Will We Ever Find A Cure For The Flu?

Currently a seasonal flu vaccination can be given that targets a specific type of influenza. The problems associated with this are that every year the virus has the ability to alter its shape, effectively making a new strain and the old vaccination ineffective. Through thorough research from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) in the US a new ‘Universal’ flue vaccine is being developed. The aim of this is so that once a patient is vaccinated and followed up with a few booster jabs, it will provide life-long immune protection. They have done this by targeting the part of the virus that doesn’t change its shape, the stem, and the head shape changed shape as the virus develops.

The shape of the Hemagglutinin (HA) head changes as the virus develops. HA is a protein that covers the surface of influenza, and it made up of two regions. The head region sticks out and is the part that antibodies recognise. The stem is hidden away and buried amount the other molecules.

In normal flu vaccines the following processes occurs:

1)      A vaccine containing a small part of the seasonal flu virus is injected.

2)      In response to the vaccination, the body produces antibodies. These molecules recognise and remember the shape of head of the viruses spike as shown in the above image.

3)      ‘Memory cells’ are formed that remember the shape of the HA head. If the vaccinated patient re-encounters the virus, these cells will recognise it and wipe it out.

4)      As each year the virus alters its DNA, it forms a new HA head shape. Therefore the memory cells are no longer effective in wiping out the virus.

In the new ‘Universal’ vaccine the following processes occur:

1)      A vaccine containing DNA that codes for the influenza HA protein is injected to prepare the immune system.

2)      The HA protein is presented to antibodies in the absence of the full virus, allowing them to get a full look at the virus, and in particular the stem which is usually hidden away. As the stem tends to stay the same across influenza strains the antibodies remember the shape of them alongside the shape of the head..

3)      ‘Memory cells’ are formed that recognise the head and stem of HA. Even if a different influenza strain infects the patient, these cells can be recognised through the stem region, allowing sufficient protection to be provided.

4)      A dose of a seasonal influenza vaccine is injected at a later date to act as a ‘booster’ jab. This stimulates further antibody production, giving the body a greater immune protection.

Eventually through excellent research into immunisations, maybe one day a cure to the flu will be developed, and in due course cures for any new developing viruses that could harm us. Unfortunately for now we will just have to continue getting injections seasonally…