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A study published in Nature Communications shows a promising approach to developing a universal influenza vaccine with the intention of conferring lifetime immunity against an evolving virus after a single dose. According to the investigators, the one and done vaccine platform was tested against the virus that is believed to be the most likely to trigger the next pandemic.1
Should a deadly virus such as H5N1 infect a human and ignite a pandemic, we need to quickly validate and deploy a new vaccine, said co-corresponding authorDouglas Reed, PhD, associate professor of immunology at the University of Pittsburgh Center for Vaccine Research, in a news release.1
For this study, the investigators wanted to determine if lung-resident effector memory T cells induced by cytomegalovirus (CMV)-vectored vaccines that expressed conserved internal influenza antigens could protect against lethal influenza challenge. To measure this, the investigators administered Mauritian cynomolgus macaques (MCM)nonhuman primateswith cynomolgus CMV (CyCMV) vaccines that express the H1N1 1918 influenza M1, NP, and PB1 antigens (CyCMV/Flu), and challenge with heterologous, aerosolized avian H5N1 influenza. A total of 11 MCMs were included in the study, as well as a control group of unvaccinated primates who were exposed to the H5N1 virus.2
The problem with influenza is that its not just 1 virus. Like the SARS-CoV-2 virus, its always evolving the next variant and were always left to chase where the virus was, not where its going to be, explained senior authorJonah Sacha, PhD, professor and chief of the Division of Pathobiology at Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, in the news release. It worked because the interior protein of the virus was so well preserved. So much so, that even after almost 100 years of evolution, the virus cant change those critically important parts of itself.1
The method, according to the investigators, involves administered small pieces of target pathogens into the common herpes virus CMVwhich infects most people in their lifetimesand typically produces mild to no symptoms in individuals. The virus acts as a vector that is designed to induce an immune response from the bodys own T cells. Additionally, the investigators note that this approach is different from common vaccines, including the flu vaccines, and are designed to induce an antibody response that targets the most recent evolution of the virus.1,2
According to the findings, all 6 unvaccinated MCMs died within 7 days post-infection because of acute respiratory distress, whereas 6 of the MCMs (54.5%) vaccinated for CyCMV/Flu survived. The investigators note that the MCMs that survived appeared to present correlations with the magnitude of lung-resident CD4+ T cells specific to influenza prior to challenge. These data, according to the investigators, demonstrate that CD4+ T cells targeting preserved internal influenza proteins and can protect against highly pathogenic heterologous influenza.2
Its exciting because in most cases, this kind of basic science research advances the science very gradually; in 20 years, it might become something, said Sacha in the news release. This could actually become a vaccine in 5 years or less. Its a very viable approach. For viruses of pandemic potential, its critical to have something like this. We set out to test influenza, but we dont know whats going to come next.1
The study suggests that CMV vaccines have the potential of generating effective and long-lasting immune responses against a wide variety of variants. Further, the promising findings support the need for additional research that explores effector memory T cell-based vaccines that can be used for the development of a universal influenza vaccine.1,2
I think it means within 5 to 10 years, a one-and-done shot for influenza is realistic, Sacha said. Its a massive sea change within our lifetimes. There is no question we are on the cusp of the next generation of how we address infectious disease.1
References
Question: Is it too early to get a flu shot? I know theres been a lot of attention on summer COVID-19, but Im more concerned about the flu because of a friends bad experience, and also because I am current on my COVID-19 boosters.
Answer: September and October are the best months for most people to get a flu shot, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Flu vaccination in July and August is not recommended for most people, but there are several considerations regarding vaccination during those months for specific groups, it says, noting that:
>> Pregnant women in their third trimester can get a flu vaccine in July or August to protect their babies from flu after birth, when they are too young to get vaccinated.
>> Children who need two doses of the flu vaccine should get their first dose of vaccine as soon as it becomes available. The second dose should be given at least four weeks after the first.
>> Vaccination in July or August can be considered for children who have healthcare visits during those months if there might not be another opportunity to vaccinate them.
