| Image: Stanford medicine |
Researchers at Stanford Medicine have reported a significant breakthrough toward a potential universal respiratory vaccine, demonstrating broad protection against multiple infections and allergens in a mouse study.
The findings, published on November 19 in Science journal, describe an experimental intranasal vaccine that provided months-long lung protection in laboratory mice. Unlike traditional vaccines that target specific pathogens, this approach appears to offer defense against a wide range of respiratory threats.
In preclinical testing, vaccinated mice showed protection against SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses, bacterial infections such as Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii, as well as common allergens like house dust mites.
The study was led by senior author Bali Pulendran, professor of microbiology and immunology, with Haibo Zhang serving as lead author.
Traditional vaccines work by mimicking specific components of a pathogen such as the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 enabling the immune system to recognize and respond rapidly to future infections. However, these antigen-targeted vaccines can lose effectiveness when viruses mutate, requiring updated shots like annual flu vaccines and COVID-19 boosters.
The newly developed formula takes a different approach, aiming to generate broader immune readiness rather than targeting a single viral feature. While most universal vaccine efforts focus on protecting against an entire family of viruses, this strategy seeks protection across diverse pathogens.
Researchers caution that the findings are currently limited to animal models. Further studies and clinical trials will be required to determine whether similar protection can be achieved safely in humans. If successful, such a vaccine could reduce the need for multiple seasonal immunisations and offer rapid defense against emerging pandemic threats.
(This story was taken from syndicated feed and was only edited for style by Gujarat Samachar Digital team)
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