Made with mRNA technology like the COVID-19 vaccine
Effective against more than 20 flu viruses… Clinical trial results are yet to come
[아시아경제 윤슬기 기자] A study has shown that a seasonal influenza (flu) vaccine using a 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 one vaccine.
According to foreign media on the 24th, researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania 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, it is effective. appeared to be
mRNA technology is a method of injecting LNP containing mRNA replication instructions into the body without directly administering the pathogen, copying the protein on the surface of the flu virus on its own, and synthesizing it into the antigen protein of the pathogen in the cell. Earlier, Pfizer and Moderna also developed a COVID-19 vaccine using mRNA technology.
Influenza viruses are largely classified into four types: A, B, C, and D. Of these, type A, which has 18 subtypes, and type B, which has two lineages, cause seasonal flu epidemics every year. Currently, influenza vaccines are classified into trivalent and quadrivalent depending on the number of virus types included in the vaccine, and show preventive effects on only 3 to 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 alleviating symptoms and reducing deaths against flu viruses other than the 20 viruses. However, the results of clinical trials of the new vaccine have not yet been released.
The results of this study were published in the international scientific journal ‘Science’. In a commentary on the meaning of this study, Science said, “A universal flu vaccine that is effective against all 20 (seasonal flu viruses) will help prevent the next pandemic.” (With this study as an opportunity) The road to a universal flu vaccine has been opened,” he said.
Reporter Yoon Seul-gi [email protected]