Otherwise, adults, especially those 65 years old and older, and pregnant women in the first or second trimester should avoid getting their flu shot in July and August, unless they wont be able to get vaccinated in September or October, the CDC says.
Vaccination closer to the peak winter flu season is recommended because protection could decrease over time.
The CDC says that nearly everyone 6 months of age and older should get an annual flu shot. The updated 2024-2025 flu vaccines, which should be widely available before September, will be trivalent and will protect against an H1N1, H3N2 and a B/Victoria lineage virus, the CDC says.
Nationwide its estimated that more than 44,900 people died of flu complications during the 2023-2024 flu season, according to the CDC.
Q: I didnt get the most recent COVID-19 booster shot, and I figured I would wait until the new shot is out this fall, but a lot of people I know are getting COVID-19, so Im wondering about my options now.
A: The CDC website says people who have never been vaccinated against COVID-19 and those who have been vaccinated but feel they need additional protection and are eligible for another dose might consider getting the currently available 2023-2024 COVID vaccine. This decision should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider and you should consider that receiving the currently available COVID-19 vaccine could delay your eligibility to immediately get the updated 2024-2025 vaccine once it becomes available this fall.
Theres generally a four-month interval between COVID-19 doses.
Those who might benefit from a summer dose include people 65 years of age and older, those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised or have underlying medical conditions, people living in long-term care facilities, people of any age who have not received any doses of COVID- 19 vaccine, and pregnant women, especially those in late pregnancy, the CDC says.
Nationwide in 2023 more than 75,500 people died from COVID-19, the agency says.
Q: With the voting stuff, please emphasize that the voted ballot must be received by 7 p.m. Aug. 10 you cant just drop it in the mail that day. I was confused about this the first year we voted by mail, and my vote ending up not counting.
A: You are correct, and you are not the only reader who has mentioned this or asked for clarification. As you said, the postmark isnt the key factor. You may return your voted ballot by mail or in person at a designated place of deposit within your county. Voted ballots must be received by your County Elections Division by 7 p.m. on Election Day, the state Office of Elections says on its website.
Mahalo
Id like to thank some nice kids at the Kamiloiki skate park for encouraging my young son. They made room for him. I didnt say anything at the time because I didnt want to embarrass my son or the older kids, but I appreciate it. Grateful mom
Write to Kokua Line at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 7-500, Honolulu, HI 96813; call 808-529-4773; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.
TORONTO, July 26, 2024 /CNW/ - The National Advisory Committee on Immunizations (NACI) annual Statement on Seasonal Influenza Vaccines for 2024-2025 continues to recommend Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent among the preferential influenza vaccines, over standard dose influenza vaccines, to protect adults 65 years of age and older against influenza. According to NACI, Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent has the most substantial body of supporting evidence among preferentially recommended vaccines for adults 65 years of age and older.i
Delphine Lansac
General Manager, Vaccines Canada, Sanofi
More than one out of two seniors in Canada who received a flu shot were immunized with Fluzone High-Dose this past flu season. Fluzone High-Dose has a longstanding and consistent body of clinical evidence supporting its benefits to protect adults 65 years and older from influenza and reduce the risk of its potentially severe complications. As a leader in public health protection in Canada, with roots dating back 110 years, we are proud to soon be manufacturing Fluzone High-Dose right here in Toronto.
Dr. Angel Chu MD, FRCPC
In the newest NACI statement, Fluzone High-Dose continues to be recommended for adults 65 years of age and older. NACI also recognizes Fluzone High-Dose has the most substantial body of supporting evidence among flu vaccines for seniors.
Influenza can cause mild to severe illness, including approximately 12,000 hospitalizations and 3,500 deaths annually in Canadaii. Some populations, especially young children and adults 65 years of age and older, are at a higher risk for serious influenza complicationsiii. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent influenza and its complicationsiv.
Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine is specifically designed to provide protection for adults 65 years of age and older with 4 times the active component dosage of a standard vaccine. To date, Fluzone High-Dose is available in more than 20 countries including the US, Canada, and Germany and continues to be publicly funded in Canada by numerous provinces and territories.
Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine will transition to a trivalent formulation for the 2025-2026 influenza season. The timing of this transition is also in line with the recommendation of European health authorities. This is following the direction of the World Health Organization to exclude the B/Yamagata lineage from influenza vaccine formulations due to the absence of confirmed detection of naturally occurring B/Yamagata lineage viruses since March 2020. The benefits of annual influenza vaccination remain unchanged, whether trivalent or quadrivalent. There are no safety issues associated with the continued use of quadrivalent flu vaccines for all populations globally.
Sanofi is a committed public health partner providing life-saving vaccines and immunizations for Canadians and people worldwide. As a global leader in influenza vaccine development and manufacturing, we have met increasing demand for doses of both Fluzone Standard-Dose and High-Dose vaccines over the past 4 years. Our footprint in Canada continues to grow with two new vaccine manufacturing facilities in Toronto. This includes the countrys largest pediatric and booster vaccine manufacturing facility, now open, and a second facility that will produce Fluzone High-Dose.
About Sanofi
We are an innovative global healthcare company, driven by one purpose: we chase the miracles of science to improve peoples lives. Our team, across the world, is dedicated to transforming the practice of medicine by working to turn the impossible into the possible. We provide potentially life-changing treatment options and life-saving vaccine protection to millions of people globally, while putting sustainability and social responsibility at the center of our ambitions.
InCanada, we employ over 2,000 people. We invest 20% of our revenue annually in biopharma research (representing $1.2 billion CAD in R&D investment over the last decade) creating jobs, business, and opportunities throughout the country. We are also on track to deliver over $2 billion CAD in new infrastructure investments by 2028.
In 2024, we are celebrating 110 years of heritage dedicated to developing innovative health solutions for Canadians. What started as a small laboratory in May of 1914, recognized for having advanced some of the greatest contributions to public health, both nationally and globally, has evolved to become the largest biomanufacturing facility in Canada.
Sanofi is listed on EURONEXT: SAN and NASDAQ: SNY
_____________________
SOURCE SANOFI
(Precision Vaccinations News)
As flu shots arrive in local pharmacies next month, Canadians will have different vaccines to choose which is best for their needs.
To assist this decision process, the Canadian National Advisory Committee on Immunizations (NACI) annual Statement on Seasonal Influenza Vaccines for 2024-2025 recommends FluzoneHigh-Dose Quadrivalent among the preferential influenza vaccines over standard-dose influenza vaccines.
According to NACI on July 26, 2024, FluzoneHigh-Dose Quadrivalent has the most substantial body of supporting evidence among preferentially recommended vaccines for adults 65 years of age and older.
Dr.Angel ChuMD, FRCPC,Infectious disease specialist, Clinical Assistant Professor,University of Calgary, STI Clinic Calgary, and Vice-Chair of Immunize Canada, commented in a press release,In the newest NACI statement, FluzoneHigh-Dose continues to be recommended for adults 65 years of age and older. NACI also recognizes FluzoneHigh-Dose has the most substantial body of supporting evidence among flu vaccines for seniors.
Influenza can cause mild to severe illness.Some populations, especially young children and adults 65 and older, are at a higher risk for serious influenza complications.
Sanofi says vaccination is the most effective way to prevent influenza and its complications.
Earlier this year, the WHOrecommendedthattrivalentvaccinesbe deployed duringthe 2024-2025 northern hemisphere influenza season.
On June 27, 2024, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention vaccine committeemeeting included presentations focused on Considerationsand Proposed Recommendations for the 2024-25 Influenza Season in the United States. Physicians, nurses, andpharmacistscan offer patients up to nine different influenza vaccines for the2024 - 2025 flu season.
