Japan To Develop a “universal” Flu Vaccine
Japan MHLW research team recently developed to fight against multiple subtypes of influenza virus vaccines, and through animal experiments confirmed that even if the virus mutate, the vaccine remains effective.
According to Japan’s “Yomiuri Shimbun” reported on the 29th, the normal flu vaccine to cover the surface of the virus, gill-like protein-based production, post-vaccination, once the virus penetrated the body, antibodies can identify thorn-like protein,
Thereby preventing the proliferation of the virus. However, the existence of influenza virus surface protein thorn-like shape of a variety of different subtypes, and gill-like protein frequent mutation, the annual influenza season before entering the relevant departments should forecast which was popular several subtypes and re-production of vaccines. If projections are accurate, the effect of the vaccine will not be satisfactory.
Japan’s National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Hokkaido University, Saitama Medical University and chemicals manufacturers oil companies in Japan Study Group to change the idea of synthetic surface protein, compared with less variation of the virus internal protein, and protein attachment to this special lipid membrane, made of a vaccine. The vaccine inoculation, the immune cells will attack the virus infected cells.
In the experiment, the researchers analyzed the type of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus, A Soviet-type (H1N1 subtype) of influenza virus in Hong Kong and A-type (H3N2 subtype) of influenza virus A total of three internal protein, and use it as basis for the development of the vaccine. Then, they gave through genetic manipulation with human immune-related genes in mice vaccinated, and the above-mentioned three kinds of mice infected with the virus. A result, the mice did not show symptoms, the proliferation of viruses has also been inhibited.
The researchers said that because the new mechanism of influenza vaccine is different from the previous vaccine, can not be judged for human use would bring about serious side effects. Therefore, this vaccine into practical applications also require several years of research.
I hope a breakthrough comes with this vaccine.