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
New device measures blood viscosity in real time
Researchers at the University of Missouri created a non-invasive device that monitors blood viscosity and density in real time using ultrasound and software. It can read blood without drawing samples and may help in diseases like sickle cell.
Antibiotics on farms and rising resistance in East Africa
Antibiotic use on farms in parts of East Africa is increasing antimicrobial resistance. Poor access to veterinary care, weak rules and routine drug use on animals are driving resistant infections that affect people, animals and the environment.
New Oral Drug Candidate for Measles and Parainfluenza
Researchers identified a clinical candidate called GHP-88310 that inhibits orthoparamyxoviruses and tested it in animal models and human airway cultures. The compound showed broad once-daily oral activity and good tolerance in animals.