With the summer heat still lingering, discussions around flu shots and COVID-19 vaccinations are heating up too. As many people prepare for the changing seasons, health officials recommend proactive measures to stay protected against the flu, particularly as influenza viruses remain unpredictable.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has always emphasized the importance of flu vaccinations, advising that the ideal windows for receiving the flu shot are September and October. According to the CDC, it is important for most individuals to wait until then to ensure maximum protection as flu season peaks in winter. In fact, the agency has stated that "Flu vaccination in July and August is not recommended for most people." However, the CDC does recognize that there are special considerations for certain groups.
For example, pregnant women who are in their third trimester are encouraged to consider getting vaccinated during the summer months. This early vaccination helps protect newborns, who cannot receive a flu vaccine right away. Similarly, children who require two doses of the flu vaccine should receive the first dose as soon as it becomes available. The second dose must be given at least four weeks later, ensuring that they are adequately protected before flu season hits.
The backbone of flu vaccination recommendations is the recognition that building immunity earlier is crucial. For adults, especially those aged 65 and older, and pregnant women in the earlier trimesters, it's best to wait for the fall to get vaccinated unless they won't be able to return later. Taking vaccinations closer to the peak flu season means the protective effects of the vaccine will be at their strongest when flu viruses begin to circulate widely.
Nationwide, the threat of flu remains potent. The CDC reported that more than 44,900 people succumbed to flu complications during the lengthy 2023-2024 flu season. This grim statistic underscores the urgency of preparing for the upcoming flu season adequately.
In addition to flu vaccines, conversations about COVID-19 booster shots remain prevalent, especially as different variants continue to circulate. Many people have been reflecting on their vaccination statuses, prompting questions such as, "Is it wise to get the latest COVID-19 booster now or wait until the updated vaccine comes out this fall?" Health experts suggest that the decision could depend heavily on individual health circumstances.
The CDC advises that individuals who haven't been vaccinated against COVID-19 at all should consider getting the currently available vaccine as a safety measure. Furthermore, for those who have already been vaccinated but desire further protection due to rising case numbers, getting the existing booster is also an option. However, they may need to weigh this decision against potential delays in receiving the updated vaccine that emerges later in the fall.
Timing plays a significant role in vaccinations. The CDC noted that there is a general four-month interval recommended between COVID-19 doses. Notably, groups such as the elderly, those who are immunocompromised, and pregnant women, particularly in late pregnancy stages, may benefit from being vaccinated sooner rather than later.
While 2023's COVID-19 statistics are soberingover 75,500 people lost their liveswe continue to navigate vaccinations and preventative measures in an ongoing effort to manage the health landscape shaped by the pandemic. The overall takeaway? Its essential to stay informed about vaccination schedules and guidelines to safeguard personal health and the wellbeing of the community.
In the midst of health discussions, citizens have also raised clarifications regarding the voting process, particularly concerning mail-in ballots. Many people find themselves confused as to how the timeline operates for returning voted ballots.
An anxious voter reminded officials: "The voted ballot must be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day." This means that simply dropping the ballot in the mail that very day does not guarantee that the vote will be counted. As reiterated by the state Office of Elections and various local resources, voters are urged to ensure that their ballots reach the County Elections Division by the specified time.
Communication is essential; when elections roll around, people must be clear on deadlines and procedures to ensure their voices are heard. Its a community effort to boost participation in the democratic process, and every vote counts.
While some of these conversations may spark anxietywhether its about health or civic dutythe tight-knit Hawaiian community has shown an admirable resilience. Instances of encouragement, like young skateboarders supporting newcomers at local parks, highlight how kindness and support can help people navigate both personal and societal challenges.
By engaging with local events and supporting one another through shared experiences, Hawaiians can foster a spirit of community that extends beyond just health and voting. It's reminders like these that underscore the importance of empathy during times of uncertainty, be it through health measures or civic participation.
