Kriti PatelTLDR:
- Researchers at the University at Buffalo have developed a promising recombinant flu vaccine using nanoliposome technology.
- The vaccine showed superior protection and survival rates in animal models when compared to existing flu vaccines.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo have developed a new recombinant flu vaccine using nanoliposome technology that has demonstrated promising results in animal models. The vaccine, described in a study published in the journal Cell Reports Medicine, has the potential to compete with existing flu vaccines on the market.
Traditional flu vaccines are based on deactivated or weakened forms of the virus, while the new nanoliposome-based vaccine developed by the UB-led team utilizes a nanoliposome platform called CoPoP. This platform allows immune response promoting proteins to be displayed on the surface of the nanoliposome, enhancing vaccine efficacy.
The researchers attached six proteins, including hemagglutinins and neuraminidases, to the nanoliposome, along with adjuvants to boost the immune response. The resulting “hexaplex” nanoliposome showed superior protection and survival rates in animal models when tested against common flu strains H1N1, H3N2, and type B.
The adjuvanted nanoliposomes in the vaccine candidate led to the production of functional antibodies and activation of T cells, which are essential for fighting off flu infections. The researchers believe that this new vaccine technology may offer broader immunity and improved protection against influenza, potentially reducing illness and death rates associated with the virus.
While further testing and validation are needed, the early results from this study are promising and could pave the way for the development of more effective flu vaccines in the future.
