New research suggests that adding antibodies produced after infection could improve influenza vaccines by reducing how much infected people spread the virus. The study highlights antibodies to neuraminidase (NA) and two parts of hemagglutinin, the HA head and HA stalk, as offering extra community protection beyond preventing illness.
A multinational team followed 171 Nicaraguan households and their contacts over three influenza seasons. Using blood tests, virologic testing and mathematical modelling, the researchers identified which antibodies most effectively limited household spread. Most participants had never been vaccinated, so the study observed transmission driven largely by infection-acquired immunity.
The authors note that infection-derived immunity can protect strongly against the same influenza type for years, while current vaccines give moderate protection for less than a year. They argue that studying natural immunity can guide vaccine designs with stronger, longer-lasting protection.
Difficult words
- antibody — protein that fights infections in the bodyantibodies
- neuraminidase — virus enzyme on the flu virus surface
- hemagglutinin — protein on flu virus important for infection
- immunity — protection in the body against a diseaseinfection-acquired immunity, infection-derived immunity
- transmission — the process of disease passing between people
- modelling — using maths to study how events change
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why is it useful for a vaccine to reduce how much infected people spread the virus?
- How would longer-lasting protection from a vaccine change your decisions about getting vaccinated?
- What are benefits and possible concerns of studying natural (infection-derived) immunity to design vaccines?
Related articles
Which childhood food allergies are outgrown?
Many children outgrow milk and egg allergies, while peanut, tree nut, sesame and shellfish allergies often persist. Factors such as IgE levels, allergy severity and genetics affect whether a child becomes tolerant and which treatments help.
Internet use may reduce loneliness for older unpaid caregivers
A US study found that older unpaid caregivers who use the internet more often tend to feel less lonely. Researchers analysed 2019–2020 California survey data from 3,957 caregivers aged 65 and older; about 12% had health problems.