As summer wanes and fall approaches, health officials stress vigilance: not only in keeping up with vaccinations but also staying informed about electoral responsibilities. This dual focus on health and civic engagement prepares individuals and communities to face the flu season and participate effectively in democratic processes.
So as everyone gears up for the impending seasonal transitions, consider these aspects of wellness and responsibility. Whether youre contemplating a flu shot or wondering about voting deadlines, the essence lies in being proactive and taking informed steps toward securing health and ensuring participation.
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What is Influenza or Flu?
Influenza or flu is a viral infection of the nose, throat and lungs that can make anyone sick. It is not life-threatening in healthy individuals; however, older people, young children, pregnant women and those with chronic health problems are more likely to become seriously ill or be hospitalized.
Symptoms include fever, chills, fatigue, runny nose, cough, muscle aches and headaches.
Persons should consult with their medical provider before getting the seasonal flu shot if they:
The flu virus is contained in secretions from the nose and respiratory system of a person who has the flu. Viruses get in the air when the person sneezes or coughs. Covering a cough or sneeze with a tissue, mask or even a sleeve reduces the airborne virus. Flu viruses can also get on surfaces. When a person touches a surface contaminated with the flu virus and then touches their nose, mouth or mucus membranes, they can contract the flu.
General Prevention
Hand washingis one of the easiest and best ways to prevent infection and to avoid getting or passing on the flu virus. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers if washing facilities are not handy. Teach children how to wash their hands properly.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) offer these instructions for proper hand washing:
Flu season can begin as early as October and last as late as May. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that people get their seasonal flu vaccine as soon as vaccine becomes available in their community. Vaccination before December is best since this timing ensures that protective antibodies are in place before flu activity is typically at its highest.
People should get vaccinated every year. Even if the current flu vaccine protects against the same flu viruses as the previous years vaccine, immunity to flu viruses declines over time and may be too low to provide protection after a year.
Scientists in the US have developed a new universal form of influenza vaccine that they say could protect against all strains of the virus and do away with the annual scramble to match shots to circulating flu strains.
The team led by researchers at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) think their 'one and done' model which uses a cytomegalovirus (CMV) vector could confer lifetime immunity against the evolving virus.
While still in the animal testing stage, initial results published in Nature Communications have been promising against H5N1, a bird flu strain that is a frontrunner to cause a new pandemic.
In the past few years, a highly pathogenic strain of H5N1 has emerged that can jump between 50 animal species, raising the threat level, and leading the World Health Organization to suggest that the next pandemic is most likely to be caused by an influenza virus.
The OHSU team have demonstrated in non-human primates that their CyCMV/Flu candidates were able to protect animals from H5N1 even though the vaccines were based on a historic H1N1 strain of the virus that was responsible for the 1918 Spanish flu outbreak that killed millions of people worldwide.
In the study, six of 11 macaque monkeys inoculated with CyCMV/Flu survived after exposure to H5N1, which has a very high fatality rate. In contrast, a control group of six unvaccinated primates exposed to the H5N1 virus all died.
Jonah Sacha, head of pathobiology at the university's National Primate Research Center and one of the leaders of the programme, has suggested that it could be possible to develop the technology into a usable flu vaccine within the next five years.
That is partly because OHSU's CMV platform has already transitioned from the lab to clinical testing. The technology underpins a preventive HIV vaccine candidate developed by Vir Biotechnology, VIR-1388, that recently started phase 1 testing in the US and South Africa.
OHSU's method involves inserting small pieces of target pathogens into a weakened form of CMV, a virus that infects most people in their lifetimes and produces mild or no symptoms unless they are immunocompromised.
The virus acts as a vector specifically designed to induce an immune response from the body's T-cells, focusing on nucleoproteins found in the interior of the flu virus ( M1, NP, and PB1) that are less likely to mutate and evolve over time.
This approach differs from existing flu vaccines, which are designed to induce an antibody response that targets strains based on the arrangement of hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) glycoproteins covering the exterior surface.
