succumbed to the disease. The findings suggest that this vaccine platform could potentially be effective against other mutating viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. The study's implications could lead to the development of a "one and done" universal influenza vaccine within five years or less.
New research led by Oregon Health & Science University reveals a promising approach to developing a universal influenza vaccine -; a so-called “one and done” vaccine that confers lifetime immunity against an evolving virus.
The study, published today in the journal Nature Communications, tested an OHSU-developed vaccine platform against the virus considered most likely to trigger the next pandemic.
Researchers reported the vaccine generated a robust immune response in nonhuman primates that were exposed to the avian H5N1 influenza virus. But the vaccine wasn’t based on the contemporary H5N1 virus; instead, the primates were inoculated against the influenza virus of 1918 that killed millions of people worldwide.
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.”
Jonah Sacha, Ph.D., senior author,Ā professor and chief of the Division of Pathobiology at OHSU’s Oregon National Primate Research Center
Researchers reported that six of 11 nonhuman primates inoculated against the virus that circulated a century ago -; the 1918 flu -; survived exposure to one of the deadliest viruses in the world today, H5N1. In contrast, a control group of six unvaccinated primates exposed to the H5N1 virus succumbed to the disease.
Sacha said he believes the platform “absolutely” could be useful against other mutating viruses, including SARS-CoV-2.
“It’s a very viable approach,” he said. “For viruses of pandemic potential, it’s critical to have something