Researchers at Stanford Medicine have made an exciting discovery: a new vaccine that could protect against many lung infections, which is published on Nov. 19 in Science. The vaccine targets viruses, bacteria, and allergens. So far, it has been tested in mice with promising results. It is given as a nasal spray and protects the lungs for months. If successful in humans, it could replace separate flu and COVID-19 shots. It may also help fight new viruses during future pandemics.
How This Vaccine Is Different
Most vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, train the body to recognize one specific part of a virus or bacteria. For example, COVID-19 vaccines help the immune system identify the spike protein on the virus. The problem is that viruses and bacteria can change over time. When they change, the vaccine may not work as well against new versions. This new vaccine is different. It may protect against many types of infections at the same time, even if the virus or bacteria changes. When they mutate, the vaccine might not work as well. That’s why flu shots and COVID boosters are needed every year. The new Stanford vaccine uses a different method. It does not copy a virus or bacteria. Instead, it targets the signals immune cells use to communicate during infection. This helps the body’s first defense system and the memory-based immune system work together more effectively.
How Innate Immunity Helps
The innate immune system responds quickly to infections. However, its protection usually lasts only a few days. Researchers at Stanford found a way to keep it active for months. They studied the tuberculosis vaccine, which is known to protect babies from other infections. They discovered that T cells in the lungs send signals to innate immune cells, keeping them alert. This helps the immune system respond faster to many different threats, not just one specific virus or bacteria.
Testing the Vaccine in Mice
The new vaccine, called GLA-3M-052-LS+OVA, uses harmless proteins to recruit T cells to the lungs and stimulate innate immune cells. Mice were given the vaccine in small drops in their noses. Some mice received several doses of the vaccine. After three doses, they were exposed to different viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses. The vaccinated mice remained healthy, and almost no virus was found in their lungs. The unvaccinated mice became sick and lost weight.
The vaccine also protected the mice from serious bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii, which are common causes of hospital infections. Researchers also tested the vaccine against allergens like house dust mites, which can cause asthma. Vaccinated mice had clear airways and little reaction. Unvaccinated mice developed mucus and strong allergy symptoms. These results suggest the vaccine may help protect against some infections and certain allergies as well. Protection Agasint Allergies The researchers also tested the vaccine against allgerns,such as homne dust mites, which often trigger asthma.
How the Vaccine Works
The vaccine creates a “double defense”: 1. Innate immunity: Quickly reduces the number of pathogens in the lungs. 2. Adaptive immunity: Produces specific antibodies and T cells that respond faster than usual, often within three days. Because of this combination, the vaccine can fight different viruses, bacteria, and allergens at the same time.
Next Steps The researchers hope to start human trials soon. The first step would be a Phase I safety trial, followed by larger tests to see how well it prevents infections. Scientists believe two nasal doses could provide protection in people. If everything goes well and funding is available, the vaccine could be ready in five to seven years. It would simplify seasonal shots and provide a strong defense against future pandemics.
A New Era for Vaccines
Imagine a nasal spray that protects you from COVID-19, flu, RSV, the common cold, bacterial pneumonia, and even early spring allergens. That could change medical care worldwide. The research was done with contributions from Emory University School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Utah State University, and University of Arizona. Funding came from the National Institutes of Health, the Violetta L. Horton Professor endowment, the Soffer Fund, and Open Philanthropy.
