Nature Podcast New bird flu vaccine could tackle multiple variants with one shot
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Oct 15, 2025 Mathilde Richard, a researcher at Erasmus University Medical Centre, discusses her groundbreaking work on a multi-variant H5 avian influenza vaccine. She explains how the vaccine aims to enhance pandemic preparedness by protecting against various strains. In fascinating ferret studies, Mathilde reveals that the vaccine provided cross-variant protection. She explains the complex mapping of H5 viruses for vaccine design, emphasizing its potential, limitations, and the promising next steps for human trials.
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H5 Diversity Undermines Strain-Specific Prep
- H5 avian influenza has many divergent variants that complicate vaccine preparedness.
- A subtype-wide approach could reduce the need for many strain-specific stockpiles.
Antigenic Map Predicts Cross-Protection
- The team built a 3D antigenic map where proximity signals immune similarity.
- Vaccination with a virus near the map center should protect against nearby variants.
Design Vaccines From Central Variants
- Use naturally central variants as blueprints when engineering broad vaccines.
- Modify haemagglutinin to make a central, human-like antigen for wider protection.