Single vaccine could protect against coughs, colds and flus

A study published in Science reports a nasal‑spray approach that leaves lung macrophages in a heightened state of readiness and, in animal experiments, reduced viral entry by about 100‑ to 1,000‑fold and lasted around three months.

Researchers describe a new nasal‑spray approach reported in the journal Science that aims to prepare the lung immune system more broadly than traditional vaccines. Traditional vaccines train the body to target a single pathogen. This new method mimics immune‑cell communication and leaves lung macrophages in a heightened state of readiness. The results reported come from animal experiments and are described as early‑stage research. Key findings: - The product is delivered as a nasal spray and is reported to alter the behaviour of lung macrophages, placing them in a heightened state of readiness. - In animal tests the effect reportedly lasted for about three months. - The researchers reported a roughly 100‑ to 1,000‑fold reduction in viruses passing through the lungs into the body in treated animals. - The same approach was reported to give protection against two bacterial species, Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii. - Experts cited in coverage described the study as promising while noting it is at an early stage. Summary: The study reports that a nasal‑spray treatment produced broad, short‑term immune readiness in animal models and substantially reduced viral entry, with some bacterial protection also observed. Undetermined at this time.