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In a significant breakthrough amid the global rise in H5N1 cases, US scientists have developed an experimental mRNA vaccine aimed at combating avian, or bird, flu infections. Leveraging the technology behind Covid-19 vaccines, this new development offers a promising tool in the fight against the highly pathogenic H5N1 virus.
The preclinical models, detailed in the journal Nature Communications, revealed that the vaccine is highly effective in preventing severe illness and death caused by the H5N1 virus. Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania conducted the study, showcasing the potential of the vaccine to manage the ongoing outbreak of H5N1 in birds and cattle in the US, and to prevent human infections.
Professor Scott Hensley, from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, highlighted the advantages of mRNA technology in vaccine development. “mRNA technology enables us to be much more agile in developing vaccines,” Hensley stated. He emphasized that mRNA vaccines can be designed “within hours of sequencing a new viral strain with pandemic potential.”
Unlike traditional influenza vaccines, which require eggs for development, mRNA vaccines can be quickly and easily adapted to protect against various strains of influenza viruses. The new vaccine targets a specific subtype of the H5N1 virus and has demonstrated a strong antibody and T-cell response in both mice and ferrets during testing.
Remarkably, the vaccinated animals maintained high levels of antibodies even a year after receiving the jab. Among those infected with H5N1, the vaccine facilitated rapid virus clearance and resulted in fewer symptoms compared to unvaccinated counterparts. Notably, all unvaccinated animals succumbed to the H5N1 infection, underscoring the vaccine’s potential efficacy.
This development marks a significant step forward in the global efforts to control avian influenza and mitigate its impact on both animal and human health. The researchers are optimistic that with further development and testing, this mRNA vaccine could become a crucial tool in preventing future outbreaks of H5N1 and other influenza viruses.
