Researchers developing, testing nanovaccine to protect against the flu virus

Researchers from Iowa State University, the University of Iowa, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison are working together to develop and test what they think could be a better way to fight the flu. They have loaded synthesized influenza proteins into nanoparticles made from biodegradable polymers. The nanoparticles are then incorporated into a nasal spray and delivered with a sniff. Preliminary studies have shown that the nanovaccine could activate both kinds of immune cells (T cells and B cells) and provide protection in the nose, throat, voice box, windpipe, and lungs.