University of Michigan Researchers Develop Novel Flu Vaccine Targeting Stable M2 Protein
Researchers at the University of Michigan's College of Engineering have developed a new nanoparticle vaccine that successfully protected mice against three different influenza strains. This experimental vaccine targets the M2 protein, a component of the influenza A virus that mutates much slower than the hemagglutinin protein, which is the focus of conventional flu vaccines. Traditional vaccines often require annual reformulation due to the rapid mutation of hemagglutinin, leading to varying effectiveness each flu season. The Michigan team's approach uses genetically engineered baker's yeast to produce large quantities of the M2 protein, which then forms non-infectious, virus-like particles. These particles present the stable M2 protein to the immune system, aiming to induce a broader and potentially longer-lasting protective response against various influenza A viruses, including seasonal, swine, and bird flu strains. The technology has been licensed to Esperovax, which is working on an oral version of th...
