A team of researchers from Georgia State University has developed a new universal flu vaccine that provides broad defenses against different strains of Influenza B viruses and improves immune protection. The double-layered protein nanoparticle vaccine constructed with a portion of the influenza virus induces broadly reactive immune responses and confers robust and sustained cross-immune protection against two lineages of the Influenza B virus.

Influenza B viruses have two lineages that are genetically distinct and trigger different immune responses. Seasonal flu vaccines are developed with one or both lineages of influenza B viruses but are limited in their ability to circulate strains to escape the immune system or vaccination.

The nanoparticle vaccine was tested in cell culture and mouse models. In cell culture studies, it was found that protein nanoparticles were effective in activating dendritic cells, which are critical for inducing protective immune responses against pathogens. The vaccine was found to be safe, biocompatible, biodegradable, and highly immunogenic in animal models.

(Source: https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/diagnostics/study-finds-universal-influenza-b-vaccine-that-induces-broad-and-lasting-protection/92784819 )