The Omicron and Delta variants have researchers investigating the effectiveness of existing vaccinations and boosters against emerging new strains of COVID-19.
One protection against the quickly mutating virus may potentially be through nasal vaccines, according to a new study published in Science Immunology.
Yale News - Yale University
“A new response to the rapidly mutating virus might be found right at the door of our lungs,'' said Yale University’s Waldemar Von Zedtwitz Professor of Immunobiology and senior author of the study, Akiko Iwasaki.
FOX News reported that researchers at Yale University and the Icahn School of Medicine in New York may have found an intranasal vaccine which provides broad-based protection against the virus.
They explained that the mucous membranes have their own line of defense that can fight air- or foodborne pathogens, and they produce cells that secrete immunoglobulin A (IgA), an antibody that fights off diseases.
These antibodies work locally on the mucosal linings in the nose, lungs, and stomach in ways that differ from vaccines, which evoke a system-wide immune response.
“The best immune defence happens at the gate, guarding against viruses trying to enter,” said Iwasaki.
This actually makes sense…
Hopefully this works and that one day we’ll all be protected against COVID-19!
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
