Create 100% effective bird flu vaccine

Experts at the University of Pittsburgh claim to have created a vaccine that protects 100% of mice and chickens from H5N1 - the virus that killed more than 80 people.

Vaccination test for poultry (Photo: VNN)

Because the vaccine contains live viruses, it activates the immune system more aggressively than vaccines produced by traditional methods. In addition, because viruses are cultured in cells, vaccines can be produced faster.

Dr. Andrea Gambotto, lead researcher, said: '' The results of animal tests are very promising. What is special is that it not only protects 100% of vaccinated animals but also stimulates many types of immune systems against H5N1. "

Dr. Gambotto and his colleagues prepared this vaccine by converting the genes of adenovirus - a common cold virus. Therefore, andenovirus produces the HA protein of the H5N1 avian influenza virus. HA is found on the surface of every influenza virus, helping the virus to attach to the infected cell.

Six days after H5N1 infection, not any H5N1 virus was detected in the organs of vaccinated mice and these mice survived. Rats that were not vaccinated died within 6-9 days after exposure to H5N1. The same thing happens for chickens.

According to Dr. Gambotto, the method of making this vaccine has great advantages compared to traditional methods.Current flu vaccines are created in chicken eggs, so millions of fertilized eggs are needed. If a pandemic of bird flu occurs, the supply of eggs will be limited .

Another advantage is speed. With the new method, it takes just over a month to produce a new vaccine, compared with many months of traditional methods.

Minh Son (According to Science Today)