OHSU scientists get closer to developing a universal flu vaccine

Think Out Loud

When autumn arrives, reminders typically start going out for people to get their annual flu shot. The vaccine changes each year, based on what strain of influenza is likely to be circulating then. Sometimes it’s a good match and other times, not so good. But what if you could get one vaccine that would confer lifetime protection against the flu and its ever-changing strains?

Scientists at Oregon Health & Science University are working on advancing that goal by developing a new way to deliver vaccines against flu viruses. The vaccines are delivered through a harmless virus that most people are exposed to at some point in their lives. The technology stimulates the body to release cells that attack the internal machinery of the harmful virus instead of its outer surface which can evolve to slip past immune defenses. Joining us to talk about this research is Jonah Sacha, a professor at OHSU and the chief of pathobiology at the Oregon National Primate Research Center.