By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
Scientists work with nasal vaccine samples in the laboratory as research advances toward a universal respiratory vaccine.
Lead investigator Bali Pulendran, Ph.D., professor of microbiology and immunology at Stanford, said, “That’s been the paradigm of vaccinology for the last 230 years… but this new approach targets the innate immune system, offering potential protection across diverse pathogens.”
Unlike traditional vaccines that target specific antigens, this new formula activates both innate and adaptive immune responses in the lungs — providing a first line of defense. If translated safely to humans, such a vaccine might replace multiple seasonal shots with a single immunization.
The findings, published Feb. 19 in Science, show that vaccinated mice were protected from SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses, Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii (common hospital-acquired infections), as well as house dust mites (a common allergen). According to senior author Bali Pulendran, PhD, the Violetta L. Horton Professor II and professor of microbiology and immunology, the level of protection across so many respiratory threats exceeded expectations.
The study’s lead author is Haibo Zhang, PhD, a postdoctoral scholar in Pulendran’s lab.
Experts not directly involved in the study also express cautious optimism. According to Professor Brendan Wren of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, the approach is “potentially promising,” but he noted that human trials are still needed to confirm safety and effectiveness.
If similar results are achieved in people, a single vaccine could potentially replace multiple yearly shots for seasonal respiratory illnesses and provide rapid protection if a new pandemic virus emerges.
A universal vaccine could revolutionize how public health manages respiratory disease outbreaks and simplify vaccination schedules for millions worldwide. While clinical testing is still underway, this breakthrough signals real momentum toward long-sought protective solutions.