"It worked because the interior protein of the virus was so well preserved," said Sacha. "So much so that, even after almost 100 years of evolution, the virus can't change those critically important parts of itself."
And, according to the researchers, the same approach could be used for other pandemic viruses, including COVID-19.
"It's a very viable approach," said Sacha. "For viruses of pandemic potential, it's critical to have something like this. We set out to test influenza, but we don't know what's going to come next."
Other groups are also working on ways to deliver a universal flu vaccine.
One team at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the US is running a phase 1 trial of a 'mosaic' vaccine, based on a virus-like particle (VLP) that displays HA antigens in repeating patterns on self-assembling nanoparticle scaffolds. Another is testing an mRNA-based vaccine coding for the tail portion of the HA antigen, which is more conserved between strains.
TORONTO, July 26, 2024 /CNW/ - The National Advisory Committee on Immunization's (NACI) annual Statement on Seasonal Influenza Vaccines for 2024-2025 continues to recommend FluzoneHigh-Dose Quadrivalent among the preferential influenza vaccines, over standard dose influenza vaccines, to protect adults 65 years of age and older against influenza. According to NACI, Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent has the most substantial body of supporting evidence among preferentially recommended vaccines for adults 65 years of age and older.i
Delphine Lansac
General Manager, Vaccines Canada, Sanofi
"More than one out of two seniors in Canada who received a flu shot were immunized with FluzoneHigh-Dose this past flu season. FluzoneHigh-Dose has a longstanding and consistent body of clinical evidence supporting its benefits to protect adults 65 years and older from influenza and reduce the risk of its potentially severe complications. As a leader in public health protection in Canada, with roots dating back 110 years, we are proud to soon be manufacturing Fluzone High-Dose right here in Toronto."
Dr. Angel Chu MD, FRCPCInfectious disease specialist, Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Calgary, STI Clinic Calgary, and Vice-Chair of Immunize Canada
"In the newest NACI statement, Fluzone High-Dose continues to be recommended for adults 65 years of age and older. NACI also recognizes Fluzone High-Dose has the most substantial body of supporting evidence among flu vaccines for seniors."
Influenza can cause mild to severe illness, including approximately 12,000 hospitalizations and 3,500 deaths annually in Canadaii. Some populations, especially young children and adults 65 years of age and older, are at a higher risk for serious influenza complicationsiii. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent influenza and its complicationsiv.
Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine is specifically designed to provide protection for adults 65 years of age and older with 4 times the active component dosage of a standard vaccine. To date, Fluzone High-Dose is available in more than 20 countries including the US, Canada, and Germany and continues to be publicly funded in Canada by numerous provinces and territories.
Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine will transition to a trivalent formulation for the 2025-2026 influenza season. The timing of this transition is also in line with the recommendation of European health authorities. This is following the direction of the World Health Organization to exclude the B/Yamagata lineage from influenza vaccine formulations due to the absence of confirmed detection of naturally occurring B/Yamagata lineage viruses since March 2020. The benefits of annual influenza vaccination remain unchanged, whether trivalent or quadrivalent. There are no safety issues associated with the continued use of quadrivalent flu vaccines for all populations globally.
Sanofi is a committed public health partner providing life-saving vaccines and immunizations for Canadians and people worldwide. As a global leader in influenza vaccine development and manufacturing, we have met increasing demandfor doses ofboth FluzoneStandard-Dose and High-Dose vaccinesover the past 4 years. Ourfootprint in Canada continues to grow with two new vaccine manufacturing facilities in Toronto. This includes the country's largest pediatric and booster vaccine manufacturing facility, now open, and a second facility that will produce FluzoneHigh-Dose.
About Sanofi
We are an innovative global healthcare company, driven by one purpose: we chase the miracles of science to improve people's lives. Our team, across the world, is dedicated to transforming the practice of medicine by working to turn the impossible into the possible. We provide potentially life-changing treatment options and life-saving vaccine protection to millions of people globally, while putting sustainability and social responsibility at the center of our ambitions.
