Nature: Nano flu vaccine can protect seasonal flu

According to a recent study, researchers have developed an experimental influenza vaccine that can protect animals from various seasonal and pandemic influenza strains.

A study was published in the March 24 issue of the journal Nature, examining in detail the design of new influenza vaccines and how they protect mice, ferrets and non-human primates.

It is estimated that the current influenza virus causes 290,000-650,000 deaths.

In order to create an improved version of the flu vaccine, the research team linked hemagglutinin proteins from four different influenza viruses to customized protein nanoparticles.

Ellis said: "Our vaccine is really very responsive to strain-matched viruses, and the additional coverage we have seen against unmatched strains can reduce the risk of flu season.

Information source: Nanoparticle flu vaccine blocks seasonal and pandemic strains

Original source: Seyhan Boyoglu-Barnum, Daniel Ellis, Rebecca A.