Flames Could Be the Key to a More Effective Flu Vaccine

November 3, 2018 – 11:56
A group of scientists has succeeded in producing a new antibody based on the immune system of these animals.

An international group of scientists has managed to produce a new antibody based on the immune system of llamas, with which they hope to develop an effective vaccine against all types of influenza, according to a study published Friday by the journal Science. [19659003] By mixing llamas and human antibodies, the researchers were able to generate a vaccine offering long-lasting protection against two influenza strains A and B.

The experiment was successfully tested in mice infected with lethal doses of the influenza virus. . Based on the immune system of the flames, the scientists were able to cure the mice and hope that these results open up a new opportunity to find a vaccine for humans.

The Survey

The survey is led by Nick Laursen, of Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla (California, USA) and according to the results published in the latest issue of Science The vaccine developed was able to prevent the infection of several strains of the flu.

But what excited the researchers most was that they managed to protect old and immunodeficient mice infected with high doses of the H1N1 strain, better known as "influenza A".

According to the results published in Science the research work focused on the development of a "mul domain" antibody, c that is, it simultaneously protects against different types of flu.

The experiment succeeded in directly attacking the hemagglutinin, a protein of the outer layer of the virus, which eventually adhered to the cells of the respiratory system.

The researchers decided to use flames because of the peculiarities of their immune system, which facilitates the manipulation of antibodies because they are much smaller than those of humans and allow access to more distant places.

Scientists have stated that it was still too early to determine whether these findings could apply to humans, said that a door is open to finding a vaccine against flu, whose virus is one of the most difficult to attack because of the number of strains it has.

The antibody they developed, the MD3606, could primarily be used to protect the most vulnerable population, such as people over 65 years of age.

"The rapid onset of protection, as well as the unprecedented cross-reactivity of MD3606 (the antibody developed) with the strains of Avian Influenza also offers the possibility to use this approach as a prophylaxis immediately after the onset of an influenza pandemic, which offers considerable advantages over vaccination, "says the study.

Maria Limberis also participated in the research. recognized specialist from the University of Pennsylvania, United States.