InCanada, we employ over 2,000 people. We invest 20% of our revenue annually in biopharma research (representing $1.2 billion CAD in R&D investment over the last decade) creating jobs, business, and opportunities throughout the country. We are also ontrack to deliver over $2 billion CAD in new infrastructure investments by 2028.
In 2024, we are celebrating 110 years of heritage dedicated to developing innovative health solutions for Canadians. What started as a small laboratory in May of 1914, recognized for having advanced some of the greatest contributions to public health, both nationally and globally, has evolved to become the largest biomanufacturing facility in Canada.
Sanofi is listed on EURONEXT: SAN and NASDAQ: SNY
_____________________
SOURCE SANOFI
For more information and media inquiries, please contact: Alana Vineberg, +1 416-529-1654, [emailprotected]
Just imagine, a world where vaccines must be administered only once for lifetime immunity. Well, thanks to groundbreaking research led by the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), were witnessing the dawn of a one and done vaccine promising lifetime protection against the ever-evolving influenza virus.
Dr. Jonah Sacha, a senior co-author of the study and head of the Division of Pathobiology at OHSUs Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC), is the brain behind this research.
Its exciting because in most cases, this kind of basic science research advances the science very gradually; in 20 years, it might become something, said Dr. Sacha. This could actually become a vaccine in five years or less.
The problem with influenza is that its not just one virus, said Dr. Sacha. Like the SARS-CoV-2 virus, its always evolving the next variant and were always left to chase where the virus was, not where its going to be.
Study co-senior author Dr.Simon Barratt-Boyes, professor of infectious diseases, microbiology and immunology at Pitt, noted that the inhalation of aerosolized H5N1 influenza virus causes a cascade of events that can trigger respiratory failure.
The immunity induced by the vaccine was sufficient to limit virus infection and lung damage, protecting the monkeys from this very serious infection, said Dr. Barratt-Boyes.
The novelty lies in the unconventional approach used for the research. Instead of fighting the contemporary H5N1 virus, the experts immunized primates against the infamous influenza virus of 1918, the one that brought the world to its knees.
What did the researchers find? A robust immune response.
The experiment involved inoculating 11 nonhuman primates against the century-old nemesis, and exposing them to the deadly H5N1. Six of them lived, while the control group of six unvaccinated primates did not survive.
It worked because the interior protein of the virus was so well preserved, explained Dr. Sacha. So much so, that even after almost 100 years of evolution, the virus cant change those critically important parts of itself.
Traditional vaccines focus on the exterior surface proteins of viruses, which mutate faster than Usain Bolt runs. This often leaves us trying to hit a moving target. The wizards at OHSU took a different route. They focused on the internal structural proteins, which remain relatively stable over time.
This translates into a stationary target for our bodys T cells to destroy, regardless of whether the virus is an old nemesis or a new variant. Using a century-old template for their experiment and achieving success is a testament to this novel approach.
Dr. Sacha believes that the platform could be effective against other mutating viruses including SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
The same vaccine platform is currently being used in a clinical trial against HIV, another formidable virus. Moreover, a recent publication by the same scientists suggests possible applications in targeting specific cancer cells.
As this research progresses, there are numerous implications for public health and disease management. A universal influenza vaccine could significantly reduce the global burden of seasonal flu epidemics and pandemic outbreaks.
According to Dr. Sacha, a one-shot solution for influenza could be a reality in five to 10 years. We might be on the brink of a revolution in how we address infectious diseases.
The research was made possible thanks to support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges grant awards and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases of the National Institutes of Health, among other contributors.
Its a massive sea change within our lifetimes, said Dr. Sacha. There is no question we are on the cusp of the next generation of how we address infectious disease.
This research isnt just about fighting influenza its about our journey toward a healthier future. Its about the evolution of medical science and our relentless pursuit of solutions.
And above all, its about hope for a world where one shot is all we need to stay safe from the ceaseless mutations of deadly viruses. Could the era of one and done vaccines be just around the corner? Only time will tell.
