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IMAGE: Biodegradable microspheres that are produced via spray drying. They contain an influenza virus antigen and an immunostimulating substance. The image was obtained by electron microscopy, enlarged 3,000 times.
Copyright: Dennis...
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Credit: Dennis Horvath, University of Konstanz
One shot, protected forever: This would be a dream come true regarding influenza vaccinations. So far, vaccination against influenza did not provide a lasting protection. The reason: Influenza viruses mutate very fast. Every year, new virus strains emerge against which previous vaccinations provide no or only limited protection. To avoid having to vaccinate against the flu every year, a research network consisting of the University of Konstanz, the University of Tübingen and Technische Universität Dresden is testing an alternative vaccination method. This new method aims at comprehensive protection against all known influenza mutations and thus is a promising candidate for reaching lasting immunity. In contrast to existing influenza vaccinations, the new method does not trigger the production of antibodies against specific influenza strains, but stimulates the T-lymphocytes (white blood cells) to set off a general immune response against influenza viruses. The Konstanz research team, led by immunologist Professor Marcus Groettrup, is testing the new influenza vaccination method in a pre-clinical trial to verify and deepen the results of a previous pilot study, which proved that the procedure is effective in principle. The pre-clinical trial is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) with around 1.18 million euros.