Researchers from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, have recently made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of immunology that could revolutionize the treatment and prevention of influenza. Collaborating with colleagues in China, the team uncovered an antibody-like molecule capable of protecting mice from multiple strains of influenza. This molecule, identified as E10, represents an exciting step forward in combating the constantly evolving threat of influenza, offering promise for new treatments and broader vaccines that could target several types of the virus.
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a viral infection that affects the respiratory system. While flu vaccines have been in use for many years, they typically target specific strains of the virus, making them less effective as new variants emerge. The continual mutations of the influenza virus, particularly its surface proteins, present a significant challenge for the development of long-lasting vaccines. This research, however, has identified a molecule capable of binding to a conserved region on the virus’s surface, which is shared by various influenza strains, from seasonal variants to more severe versions like H7N9, an avian flu strain. This discovery could be transformative in the global battle against influenza.
The molecule E10 belongs to a class of antibody-like molecules known as nanobodies. Unlike traditional antibodies, nanobodies are smaller, more stable, and easier to produce. These properties make nanobodies highly attractive for therapeutic and preventive purposes. According to Davide Angeletti, Associate Professor of Immunology at the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg and the senior author of the study, E10 has demonstrated the ability to prevent influenza infection in mice, showcasing its potential to protect against several different strains of the virus, including common seasonal flu and more severe avian influenza strains like H7N9, which previously caused concerns during its outbreaks.
One of the key advantages of the E10 nanobody is its ability to target a specific, conserved part of the influenza virus’s surface protein. This region, which remains relatively unchanged despite viral mutations, could be pivotal in developing a treatment that remains effective across various flu strains. The study revealed that mice treated with E10 were protected from infection with various influenza viruses. More promisingly, a vaccine based on this binding site also provided a good degree of protection, highlighting its potential as a platform for developing future influenza vaccines that could offer broader protection.
What sets E10 apart from other antiviral compounds is its ability to protect against such a broad range of influenza strains. Typically, antibodies that target the surface proteins of influenza are effective only against specific variants. However, because E10 binds to a part of the virus shared by many different influenza types, it has the potential to offer protection against a variety of strains, including those that are most likely to cause pandemics. Furthermore, researchers observed that viruses trying to mutate and evade the E10 molecule lost their ability to grow efficiently. This indicates that E10 may help to reduce the likelihood of resistance developing, which is often a concern with antiviral therapies.
Despite these exciting findings, there is still a long road ahead before E10 can be used in clinical settings. The study’s success in mice is an important first step, but additional research is needed to evaluate its effectiveness in other animal models. Before it can be considered for human use, the molecule will need to undergo rigorous clinical trials to ensure its safety and efficacy. These trials will test how well E10 performs in larger animal populations and eventually in humans, assessing whether it can prevent or treat influenza infections effectively without causing adverse side effects. Researchers also need to determine the optimal dosage and delivery method to maximize its therapeutic potential.
The need for such novel approaches is urgent. Influenza remains one of the most persistent viral threats to global public health, responsible for causing seasonal epidemics that lead to hundreds of thousands of deaths worldwide each year. In recent years, influenza has presented a growing challenge due to the rapid emergence of new strains and the virus’s ability to mutate. Current flu vaccines, while effective in some cases, must be updated annually to keep up with the shifting viral landscape, and even then, they provide varying levels of protection. The emergence of influenza pandemics, such as the 2009 H1N1 swine flu and the avian H7N9 flu outbreaks, highlights the importance of developing more versatile, long-lasting solutions.
In this context, the discovery of E10 offers a glimmer of hope for better controlling flu outbreaks in the future. If proven successful in human trials, this molecule could become a valuable tool for protecting individuals against multiple strains of influenza, especially during periods of heightened viral activity. Beyond providing potential protection during active infections, it could also pave the way for developing influenza vaccines that target multiple variants of the virus simultaneously, offering a more comprehensive defense against the ever-changing influenza landscape.
The success of this research also illustrates the power of international collaboration. The study was a joint effort between scientists in Sweden and China, with Zhao-Shan Chen, a Ph.D. student from China, playing a significant role. Chen initially isolated the E10 molecule from an alpaca in Professor Qiyun Zhu’s lab at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences before continuing her work at the University of Gothenburg, where further research showed the molecule’s ability to protect against multiple influenza strains. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of pooling knowledge and resources across borders to tackle global health challenges.
Ultimately, the work published in Nature Communications represents a promising advance in the fight against influenza. While more work remains before this research can be translated into clinical treatments or vaccines, the potential of E10 to protect against a range of influenza variants offers hope for better, more reliable methods of prevention and treatment. As scientists continue to investigate nanobodies and other antibody-like molecules for their antiviral properties, the door opens to new possibilities in our arsenal against influenza and, potentially, other viral diseases as well.
Reference: Zhao-Shan Chen et al. Influenza A Virus H7 nanobody recognizes a conserved immunodominant epitope on hemagglutinin head and confers heterosubtypic protection, Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-55193-y
Inspired? Don’t keep it to yourself—share this and spark another mind.