OSU researchers create nasal spray that could stop the flu; blocks infection in mice
An antibody that could revolutionize the prevention of influenza, other viruses and even non-viral diseases like cancer was recently engineered by Ohio State scientists.
In a study published April 29, this new molecule was successful in protecting a majority of the tested mice from lethal flu doses, even preventing some from experiencing any symptoms at all, according to a May 8 Ohio State News article.
Head researcher and the study's co-lead author Dr. Kai Xu said the engineered molecule — transmitted via nasal spray — works by triggering 'mucosal immunity,' meaning it coats the tissue that lines the body's organs and tracts before a virus can enter.
By contrast, current flu vaccines rely on 'systemic immunity,' which fights the virus after infection. Xu said combining both immune responses into one engineered antibody could 'enhance the protection' of conventional, injection-based vaccines.
'Our creation can complement the conventional vaccine in terms of targeting to prevent the seasonal flu infection,' Xu, also an Ohio State assistant professor of veterinary biosciences, said. 'It can be a replacement, but we believe that these two can synergize with each other.'
Researchers created the new antibody by combining two existing ones: immunoglobulin G, which makes up most antibodies in the human body and has two 'arms' to target specific viruses, and immunoglobulin M, the immune system's first line of defense with 10 'arms' to attack infection.
Traditionally, flu prevention has focused on IgG. The problem, Xu said, is that the flu virus can mutate, making it harder for IgG to identify and fight it. IgM, however, can still latch onto the virus even if a part of it changes, thanks to its many arms.
By combining IgM's 'stickiness' with IgG's precision, Xu said his lab engineered an antibody that could neutralize the flu more effectively than either antibody alone.
When tested on mice using a nasal spray, Xu said the antibody successfully stuck to their mucosal surfaces for a week, protecting most from lethal doses of common flu strains. Xu said this finding suggests the antibody could work similarly in humans.
If used to complement existing flu vaccines, the engineered antibody would be especially beneficial not only in years when medical professionals inaccurately predict the specific strain that spreads during flu season, but also for individuals who don't have a strong immune response to vaccines, Xu said.
Since this study was published, Xu said his team has continued its analysis to work toward a large-animal experiment — which is necessary before a clinical trial can take place — and optimizing the molecule's production so large amounts can be obtained quickly for further testing.
Xu said his team is also working on expanding the scope of this study to other kinds of illness beyond influenza — from bird flu to cancer to coronavirus. By working with other research programs at Ohio State and pharmaceutical company IGM Biosciences, Xu said he hopes his team's research can one day become a therapeutic drug.
'This research really benefits from multidisciplinary collaboration,' Xu said. 'I think that by enhancing the collaboration within OSU and even with the industry partner in the future, we will certainly enhance our research for a national medicine.'
Reporter Emma Wozniak can be reached at ewozniak@dispatch.com, or @emma_wozniak_ on X, formerly known as Twitter.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: OSU study finds new antibody to prevent the flu through nasal spray
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