Will a 'Universal Flu Vaccine' Made with mRNA Technology Emerge?

Made with mRNA Technology Like COVID-19 Vaccines
Effective Against More Than 20 Influenza Virus Strains... Clinical Trial Results Pending

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] A study has found that a seasonal influenza (flu) vaccine using new messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) technology showed effectiveness against more than 20 types of viruses. This means it is a 'universal flu vaccine' that can prevent all types of seasonal flu with a single vaccine, and if such a vaccine is developed, it is expected to enhance infectious disease response capabilities.

According to foreign media on the 24th, researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania designed an mRNA vaccine using lipid nanoparticle (LNP) technology that can prevent 20 types of influenza viruses, and animal experiments on mice and ferrets showed effectiveness.

mRNA technology works by injecting LNPs containing mRNA replication instructions into the body without directly administering the pathogen, allowing the body to replicate the flu virus surface proteins and synthesize the antigen proteins of the pathogen inside cells. Previously, Pfizer and Moderna also developed COVID-19 vaccines using mRNA technology.

Influenza viruses are broadly classified into four types: A, B, C, and D. Among these, type A, which has 18 subtypes, and type B, which has 2 lineages, cause seasonal flu epidemics every year. Current flu vaccines are classified as trivalent or quadrivalent depending on the number of virus types included in the vaccine, and they only provide preventive effects against 3 to 4 specific virus types.

As a result of the experiments, the immune systems of the animals recognized the replicated virus surface proteins and formed antibodies that provided protective effects against 20 viruses, and these antibodies were maintained for four months. Additionally, the vaccine candidate showed effectiveness in alleviating symptoms and reducing mortality against other flu viruses beyond the 20 types. However, clinical trial results for the new vaccine have not yet been released.

This research was published in the international scientific journal Science. In a commentary on the significance of this study, Science stated, "A universal flu vaccine effective against all 20 (seasonal flu viruses) could help prevent the next pandemic," and added, "(This study) has opened the path toward a universal flu vaccine."