An experimental influenza vaccine carrying more than 80,000 variations of hemagglutinin antigens caused the immune system of mice and ferrets to respond more strongly to less variable portions of the virus. This is a big step forward in efforts at the Duke Human Vaccine Institute to develop a universal, long-lasting flu shot.
Duke researchers have opened a new avenue in the attack against influenza viruses by creating a vaccine that encourages the immune system to target a portion of the virus surface that is less variable.
"On the virus particle, there's five to 10 times more hemagglutinin than neuraminidase," said Nicholas Heaton, PhD, an associate professor of molecular genetics and microbiology at Duke who led the research."If we took your blood to see if are you likely to be protected from a strain of flu, we'd be measuring what your antibodies do to hemagglutinin as the best metric of what's likely to happen to you.
"A number of groups have gone through and experimentally mutagenized the whole hemagglutinin and asked 'which areas can change and still allow the hemagglutinin to function?'" Heaton explained."And the answer is, you can't really change the stalk and expect it to continue to function." Because of the broad variety of head conformations being presented to the immune system and the relative consistency of the stalks, these vaccines produced more antibodies to the stalk portion of hemagglutinin in response."The opportunity for the immune system to see that over and over and over like it needs to is compromised because there's diversity there," Heaton said.
The next steps of the research will attempt to understand whether the same level of immunity can be achieved by presenting fewer than 80,000 hemagglutinin variants.
Cold And Flu Bird Flu Vaccines Immune System Viruses Infectious Diseases Lymphoma
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Duke and Duchess of Sussex to Produce Two New Series for Streaming PlatformThe Duke and Duchess of Sussex have announced that they will be producing two new series for a streaming platform. One of the series, curated by Meghan Markle herself, will celebrate cooking, gardening, entertaining, and friendship. The other series will provide viewers with unprecedented access to the world of professional polo.
Read more »
New Name Emerges in Duke Basketball Transfer Portal PursuitsOn the lookout for more backcourt depth, the Duke basketball coaches have contacted one prolific mid-major guard in former UTSA star Jordan Ivy-Curry.
Read more »
Mama's Day tasting event returns with new leader, new location and new dateNow in its 33rd year, the annual food event raises money for Mama's Kitchen charity, which provides home-delivered meals to critically ill San Diegans
Read more »
‘New energy, new era’: Texans unveiling new uniforms ahead of NFL DraftTexans to unveil four new uniforms April 23 at reveal party
Read more »
Texans unveil new uniforms, helmets: ‘New energy, new era’Texans roll out new uniforms
Read more »
Dua Lipa tries out new sound and new outlook with new album 'Radical Optimism'While promoting her third album 'Radical Optimism,' Dua Lipa visited a New York public high school with Drew Barrymore. Lipa discusses her career and the new sound of the album.
Read more »