The study is published in the journalNature Communications.
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Although much progress has been made in managing the current Monkeypox (mpox) outbreak with vaccines and changes in behavior, it remains crucial to stay alert and adapt new strategies to prevent future crisis, according to co-presenters at the International AIDS 2024 Conference in Munich, Germany who presented on the current mpox outbreak this week.
Currently, the world is experiencing the spread of the Clade 2b monkeypox virus.
Mpox was introduced 60 years ago, traditionally being transmitted from animals to humans through bites, scratches or contaminated meat. However, the 2022 outbreak saw a dramatic shift, with the virus primarily spreading through close contact during sex.
Initially identified in monkeys, mpox was first found in humans in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to Chloe Orkin from the SHARE Collaborative Centre for Immunobiology.
Today, the clade 2b outbreak has reached alarming proportions, with over 94,000 confirmed cases reported across 117 countries, including significant numbers in the U.S. and Brazil, and up to 103 deaths.
Orkin highlighted how declining herd immunity, due to waning smallpox vaccination coverage, and rapid viral evolution played a role in the pandemics severity.
To date, Clade 2b has been found to affect younger men who have sex with men (MSM), who are linked to high rates of HIV co-infection.
Andrea Antinori from the Istituto Nazionale per le Malattie Infettive Lazzaro Spallanzani, shared Italys response to the outbreak.
Italy reported over 1,000 cases of Monkeypox, mainly among men, between May and December 2022.
The Italian vaccination campaign, launched in August 2022, used the modified vaccinia Ankara-Bavarian Nordic vaccine and targeted high-risk populations, such as MSM.
Over 6,000 doses were administered, covering 44% of the target population, including individuals with HIV and those on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
Antinori highlighted the success of Italys vaccination strategy, noting a significant decline in cases following the campaign.
The decrease was likely due to a combination of reduced risk behavior, public health factors, and probably even the effect of the vaccination campaign, he said.
Also supporting the successful response in Italy, he discussed how using intradermal vaccine shots has been helpful for saving on vaccine doses, although this method can cause more local reactions, such as redness or swelling, its just as effective as the traditional subcutaneous shots.
In addition, previous studies conducted over time have shown that the vaccine continues to work effectively, with strong immune responses lasting well after getting both doses.
Antinori did, however, stress the need for ongoing vaccination efforts and potential booster doses, especially for those previously infected, to manage and mitigate the outbreak in Italy effectively.
Vaccine uptake and behaviors among sexual and gender minorities in response to the outbreak were also addressed during the session.
Drawing on U.S. data, Christian Grov from the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, provided valuable insights into the outbreaks trajectory, response strategies and continous challenges.
Grov observed that bisexual individuals, those not engaged in PrEP care and those not in HIV care were less likely to get vaccinated. He also noted significant disparities in vaccine access, with white individuals more likely to receive vaccines compared to people of color.
In response to the success rate in Italy, Grov stressed the importance of behavioral changes, community collaboration and vaccination in controlling the outbreak. He reflected on the similarities between Italy's and the U.S.s vaccine rollouts, noting the vaccine rollout in Italy mirrored what happened in the U.S.
He also addressed vaccine resistance among certain groups, stating, What I want you to know is that we saw significant resistance to the vaccine among people who had not received it, which started to increase as the initial epidemic began to wane.
In a study involving over 8,000 individuals recruited mainly from hookup apps, Grov presented its data revealing that while participants initially reduced their number of sex partners and engaged in fewer sex acts, behaviors reverted as the outbreak waned.
Vaccine uptake increased initially but plateaued, with only 35% of participants having received at least one vaccine dose by November 2022, leaving many still vulnerable.
Though this study had limitations such as potential duplicate responses and the need for better-worded questions, Grov highlighted the critical need for continued vigilance and vaccination efforts to prevent future outbreaks, noting that many individuals remain at risk for Monkeypox.
