Researchers from the University of Oslo have unveiled a ground-breaking DNA vaccine that can deliver influenza to our immune system in the form of an appetizer platter( and single-chain variable fragment ). This study was published in Molecular Therapy. The immune system cells that need to learn about this invader receive direct delivery of influenza’s second most frequent external protein.
CDC and kstudio images on Freepik
Influenza viruses are well known for causing yearly epidemics of the human flu due to their envelope glycoproteins hemagglutinin ( HA ) and neuraminidase ( NA ). The second most prevalent influenza A envelope protein, NA, is essential for viral replication and infected cell release. Targeting NA can stop the virus’s spread and lessen flu symptoms.
Traditionally, the development of vaccines has concentrated on eliciting immune responses by introducing antigens from a virus’ extracellular component to immune-presenting cells( APCs ) to start an immune response.
DNA vaccines provide a precise and dynamic method for preparing the immune system to fend off particular dangers. DNA vaccines introduce a sequence of DNA that encodes an element of the virus, as opposed to inactivated vaccinations, which contain fragments of dead viruses or attenuated viruses. This results in a strong immune response from both B and T cells, providing improved defense against further exposures. Additionally, DNA vaccines are simple to make and don’t require the use of real viral components.
By combining a number of different molecular strategies to prime the body against influenza, researchers have improved DNA vaccinations. The team developed DNA plasmids that contained the code for the NA antigen and attached it to a single-chain variable fragment that specifically targets APCs. Muscle cells transcribed and released the plasmid after injection. The mice in this study received full protection against influenza thanks to these APC-targeted vaccine molecules, known as a Vaccibody, which successfully induced stout immune responses.
Despite the fact that there are currently no DNA vaccines for humans in the US, ongoing clinical trials aim to increase their safety and efficacy. The Werninghaus et al. – developed APC-targeted strategy holds great promise, boosting APCs’ uptake of vaccine proteins and igniting a stronger immune response to influenza. It is hoped that this approach would be effective against other illnesses, such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites.
Sources: Frontiers in Immunology, USHHS, WHO, and Molecular Therapy