New Breakthrough in Flu Vaccination: Safe and Effective Sublingual Vaccine Developed
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jun 10, 2024 5 months, 1 week, 4 days, 20 hours, 13 minutes ago
Influenza News: In a groundbreaking study, scientists from Innovation Research Center, EPS Holdings, Inc., Tokyo-Japan, EP Mediate Co., Ltd, Tokyo-Japan, EPS Innovative Medicine Co., Ltd., Tokyo-Japan, Intelligence & Technology Lab, Inc., Kaizu-Japan and Biomedical Institute and NPO Primate Agora, Kaizu-Japan have developed a new type of flu vaccine that is administered under the tongue, showing promising results in nonhuman primates. This innovative approach, which combines a hemagglutinin antigen from the influenza virus with a special adjuvant known as Poly(I:C), has demonstrated both safety and effectiveness, potentially revolutionizing how flu vaccines are administered in the future.
Safe and Effective Sublingual Vaccine Developed
A Needle-Free Alternative
Traditional flu vaccines are typically administered through injections, which can be a barrier for some individuals due to fear of needles and the need for healthcare professionals to administer the shots. The new sublingual vaccine, however, can be self-administered without needles, making it a more convenient and less intimidating option.
The sublingual method involves placing the vaccine under the tongue, where it is absorbed through the mucosal tissues. This approach not only eliminates the need for needles but also targets the mucosal immunity, which is the body's first line of defense against respiratory viruses like influenza and COVID-19.
Study Details and Results
The study that is covered in this
Influenza News report was conducted using cynomolgus macaques, a type of nonhuman primate. The vaccine formulation included the hemagglutinin (HA) antigen from the influenza virus and the Poly(I:C) adjuvant, which helps to boost the immune response. The macaques were divided into two groups: one received the vaccine, and the other received a placebo.
Over the course of the study, the researchers monitored the immune response and safety of the vaccine by conducting various blood tests and analyzing samples of saliva and nasal washings. The results were promising:
-Immune Response: The vaccinated macaques produced high levels of HA-specific antibodies in their saliva and nasal washings, indicating strong mucosal immunity. Additionally, the vaccine stimulated the production of HA-specific IgA and IgG antibodies in the blood, showing a robust systemic immune response.
-Safety: The vaccine was well-tolerated, with no significant increase in proinflammatory cytokines or other markers of inflammation. This suggests that the vaccine does not trigger excessive inflammatory responses, which can be a concern with some adjuvanted vaccines.
-Balanced Immune Reaction: The DNA microarray analysis revealed a balanced state of immune-enhancing and immune-suppressive gene expression, indicating that the vaccine elicits a well-regulated immune response without over-activation.
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Advantages of the Sublingual Vaccine
The development of a sublingual flu vaccine offers several significant advantages over traditional injectable vaccines:
-Ease of Administration: Without the need for needles, the sublingual vaccine can be administered easily by individuals themselves, reducing the burden on healthcare systems.
-Enhanced Mucosal Immunity: By targeting the mucosal tissues, the vaccine provides strong protection at the site of virus entry, potentially improving overall effectiveness.
-Improved Patient Compliance: The convenience and pain-free administration method may lead to higher vaccination rates, especially among those who are needle-phobic.
Future Implications
While the study results are highly promising, further research and clinical trials in humans are necessary to confirm the efficacy and safety of the sublingual flu vaccine in the general population. However, if these findings are replicated in human studies, this vaccine could represent a major advancement in flu prevention.
The successful development of this vaccine also opens the door for similar approaches to other respiratory viruses, including COVID-19. The use of mucosal immunity as a key target in vaccine development could lead to more effective and user-friendly vaccines in the future.
Conclusion
The innovative sublingual flu vaccine, combining the HA antigen with the Poly(I:C) adjuvant, has shown to be both safe and effective in nonhuman primates. This needle-free approach offers numerous benefits, including ease of administration and strong mucosal immunity, potentially transforming how flu vaccines are delivered. As research progresses, this vaccine could become a critical tool in preventing influenza and other respiratory infections, paving the way for a new era in vaccination technology.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Vaccines
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-393X/12/6/643
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Influenza News, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.
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