Preclinical Trials Demonstrate the Efficacy of Nanoparticle-Based Vaccine
Written by AZoNanoMay 25 2021
Preclinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of an experimental flu vaccine that contains scores of microscopic spherical sacs carrying infection-fighting proteins all through the body.
The circle-shaped objects in the image above are cobalt-porphyrin-phospholipid (CoPoP) nanoparticles decorated with flu proteins. Image Credit: University at Buffalo.
As explained in a study recently published in the
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on May 24
th, 2021, the experimental flu vaccine can:
Enhance the effectiveness of seasonal flu vaccines, which generally work 40% to 60% of the time, as per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Nanoparticle based shot could boost efficacy, accelerate production of seasonal flu vaccines Seasonal flu vaccines typically work 40-60% of the time, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). An experimental recombinant protein nanoparticle vaccine that stimulates a strong immune response is hoping to address that inefficiency.
Key to the vaccine s success is a liposome the developers created called cobalt-porphyrin-phospholipid, or CoPoP. They are tiny spherical sacs, which are small enough to be considered nanoparticles, and they form the backbone of the vaccine platform.
Described in a study published on May 24 by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, the experimental vaccine has reportedly proven effective in preclinical studies.
Jonathan Lovell, associate professor
Department of Biomedical Engineering
An experimental flu vaccine consisting of billions of tiny spherical sacs that carry infection-fighting proteins throughout the body has proven effective in preclinical studies.
Described in a study published May 24 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the vaccine has the potential to:
Improve the effectiveness of seasonal flu vaccines, which typically work 40-60% of the time, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Take less time to produce large quantities because, unlike most seasonal flu vaccines, it is not created in embryonated chicken eggs.
Use smaller doses, thereby increasing vaccine supplies, which can be critical given the unpredictable nature of influenza.