Made with mRNA technology like the COVID-19 vaccine
Effective against more than 20 influenza viruses… Clinical trial results are yet to come
[아시아경제 윤슬기 기자] A study showed that a seasonal flu (flu) vaccine using new messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) technology was effective against more than 20 viruses. It is a “universal flu vaccine” that can prevent all types of seasonal flu with just one vaccine.
According to the 24 Foreign Press, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine have designed an mRNA vaccine that can prevent 20 influenza viruses using lipid nanoparticle (LNP) technology and as a result of animal experiments on mice and ferrets (weasel), it is effective
mRNA technology is a method of injecting LNP containing mRNA replication instructions in the body without directly injecting the pathogen, copying the protein on the surface of the influenza virus by itself and synthesizing it into the pathogen’s antigen protein in the cell. Previously, Pfizer and Moderna also developed a COVID-19 vaccine using mRNA technology.
Influenza viruses are broadly classified into four types: A, B, C, and D. Of these, type A, which has 18 subtypes, and type B, which has two strains, cause seasonal influenza epidemics each year. Current influenza vaccines are classified into trivalent and quadrivalent according to the number of virus types included in the vaccine, and show preventive effects on only 3 or 4 specific virus types.
As a result of the experiment, the animal’s immune system recognized the replicated virus surface proteins and formed antibodies, showing a protective effect against 20 viruses, and the antibodies were maintained for 4 months. In addition, the vaccine candidate was effective in relieving symptoms and reducing deaths caused by influenza viruses other than the 20 viruses. However, the results of the new vaccine’s clinical trials have not yet been disclosed.
The results of this study have been published in the international scientific journal “Science”. Commenting on the significance of this study, Science said, “A universal flu vaccine effective against all 20 (seasonal influenza viruses) will help prevent the next pandemic.” vaccine has been opened,” he said.
Reporter Yoon Seoul-gi [email protected]
