Ultimately, one spray may be able to prevent multiple infections at the same time.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine new vaccine This could potentially prevent multiple viruses such as the new coronavirus infection, influenza, and pneumonia at once.
The vaccine is administered “intranasally.” nasal sprayAccording to a Stanford Medicine press release, this provides “broad protection for the lungs for several months.”
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Researchers say this is the closest science has come to developing a universal vaccine to prevent infection. respiratory virusbacteria and allergens.
The study, published in the journal Science, looked at the effects of the vaccine on mice. The animals received a nasal spray, some receiving multiple doses every other week.
Next, all mice were exposed to a respiratory virus. Vaccinated mice were protected for at least three months, while unvaccinated mice showed dramatic symptoms. weight loss Disease, lung inflammation, and death are the causes. All vaccinated mice survived and had clear lungs, the release states.
Vaccinated mice were also found to be protected from infection. SARS-CoV02 and other coronavirusescommon nosocomial infections such as Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii, and common allergens such as dust mites.
Rather than targeting a single virus, a universal vaccine would train the lung’s immune system to “provide broad protection against many different respiratory viruses,” Dr. Vali Purendran, professor of microbiology and immunology at Stanford University and lead study author, told Fox News Digital.
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“Vaccines prepare the lungs to fight many different respiratory viruses, including new ones, by reprogramming innate immune cells that become active within hours of infection,” he said.
In humans, such a vaccine could “replace multiple annual injections for seasonal respiratory infections and in case a new pandemic virus emerges,” Purendran said.
“Imagine getting a nasal spray that protects you from all respiratory viruses in the fall, including COVID-19, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, and the common cold. bacterial pneumonia “It will change medical practice,” the researchers said.
The findings suggest that the immune system “can be trained to build a more general immune system.” antiviral defense In the lungs,” Purendran added.
The researchers acknowledged that the study had some limitations.
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it is Preclinical research Pulendran said the study was conducted in animal models, making it “an important proof of concept rather than a finished human vaccine.”
“While the results are encouraging, additional research is needed to determine safety, optimal dosing, and efficacy in humans,” he added.
Purendran said the study does not change current medical advice and the public should continue to rely on approved vaccines and vaccinations. public health guidance.
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“Our goal is not to replace current vaccines, but to complement them by developing strategies that can provide an additional layer of protection against a wide range of respiratory threats, including future pandemics,” Purendran added. “Translation to humans requires care. clinical examination. ”
Scientists’ next step will be to test the vaccine on humans. With enough funding, Purendran predicts a vaccine could be available within five to seven years.
Dr. Robert H. Hopkins Jr., medical director of the Arkansas-based National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, acknowledged that there has been “a long interest” in developing a universal vaccine.
Professor Hopkins, who was not involved in the study, cautioned that the immune response in mice is not the same as that in humans.
“While this process is a fascinating concept and the research is very interesting, many additional steps need to be completed successfully and safely before we can consider this in humans,” he told FOX News Digital.
“It will likely take many years, significant financial investment, and multiple additional studies to know whether this particular universal vaccine candidate can be safely administered to humans and whether it has similar protective effects.” respiratory bacteria And the virus. ”
This research was funded by the National Institutes of Health, the Violetta L. Horton Professorial Endowment, the Sofa Foundation Endowment, and Open Philanthropy.
