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Immune cells protect people from flu symptoms: study

Xinhua, June 17, 2015 Adjust font size:

British researchers have found that immune cells can protect unvaccinated people from symptoms of both seasonal and pandemic influenza, and reduce their chances of spreading the virus by two thirds, according to a four-year study released Tuesday by University College London (UCL).

The study is based on data of 1,414 unvaccinated people across England collected every autumn through spring from 2006 to 2010, including the 2009 swine flu epidemic. It was jointly conducted by researchers from UCL and other British institutes.

The results showed that 43 percent of the people had immune cells, which are certain types of T cells.

Researchers said these cells can help control influenza infections by targeting a core structural protein common to all strains of influenza A, the most common type of influenza and the only type that can cause pandemics.

The finding offers the possibility of a universal vaccine to reliably reduce the severity and spread of all types of influenza A, according to the study.

It also helps explain why so many people who catch the flu never experience symptoms, even in a pandemic, researchers said.

Although a vaccine to boost flu-killing immune cell responses would not prevent individuals from becoming infected in the first place, it would help to stop those who were infected getting ill and spreading the virus through coughs and sneezes, said Professor Andrew Hayward, who participated in the study.

The study has been published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. Endit