For respiratory viruses such as influenza, infection typically begins in the nose.
This has prompted researchers to consider whether the immune system should be activated precisely there.
According to WashU Medicine, interest has grown as H5N1 bird flu continues to spread among animals and, in some cases, infect humans.
The virus’s circulation among animals creates opportunities for it to change and eventually pose a greater risk to humans.
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Challenges with current vaccines
Existing influenza vaccines are administered by injection and are primarily designed to reduce severe illness.
According to WashU Medicine, the current bird flu vaccine is also based on older virus variants and is not widely available.
Another challenge is that many people already have immunity from previous influenza infections or vaccinations.
This can affect how the body responds to new vaccines.
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A vaccine through the nose
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have developed a vaccine that is administered as a nasal spray.
The goal is to generate a strong immune response directly in the nose and lungs, where infection typically begins.
According to the researchers, the vaccine is based on a well-established technology that has also been used in a nasal COVID-19 vaccine already in use in India.
What the experiments showed
Results from animal experiments are central. According to WashU Medicine, the nasal vaccine provided nearly complete protection against H5N1 in mice and hamsters.
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The effect was also evident in animals that already had influenza immunity and was stronger than that achieved through injection.
The study, published in Cell Reports Medicine, suggests that protection in the airways could become an important component of future influenza preparedness.
Sources: Science Daily, and Cell Reports Medicine.
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This article is made and published by Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk, who may have used AI in the preparation.