Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh (USA) School of Medicine have identified a new class of antibodies that can neutralize various strains of the flu virus. results published In the journal PLOS Biology.
The flu vaccine directs the immune system to produce antibodies that can bind to a viral protein called hemagglutinin. It is a glycoprotein found on the surface of influenza viruses and is integral to their infectivity. Different antibodies bind differently to different parts of hemagglutinin and block its penetration into body cells. Hemagglutinin may also develop. This leads to the emergence of new strains of flu and reduced effectiveness of vaccination. Every year, new vaccines are developed based on predictions of which strains will potentially spread.
Many studies have focused on identifying antibodies that can simultaneously protect against influenza subtypes known as H1 and H3. They are represented by various strains and are responsible for the widespread spread of the infection. A new class of antibodies identified by American scientists can simultaneously neutralize both certain H3 strains and H1 strains with modified hemagglutinin 133a. Strains with 133a can be eliminated with only a few previously found antibodies.
Scientists stated that their discovery will expand the list of antibodies that provide more effective protection against flu. The research also opens up new possibilities in vaccine development.
Previous scientists approached To create a drug against the destruction of cartilage tissue.