Alternative flu protection developed

Instead of conventional flu vaccine: researchers developed alternative flu protection

22/04/2011

In the future, instead of the conventional flu vaccine, a natural messenger substance could activate the immune system so strongly that all influenza viruses can be effectively eliminated. US researchers at the University of Texas have introduced the alternative method for the first time „American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine“ presented. Initial studies have already been successful. The use of a specially designed messenger substance in an animal experiment was able to activate a high number of immune cells in the lungs and thus mobilize scavenger cells against influenza viruses.

Natural messenger activates immune defense
According to US researchers, a naturally acting messenger can activate cells in the lungs that switch off all previously known influenza viruses. The novel method should not only be considered as an alternative, but can even be effective much more effective than a conventional flu shot. In an experiment with mice, the natural growth factor could „GM-CSF“ (Granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor) prevent the spread of viruses and stop a serious infection, because so-called Fresszellen proliferated. Such a therapy could be effective very quickly and most likely be effective against all types of influenza viruses, as the researchers in the science magazine „American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine“ write. In contrast to the simple flu vaccine, the treatment could already be used in patients and stop the disease or make it at least milder.

Conventional vaccines do not provide adequate protection
Every year, according to the World Health Organization, up to 500,000 people die of seasonal influenza. "Improved methods to protect against the flu are urgently needed, especially in the context of an imminent pandemic, and the development of such methods depends crucially on understanding some of the body 's own mechanisms, which provide robust protection against influenza," explains Dr , Homayoun Shams, head of the research team at the University of Texas at Tyler. Genetic mutations of the influenza virus are also increasingly reducing the efficacy of flu vaccines and many times the existing vaccines provoke health complications. Therefore, it would be very important to develop a new flu protection, as Dr. med. Shams explains. So far, people would have to be vaccinated every year to protect themselves from a viral infection. In addition, the vaccine must be taken at least two weeks before the infection and only work for the active ingredient of the selected virus strain.

Conventional vaccination does not work for those already infected
A completed vaccine activates the adaptive immune system, which combats specific pathogens with antibodies and immune cells. If the immune defense is already impaired, a vaccine can not activate the protection. The body's own immune system, in contrast to vaccines, is able to activate targeted defense mechanisms regardless of the type of pathogen. The natural immune defense is much faster and more effective. The scientists' approach is to specifically support the immune system in its defense. Through the use of the body's own messenger GM-CSF so-called phagocytes (alveolar macrophages) are mobilized. These immunizing cells accumulate in the lungs and eliminate virus invading the organism.

In the experiment, the researchers used genetically modified mice in which the named messenger substance was increasingly produced. In the animals, the phagocytes in the lungs were increased by five to tenfold. In the further course of the study, the mice were infected with a high number of influenza viruses. The researchers used a total of three different types of influenza viruses, including the swine flu virus H1 / N1 type A..

Messenger substance activates phagocytes in case of infection
Through the artificially induced infection, the immune system produced an even larger number of immune scavenger cells. All mice survived the high doses of virus, although under normal circumstances certain death would have occurred. This was also shown by the control group of mice that were not genetically modified. All „normal mice“ the control group died from the viral infection. A high GM-CSF level in the lungs is therefore sufficient to activate sufficient infection protection, Dr. Shams.

When the messenger GM-CSF was administered to the normal, non-genetically modified animals, scavenger cells were also increasingly activated. Thereafter, the high doses of the virus strains could be successfully controlled, so that these animals could survive and be rescued. Whether the therapy is also suitable for already infected animals as a treatment method, the scientists want to investigate more closely. In a first round, the mortality rate was first reduced from 100 to 70 percent. In further rounds so-called time windows are to be researched in more detail. This should be about how much time remains to an infection even in retrospect still completely effective. Of great importance will also be whether the natural substance should be given as an injection or through the nose.

Clinical phase can start soon
The medical use of GM-CSF is no news. Corresponding medicines are used, for example, in the decrease in the number of white blood cells. So far, such preparations have proved to be well tolerated. For this reason, clinical trials could soon start in the field of flu protection. Nevertheless, according to the research group, it will take a few more years before the alternative method can be used as flu protection. (Sb)

Also read:
Immune to flu after swine flu infection?
New general vaccine against influenza
The business with the flu
Self-treatment flu & colds
Naturopathy inhibits swine flu viruses
Swine flu is no reason to panic

Picture shows GM-CSF messenger.