Breakthrough Near: Scientists Close to Developing ‘One and Done’ Anti-Flu Vaccine for Future Pandemics

Scientists are nearing the development of a single-shot vaccine that could not only protect against the flu but also offer resistance to future mutations. Researchers at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) believe this comprehensive, lifetime vaccine may become available within the next five years.

 

Targeting a 106-Year-Old Strain

Researchers initially focused on a 106-year-old strain of the Spanish influenza, which caused millions of deaths between 1918 and 1919. Upon developing the vaccine, they found it was also effective against a 21st-century strain of bird flu. This discovery has sparked hopes for a “one and done” vaccine that could provide lifelong immunity against evolving viruses.

 

Experimentation on Macaques

To test their vaccine, researchers administered it to macaques, which share 93% of their DNA with humans. A total of 11 macaques received the vaccine. When exposed to the H5N1 virus, one of today’s deadliest influenza strains, all six unvaccinated macaques succumbed to the virus, whereas six out of the 11 vaccinated macaques survived.

Dr. Jonah Sacha, head of OHSU’s pathobiology department, believes the approach used in their research could potentially be applied to other mutating viruses.

 

Vaccine Mechanism

Unlike traditional vaccines that rely on antibodies, this new vaccine stimulates a response from the body’s T-cells. It targets the internal proteins of the virus, which remain relatively unchanged over time.

Dr. Sacha explained that the vaccine was effective because the internal protein of the virus is highly conserved. “Even after almost 100 years of evolution, the virus can’t change those critically important parts of itself,” he said. This led to the realization that a single-shot, lifelong vaccine for influenza is achievable.

 

A Breakthrough in Infectious Disease

Dr. Sacha emphasized the significance of this development, stating, “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.”