Scientists have started work on a new way to fight cold and flu viruses by reprogramming the cells in our immune system to respond faster to infections.
Experts at the University of Southampton are developing a type of white blood cell, called killer cells, with a pre-installed memory of how to fight off respiratory diseases.
It is a different approach to traditional jabs, which contain a weakened and harmless pathogen used to train the immune system to destroy future infections.
Professor of Hepatology Salim Khakoo from the University of Southampton said the new technique could change how people protect themselves from flu, colds and RSV.
He added: “We’re working on creating a natural killer cell found in the lungs with a memory about how to fight the viruses immediately someone is infected.
“The idea is to arm our body naturally by enhancing these cells so that they can prevent infection from ever becoming established.”
Viruses such as flu, RSV and Covid remain a major cause of illness in the UK and are responsible for millions of hospital admissions each year, particularly in winter.
Natural killer cells, which are the immune system’s first responders, can destroy infections before a virus spreads.
However, they are short-lived and scientists do not currently know how to get the body to create enough to provide long-lasting protection year after year.
Co-lead Dr Andres Vallejo, also at the University of Southampton, said: “By learning how to reprogramme natural killer cells, we can create long-lasting versions that live in our airways.
“It means that, as soon as you breathe in a virus, your lungs are ready to fight it off."
The University of Southampton team received £2.5m to develop the new technique.
They hope, if it is successful, it will guard against most common viruses, rather than just one specific strain.
"We are at the forefront of this new class of medicine, with the potential to provide long-term protection for the public,” added Prof Khakoo.
The TRIUMPH-NK project is part of a £57million national initiative funded by Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA).
More at triumph-nk.org .