A new recombinant flu vaccine developed by a research team at the University at Buffalo has shown promising results in animal models, according to a study published in the journal Cell Reports Medicine. This vaccine, based on a nanoliposome platform called CoPoP, aims to address the shortcomings of traditional flu vaccines by inducing stronger and broader immunity.
Traditional flu vaccines are made using deactivated or weakened forms of the influenza virus and are typically produced using chicken eggs or cell cultures. The UB-led team’s vaccine, on the other hand, utilizes nanoliposomes combined with recombinant influenza proteins to enhance the immune system’s response to the virus. In their study, they attached six proteins from two different protein groups, along with adjuvants to boost immune response, to the nanoliposome.
Tests in animal models showed that the hexaplex nanoliposome provided superior protection and survival rates against common flu strains compared to existing vaccines. The combination of proteins led to synergistic effects, resulting in the production of functional antibodies and activation of T cells critical for fighting off serious flu infections.
Lead author Zachary Sia, a PhD candidate in the lab, highlights the importance of including both hemagglutinin and neuraminidase antigens in vaccines to achieve broader immunity and enable the production of more doses with fewer materials. The study, which also includes scientists from McGill University, has filed patents related to the work with The Research Foundation for the State University of New York.
While further testing and validation are needed, the early results of this new flu vaccine Technology are promising. The study was funded in part by the National Institutes of Health.
In conclusion, the development of a new recombinant flu vaccine with the potential to enhance immunity and reduce the likelihood of illness and death marks a significant advancement in influenza vaccine research. This innovative approach shows promise in addressing the limitations of current flu vaccines and opens up new possibilities for combating flu outbreaks and other infectious diseases in the future.
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