Is this the end of flue pandemics?

  • Medical
  • Thread starter wolram
  • Start date
In summary, scientists have designed two universal flu vaccines. One vaccine has 95% coverage of US flu strains and the other has 88% coverage of global flu strains. The vaccines may be useful for preventing future global pandemics that could kill millions.
  • #1
wolram
Gold Member
Dearly Missed
4,446
558
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/09/160930085814.htm

Scientists have designed a new generation of universal flu vaccines to protect against future global pandemics that could kill millions. Researchers researchers have devised two universal vaccines; a USA-specific vaccine with coverage of 95% of known US influenza strains; and a universal vaccine with coverage of 88% of known flu strains globally.Scientists have designed a new generation of universal flu vaccines to protect against future global pandemics that could kill millions. Researchers researchers have devised two universal vaccines; a USA-specific vaccine with coverage of 95% of known US influenza strains; and a universal vaccine with coverage of 88% of known flu strains globally.Scientists have designed a new generation of universal flu vaccines to protect against future global pandemics that could kill millions. Researchers researchers have devised two universal vaccines; a USA-specific vaccine with coverage of 95% of known US influenza strains; and a universal vaccine with coverage of 88% of known flu strains globally.
 
Biology news on Phys.org
  • #2
Here's the citation for the paper being discussed:
Sheikh et al. 2016. Towards the knowledge-based design of universal influenza epitope ensemble vaccines. Bioinformatics. First published online: July 10, 2016 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btw399

Abstract:
Motivation: Influenza A viral heterogeneity remains a significant threat due to unpredictable antigenic drift in seasonal influenza and antigenic shifts caused by the emergence of novel subtypes. Annual review of multivalent influenza vaccines targets strains of influenza A and B likely to be predominant in future influenza seasons. This does not induce broad, cross protective immunity against emergent subtypes. Better strategies are needed to prevent future pandemics. Cross-protection can be achieved by activating CD8+ and CD4+ T cells against highly conserved regions of the influenza genome. We combine available experimental data with informatics-based immunological predictions to help design vaccines potentially able to induce cross-protective T-cells against multiple influenza subtypes.

Results: To exemplify our approach we designed two epitope ensemble vaccines comprising highly conserved and experimentally verified immunogenic influenza A epitopes as putative non-seasonal influenza vaccines; one specifically targets the US population and the other is a universal vaccine. The USA-specific vaccine comprised 6 CD8+ T cell epitopes (GILGFVFTL, FMYSDFHFI, GMDPRMCSL, SVKEKDMTK, FYIQMCTEL, DTVNRTHQY) and 3 CD4+ epitopes (KGILGFVFTLTVPSE, EYIMKGVYINTALLN, ILGFVFTLTVPSERG). The universal vaccine comprised 8 CD8+ epitopes: (FMYSDFHFI, GILGFVFTL, ILRGSVAHK, FYIQMCTEL, ILKGKFQTA, YYLEKANKI, VSDGGPNLY, YSHGTGTGY) and the same 3 CD4+ epitopes. Our USA-specific vaccine has a population protection coverage (portion of the population potentially responsive to one or more component epitopes of the vaccine, PPC) of over 96 and 95% coverage of observed influenza subtypes. The universal vaccine has a PPC value of over 97 and 88% coverage of observed subtypes.

A few points:
1) The study does not actually make a real vaccine. It is a computational study about how one might design such a vaccine. There is no evidence such a vaccine would actually work.

2) Vaccines are effective only if people use them. When two of the four major US presidential candidates (Trump & Stein) echo debunked claims that vaccines cause autism, even if such a vaccine existed, it seems unlikely we'd reach the vaccination rates necessary to eradicate the disease.

3) Influenza has natural, non-human reservoirs in birds and other animals. Even if we eradicate all strains circulating in humans, there will be new strains that cross the species barrier that may not be covered by the vaccine. In fact, the strains that cause pandemics are usually those that have not been circulating in human populations (so most people won't have pre-existing immunity based on previous infections).
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes wolram, billy_joule, BillTre and 1 other person
  • #3
You mean just Trump?
 
  • #4
Asteropaeus said:
You mean just Trump?
I guess he must since that is not Stein's position, despite his apparently thinking that it is.
 

What is a flu pandemic?

A flu pandemic is an outbreak of a flu virus that spreads quickly and affects a large number of people across a wide geographical area. It can be caused by a new strain of the flu virus that humans have little or no immunity to, making it more difficult to control and potentially more severe in its impact.

What factors contribute to the end of a flu pandemic?

The end of a flu pandemic can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the development of effective vaccines and treatments, improved public health measures, and natural population immunity. Additionally, the virus may also mutate and become less virulent over time, leading to a decrease in the number of cases and ultimately the end of the pandemic.

How likely is it that this will be the end of flu pandemics?

It is difficult to predict the likelihood of this being the end of flu pandemics. While advancements in science and medicine have made it possible to control and prevent pandemics, the emergence of new strains of the virus and the potential for global travel and trade to facilitate its spread make it an ongoing concern. Continued research and preparedness are crucial in mitigating the impact of future pandemics.

What can individuals do to help prevent future flu pandemics?

Individuals can help prevent future flu pandemics by getting vaccinated, practicing good hygiene (such as washing hands regularly), and avoiding contact with sick individuals. Additionally, following public health guidelines and staying informed about potential outbreaks can also help prevent the spread of the virus.

What are scientists doing to prevent and prepare for future flu pandemics?

Scientists are continuously researching and monitoring flu viruses to better understand their behavior and develop effective vaccines and treatments. They are also working with governments and public health organizations to establish preparedness plans and response strategies in case of future outbreaks. Additionally, scientists are studying the potential for animal-to-human transmission of the flu virus and working to prevent and control these types of infections.

Similar threads

  • Biology and Medical
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Biology and Medical
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • Biology and Medical
Replies
1
Views
879
  • Biology and Medical
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • Biology and Medical
3
Replies
100
Views
6K
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • Biology and Medical
Replies
1
Views
854
  • Biology and Medical
Replies
22
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Biology and Medical
Replies
6
Views
1K
Back
Top