A study from researchers at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden has pointed the way to potentially better ways of battling the flu. It finds a small, antibody-like molecule that seems to protect against several strains of the flu virus. The results could mean a huge leap forward in both the treatment and vaccines for influenza since it would clear one of the main hurdles that faces developers of treatments for this virus: the rapid mutation of the virus.
Influenza viruses have a nasty reputation for constant mutation, one of the reasons why lasting vaccines against such viruses are far from a reality. Conventionally, flu vaccines target hemagglutinin-a protein on the virus surface-but it changes so quickly that people have to get vaccinated anew every year because emergent strains change all the time. This is actually a big deal around the world during flu seasons, where new strains emerge quite unpredictably.
This antibody-like molecule works by attacking neuraminidase, also known as NA, another surface protein on the influenza virus. Unlike HA, the NA proteins change more slowly, and for that reason, they are attractive targets for seeking more stable and longer-lasting immunity. By targeting NA, the antibody offers a broader protection across the different strains of influenza; it may even eliminate the yearly updates of vaccines.
This antibody was isolated from a patient infected with the H3N2 strain of influenza. Several samples of antibodies were taken from the scientists and were further screened to see which of them bind to the NA protein of the H3N2 strain. Later, upon further analysis, these antibodies were found effective not only against the H3N2 strain but also against multiple strains of influenza, thus offering broad-spectrum protection.
Next, the team had to try the antibody on animal models-mice, to be precise. Treating mice with the antibody resulted in the latter developing resistance against serious infections from several kinds of influenza virus, including such viruses that typically are lethal in mice. The treated mice also survived lethal doses of the H3N2 virus. These data underlined considerable protective promise from the antibody.
This could be the game-changer in the treatment and prevention of influenza. If further testing confirms these results, this antibody might form the basis for a new class of antiviral treatments. What’s more, it could be used to guide the development of future vaccines aimed at inducing the production of similar protective antibodies that offer broader and longer-lasting immunity than current vaccines based solely on HA.
The implications of this finding go well beyond the flu. It could set the stage for similar approaches to treating other viral infections where rapid mutation and strain variation pose similar challenges. For now, though, the focus is on the flu, where such an antibody could change how we approach flu seasons and protect vulnerable populations worldwide.
In all, this small antibody, isolated by the Swedish researchers, marks a great milestone toward more effective, long-lasting protection against influenza. With its capability to target the more stable neuraminidase protein, in addition to its broad-spectrum efficacy, this makes a very exciting possibility for future treatments and vaccines that could eventually alleviate the burden of seasonal flu outbreaks around the world.
