The Flu Epidemic

As the flu virus always seems to be one step ahead of the population, researchers have turned to new strategies in hopes of developing a universal flu vaccine, or one that would provide immunity against all strains, even those to come in the future. Researchers at Stanford University have been working on a vaccine that does not target the rapidly evolving HA head region of the virus, but rather the more conserved, more uniform stem region that is seen in multiple strains in different areas of the world. This vaccine could also provide multi-season protection, which may lead to a worldwide increase in vaccinated individuals. While early studies show a great deal of promise, the challenge is finding the right antigen that will elicit an immune system response strong enough to confer immunity. Another project in the UK takes quite a different approach. Insead of looking at the virus, these scientists are looking at the immune system's CD8 T cells, or those that naturally kill viruses. These researchers hope to discover a way to stimulate the immune system's production of CD8 T cells so that no matter what strain individuals are infected with, their natural immune response will take care of it. The final area of research in the search for a universal flu vaccine focuses on another surface protein, M2, that is responsible for helping the virus empty its contents into the target cell. Early studies leave scientists optimistic but many believe this treatment might be better suited for containing an infection by boosting the immune response rather than preventing it.