Promising results for a universal vaccine against colds, flu, COVID-19, and allergies
Scientists say they have achieved promising results toward a vaccine against colds, flu, COVID-19 and allergies, following a study conducted on mice.
The vaccine, which can be given as a nasal spray, was developed by experts at Stanford University School of Medicine in the United States.
The researchers explained that the vaccine may provide protection against a wide range of respiratory viruses , bacteria, and allergy triggers .
The scientists noted that the vaccine provided protection in the lungs of mice that underwent months of trials against COVID and other strains of coronaviruses , as well as against Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter bacteria that can lead to infections in the blood, urinary tract, lungs, or wounds, in addition to house dust mites.
Scientists believe that this form of vaccine, if applied to humans, could eliminate the need for several injections per year to prevent winter respiratory infections.
The lead author of the study, published in the journal Science, Dr. Bali Bolendran of Stanford University, said: “I think what we have is a universal vaccine against a variety of respiratory threats. Imagine having a nasal spray in the fall months that protects you against all respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, influenza, RSV and the common cold, as well as bacterial pneumonia and allergies in early spring,” as reported by Sky News.
Researchers now hope to begin human trials of the vaccine, with a safety trial planned first, followed by a broader trial in which patients are exposed to the infection to test its effectiveness.
Polendran believes that two doses of the nasal spray may be sufficient to provide protection in humans.
Polendran estimated that the vaccine could become available in the medical sector within 5 to 7 years if sufficient funding is available.
In the experiment, mice were given a drop of the vaccine through the nose, and the researchers were able to demonstrate that they were protected. They showed that the beneficial immune T cells in the lungs, which fight pathogens, were able to send signals to the body’s innate immune cells to keep them active.
Instead of trying to mimic a part of the microbe itself, the vaccine mimics the signals that immune cells use to communicate with each other during infection.
The vaccine contains a harmless antigen that attracts T cells to the lungs to help the body fight off pathogens for weeks or months.
References
Promising results for a universal vaccine against colds, flu, COVID-19, and allergies, sky news arabia, www.skynewsarabia.com/technology/1854337-نتائج-واعدة-للقاح-شامل-ضد-البرد-والإنفلونزا-وكوفيد-والحساسية