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Researchers have uncovered a new class of antibodies that showcase the potential to neutralize various forms of the flu virus. These immune proteins hold promise in developing vaccines offering broader protection against multiple flu strains.
Flu vaccines trigger the production of antibodies that bind to a viral protein, hemagglutinin, effectively obstructing the virus from infiltrating cells. However, flu strains frequently mutate, evading existing antibodies and necessitating yearly vaccine updates.
Scientists have been diligently working to formulate vaccines capable of shielding against numerous flu strains, particularly targeting subtypes H1 and H3, which encompass multiple strains causing widespread infections.
At the University of Pittsburgh, researchers delved into a challenge in this pursuit—the 133a insertion, a slight modification in certain H1 strains that affects the binding of specific antibodies, preventing them from neutralizing the virus.
Through extensive experimentation with patient blood samples, the team unveiled a new category of antibodies adept at neutralizing both select H1 and H3 strains, regardless of the presence of the 133a insertion.
These antibodies possess unique molecular characteristics, setting them apart from other antibodies capable of cross-neutralizing H1 and H3 strains through different mechanisms. Their discovery expands the potential arsenal of antibodies for crafting flu vaccines that confer broader protection against diverse flu strains.
This groundbreaking research, published in PLOS Biology, advocates a shift from the prevalent method of producing flu vaccines using chicken eggs. The findings suggest that eliciting more comprehensive immunity against the flu might be more achievable than previously assumed.
Holly Simmons from the University’s School of Medicine expressed optimism about the discovery, highlighting its implications for devising more effective vaccines. The study emphasizes the possibility of humans developing robust antibody responses capable of neutralizing a range of flu viruses, paving the way for enhanced vaccine design strategies.
