The concept of a universal vaccine, a single vaccine that protects against all diseases, is a monumental public health ambition. Although it currently resides in the realm of science fiction, the development of new technologies could bring us closer to this grand vision. One such technology is a round structure, approximately ten billionths of a meter in diameter, which could serve as a stepping stone towards this goal.
One of the current developments in this field is a vaccine that could protect against every strain of the flu, including those that do not yet exist. The flu virus particle contains RNA and numerous hemagglutinin proteins. Hemagglutinin attaches to a receptor on a human cell, fusing the viral and human membranes and initiating the infection. It is also one of the elements that the immune system recognizes and reacts to the most.
The immune system’s response to hemagglutinin can be compared to recognizing a bust of 19th-century French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. The immune system focuses on the head, just as it does with hemagglutinin. The immune system remembers things by physically interacting with them, creating antibodies that float around the bloodstream. These antibodies can diminish over time, but the blueprints for creating them are stored in specialized memory cells, ready to combat future invasions.
However, hemagglutinin is constantly mutating, which can lead to our antibodies becoming less effective at recognizing it, a process known as antigenic drift. Sometimes, larger changes occur when different viruses infect the same cell, leading to a recombination of the viral genomes. This process, known as antigenic shift, can result in a virus that our antibodies are unable to combat, potentially causing epidemics or even pandemics.
A truly universal flu vaccine would protect against current flu strains and future drifted or shifted strains. To design such a vaccine, scientists look to the past, focusing on key parts of hemagglutinin that have not changed much over time. These “conserved regions” could be promising targets for universal vaccines. However, many conserved regions are located in the neck of the virus, which is difficult for the immune system to react to. Furthermore, there may not be a single region common across all species and subtypes of influenza.
Despite these challenges, promising science is in development. For instance, a protein called ferritin, which is roughly the size and shape of a small virus, can be engineered to present viral proteins, creating a harmless and highly engineerable virus-like structure. Recently, scientists engineered a ferritin nanoparticle to present eight identical copies of the neck region of an H1 flu virus. When vaccinated mice were injected with a lethal dose of a completely different subtype, H5N1, all vaccinated mice survived, while all unvaccinated mice died.
Looking beyond the flu, there may be conserved regions across different but related virus species, such as SARS-CoV-2, MERS, and some common cold-causing coronaviruses. Additionally, a different part of the immune system, which uses a vast array of T cells to kill virus-infected cells, has come into focus. Vaccines that train this part of the immune system, in addition to the antibody response, could provide broader protection.
A universal flu vaccine would be a monumental achievement in public health. A fully universal vaccine against all infectious diseases is currently beyond our reach, largely because we do not yet understand how our immune system would react to being trained against hundreds of different diseases simultaneously. However, with the rapid pace of medical advancements, who knows what the future may hold? Perhaps some groundbreaking technology will bring truly universal vaccines within our grasp in the next 50 or 100 years.
Draw a concept map that outlines the main ideas discussed in the article. Start with the central concept of a universal vaccine and branch out to include details about the immune system, hemagglutinin, antigenic drift and shift, and the emerging technologies in vaccine development. Use different colors to highlight different sections and connections.
Form two groups and hold a debate on the feasibility of developing a universal vaccine. One group will argue in favor of the potential and benefits, while the other group will discuss the challenges and limitations. Use evidence from the article to support your arguments.
Choose one of the emerging technologies mentioned in the article, such as ferritin nanoparticles or T-cell vaccines. Conduct further research on how this technology works and its current status in vaccine development. Prepare a short presentation to share your findings with the class.
Participate in a classroom simulation where you act out the immune system’s response to a flu virus. Assign roles such as antibodies, memory cells, and hemagglutinin proteins. This activity will help you understand how the immune system recognizes and combats pathogens.
Imagine it is the year 2070, and a universal vaccine has been developed. Write a short story or essay describing how this breakthrough has changed public health and society. Consider the impacts on disease prevention, healthcare systems, and global health.
Universal vaccine – A vaccine that provides protection against multiple strains or types of a particular disease or virus. – Scientists are working on developing a universal vaccine for influenza that would provide long-lasting protection against all strains of the flu virus.
Diseases – Abnormal conditions or disorders in the body that cause specific symptoms and are often caused by infections or other factors. – The hospital is conducting a study to better understand the causes and treatments for various infectious diseases.
Technologies – Tools or methods developed through scientific knowledge and innovation that are used to solve problems or achieve specific goals. – New medical technologies are constantly being developed to improve the accuracy and efficiency of diagnostic tests.
Round structure – A shape or form that is circular or curved, lacking sharp angles or edges. – The virus has a round structure with a lipid bilayer surrounding its genetic material.
Flu – Short for influenza, a highly contagious viral infection that commonly causes fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue. – I got a flu shot to protect myself from getting the flu this winter.
RNA – Ribonucleic acid, a molecule that plays a vital role in protein synthesis and carries genetic information in some viruses. – The COVID-19 virus contains RNA as its genetic material.
Hemagglutinin proteins – Proteins found on the surface of influenza viruses that allow them to attach to and enter host cells. – The hemagglutinin proteins of the flu virus undergo frequent changes, making it difficult to develop a vaccine that provides long-term protection.
Immune system – The body’s complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend against harmful pathogens and foreign substances. – A strong immune system can help prevent infections and fight off diseases.
Antigenic drift – A gradual change in the surface proteins of a virus, leading to the development of new strains that may evade the immune response. – The flu virus undergoes antigenic drift, requiring the annual update of the flu vaccine to match the circulating strains.
Antigenic shift – A sudden and significant change in the surface proteins of a virus, resulting in the emergence of a new strain that can cause severe disease. – Antigenic shift in the influenza virus can lead to pandemics, as seen in the H1N1 flu outbreak in 2009.
