Push for long-term 'universal' flu jab moves a step closer to becoming reality

Researchers describes three human antibodies that provide broad protection against Influenza B virus strains; the same team had previously reported finding broadly neutralizing antibodies against Influenza A strains; the work is a key step toward "universal" vaccine and therapies against flu

A team led by scientists at the Scripps Research Institute and Crucell Vaccine Institute in the Netherlands describes three human antibodies that provide broad protection against Influenza B virus strains. The same team had previously reported finding broadly neutralizing antibodies against Influenza A strains.

The isolation of the new broadly neutralizing antibodies, which was reported the journal Science's advance online edition, Science Express, on 9 August, paves the way for researchers to develop a universal antibody-based flu therapy for use in severe infections or to protect hospital staff during an outbreak. A Scripps Research Institute release reports that importantly, these antibodies may provide key clues to the design of an active universal flu vaccine - designed to protect long-term against flu viruses, not just against the current season's strains.

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