Vaccine ‘Accessory’ Found to Stop Covid Infection in the Nasal Tract

Researchers at the University of Michigan (U-M) and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have found that a nasal vaccine adjuvant, or a substance added to nasal vaccines to trigger a stronger immune response, can stop COVID-19 infection in both young and old mice.

Vaccine ‘Accessory’ Found to Stop Covid Infection in the Nasal Tract

The adjuvant, called MF59, is a squalene-based oil emulsion that has been used in vaccines for decades. It works by stimulating the immune system to produce more antibodies and other immune cells that can fight off infection.

In the study, mice were given a nasal vaccine containing MF59 or a placebo. The mice that received the MF59 vaccine were significantly less likely to become infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, than the mice that received the placebo.

The researchers also found that the MF59 vaccine was more effective at stopping infection in the nasal tract, where the virus first enters the body. This is important because the nasal tract is the main entry point for SARS-CoV-2, and it is also where the virus can spread to other parts of the body.

The study’s findings suggest that MF59 could be a promising ingredient for a nasal COVID-19 vaccine. Nasal vaccines are thought to be more effective at preventing infection than injected vaccines, and they are also easier to administer.

The researchers are currently conducting further studies to evaluate the safety and efficacy of MF59 in humans. If the studies are successful, MF59 could be used in a nasal COVID-19 vaccine that could help to protect people from infection.

What does this mean for the future of COVID-19 vaccines?

The findings of this study suggest that MF59 could be a promising ingredient for a nasal COVID-19 vaccine. Nasal vaccines are thought to be more effective at preventing infection than injected vaccines, and they are also easier to administer.

If MF59 is found to be safe and effective in humans, it could be used in a nasal COVID-19 vaccine that could help to protect people from infection. This would be a significant advance in the fight against COVID-19, as it would provide a more effective and convenient way to vaccinate people.

What are the next steps?

The researchers are currently conducting further studies to evaluate the safety and efficacy of MF59 in humans. If the studies are successful, MF59 could be used in a nasal COVID-19 vaccine that could help to protect people from infection.

The researchers are also exploring the use of MF59 in other vaccines, such as those for influenza and RSV. If MF59 is found to be effective in these vaccines, it could help to protect people from a wider range of respiratory infections.

Overall, the findings of this study are promising for the future of COVID-19 vaccines. MF59 could be a key ingredient in a nasal vaccine that could help to protect people from infection.

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