Scientists at Stanford University School of Medicine have achieved promising results in the development of a universal vaccine offering potential protection against the common cold, influenza, COVID-19, and allergies, according to research published in the journal Science.
The vaccine, designed as a nasal spray, demonstrated protective effects in mice against COVID-19 and other coronavirus strains, as well as against bacteria such as Staphylococcus and Klebsiella, which can cause infections in the blood, urinary tract, lungs, and wounds. It also showed protection against dust mites, a common household allergen. The research team, led by Dr. Bali Pulendran, reported that the vaccine works by activating immune cells in the lungs, enabling them to signal other immune cells to remain active and combat pathogens.
“I believe what we have is a universal vaccine against a variety of respiratory threats,” Dr. Pulendran stated. He envisions a future where a single annual nasal spray could protect individuals from a range of respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and the common cold, as well as bacterial pneumonia and allergy triggers.
The vaccine differs from traditional approaches by simulating the signals used by immune cells to communicate during infection, rather than attempting to mimic a part of the microbe itself. It contains a harmless antigen that attracts T cells to the lungs, bolstering the body’s defense against pathogens for weeks or months. In the study, mice received a single drop of the vaccine via the nose, proving sufficient to demonstrate protection.
Researchers are now planning to initiate human trials, beginning with a safety assessment followed by a larger study to evaluate efficacy by exposing participants to infection. Dr. Pulendran estimates that two doses of the nasal spray may be sufficient to provide protection in humans. He projects that, with adequate funding, the vaccine could be available for clinical use within five to seven years.
The development comes as health officials continue to grapple with the ongoing threat of respiratory illnesses. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes respiratory tract diseases as a significant global health concern, noting that viral infections are among the most common health problems worldwide, ranging from mild colds to severe respiratory diseases.
Previous research from Stanford University highlighted the frequent co-infection of individuals with COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses, challenging the assumption that individuals are unlikely to be infected with multiple respiratory viruses simultaneously. A 2020 study found that approximately one in five people with COVID-19 were also infected with other respiratory viruses.