Universal nasal spray vaccine might protect against Covid and flu.

Stanford researchers reported an experimental nasal spray vaccine that protected mice against SARS‑CoV‑2, other coronaviruses, two bacteria and a common allergen; the team says adapting it for people could take about five to seven years with adequate funding.

Researchers at Stanford Medicine have developed an experimental nasal spray vaccine intended to protect against a wide range of respiratory pathogens and common allergens. The study reporting these results was published Feb. 19 in Science and describes tests carried out in mice. The work was presented amid a heavy flu season and ahead of the spring allergy period. The spray uses a different immune mechanism than many current vaccines. Key findings: - The study, published Feb. 19 in Science, reported protection in vaccinated mice against SARS‑CoV‑2 and other coronaviruses, Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii, and house dust mites (a common allergen). - The treatment is delivered as a nasal spray and is designed to imitate the communication signals immune cells exchange during infection rather than targeting a single pathogen. - Vaccinated mice showed immune responses within days and protection that the authors reported lasting at least three months, compared with about two weeks for responses in unvaccinated mice. - The researchers reported that two doses would likely be required for full protection if the approach is adapted for people. - The team said adapting the nasal spray for human use will require further research and resources, and they estimate a timeline of about five to seven years with adequate funding. Summary: If results observed in mice translate to humans, the approach aims to boost the lungs' own immune defenses and might simplify protection against multiple respiratory infections and allergens. Human adaptation and clinical testing remain to be done, and the researchers report an estimated five- to seven-year timeline with sufficient funding.