Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, May 13: In a major breakthrough that could reshape global flu prevention efforts, U.S. researchers have developed a new vaccine capable of protecting against the H1N1 swine flu as well as influenza strains affecting humans and birds. The novel approach could potentially eliminate the need for yearly flu vaccinations.
Developed by scientists at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the vaccine was tested on swine and demonstrated remarkable results. Animals showed no signs of illness after exposure to a common flu strain and developed robust, long-lasting immunity to multiple influenza viruses — spanning several decades and species.
"This research lays the foundation for creating universal flu vaccines," said virologist Eric Weaver, who led the study. "People may no longer need to visit their doctor every year for a flu shot. This vaccine is designed to protect against a wide range of flu strains."
Published in Nature Communications, the study revealed that vaccinated swine generated strong antibody responses and maintained their immunity over a six-month period. Further analysis suggested that the protection could potentially last up to 10 years.
The new vaccine, called Epigraph, is named after the sophisticated software used in its design. It significantly outperformed existing commercial vaccines currently used in the pork industry, as well as experimental "wild type" vaccines derived from natural flu strains.
Weaver noted that while previous research showed this vaccine design was effective against the H3 subtype of influenza, the new results are even more promising. That's because H1 swine flu variants are far more common and genetically complex — making them a bigger challenge to control.
"H1 is the most genetically diverse flu subtype found in pigs," Weaver explained. "It also played a key role in the 2009 swine flu pandemic, which originated from pigs and spread to humans. That makes it a major target for prevention."
Influenza A viruses infect up to 15% of the human population annually and are responsible for thousands of deaths worldwide. Existing vaccines are often short-lived in effectiveness due to the virus’s rapid mutation and genetic variation.
One of the biggest hurdles in managing influenza is its ability to infect multiple species — including birds, pigs, horses, dogs, and humans. Swine, in particular, act as “mixing vessels” that allow different strains to combine, producing new variants that can then jump back to humans.
“If we can stop influenza in pigs, we can disrupt the transmission chain from birds to pigs to humans — or directly from pigs to humans,” said Weaver. “That would give us a real shot at halting the evolution and spread of future flu pandemics.”
The ultimate vision, according to the research team, is not just improved flu control — but the complete eradication of the influenza virus.