New discovery could spell end to seasonal flu

[nitpicker]

https://www.dw.com/en/new-discovery-could-spell-end-to-seasonal-flu/a-51400585

New discovery could spell end to seasonal flu

Date 25.11.2019
Author Olivera Zivkovic

Immunologist Ali Ellebedy was working on a study analyzing the immune response to flu infection in humans. During his research, he spotted a new type of powerful antibody in a blood sample from a patient infected with human influenza virus.

Ellebedy then sent samples of the antibody to Florian Krammer — a microbiologist who proved the effectiveness of the antibodies by testing them against extensive samples of virus proteins dating back to the 1970s. These proteins, called neuraminidase, enable the virus to spread through the human body.

The study, which was jointly conducted by Scripps Research, Washington University's School of Medicine in St. Louis and the Icahn School of Medicine in New York, was published in the October issue of Science.

Krammer told DW that the beauty of this new antibody, called 10G1, is that it binds to the parts of the virus that never change. This means that even if new strains of influenza viruses are detected, a potential vaccine containing new antibodies would still be effective.

Moreover, the antibody has a powerful potential to attack both A and B subtypes of influenza viruses, making it an even better candidate for a universal vaccine that would combat human, swine, and bird strains, as well as other rarer strains of lethal flu viruses.
(snip)

[YOHABLO]

1. Wow some good news. No more flu ? I can deal with that.

[gademocrat7]

2. Good news

Eradication of flu strains would be incredible.

[NurseJackie]

3. Science is awesome!

[Kitchari]

4. K&R

Thanks for posting

[Tanuki]

5. Fantastic news. I would also point out that Ali Ellebedy is originally from Egypt

and came to the U.S. after completing his undergraduate studies at the University of Cairo. I am so glad that he was able to come here, complete his doctoral and postdoctoral work, and become a productive member of the academic research community before the current epidemic of xenophobia and selective anti-immigrant hatred. I am very grateful to D. Ellebedy and his colleagues for this breakthrough.

[Sherman A1]

6. Superb!

That would be great!

[Ilsa]

7. One flu shot to rule them all.

This is wonderful news.

[3Hotdogs]

8. Martin Shkreli has applied for a patent.

[Brainstormy]

9. If true, expect Big Pharma

to make a fortune.