Rodent of the Week: closing in on a universal flu vaccine

Shari Roan
LA Times

07/02/2010

Flu viruses mutate rapidly, meaning that vaccines against the flu have to be continually updated to target the latest strains. Moreover, antiviral medications to combat flu sometimes become ineffective because of viral mutations. Thus, finding a so-called universal flu vaccine that could be used against a wide range of viruses over a longer period of time has been a long-held dream of medical experts and the subject of a lot of research.

Scientists reported this week that they have taken another step toward a possible universal flu vaccine. They discovered a target on the influenza A virus that has not changed much — unlike other regions of the virus — called influenza matrix 2 protein (M2e). The researchers then found rare, naturally occurring antibodies in humans that target the protein. When these antibodies were given to mice infected with influenza, 60% to 80% recovered compared to a 10% survival rate in the untreated mice. The antibodies protected against two influenza strains: seasonal human H1N1 and an avian flu, H5N1.

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About the author

VT

Jeffry John Aufderheide is the father of a child injured as a result of vaccination. As editor of the website www.vactruth.com he promotes well-educated pediatricians, informed consent, and full disclosure and accountability of adverse reactions to vaccines.