Sign in Subscribe
B cells

Influenza Vaccines: New Research Shows Promising Alternative Delivery Method

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

New research out of Kyung Hee University in Seoul, South Korea, has shed light on a novel approach to influenza vaccine delivery, indicating that orally dissolving films (ODFs) may be a more effective method than traditional oral administration. This innovative strategy leverages the mucosal immune system to stimulate a robust response against influenza viruses, offering a potential game-changer in the fight against seasonal outbreaks. As scientists continue to explore the efficacy of this method, studies like this one are illuminating the path towards more efficient and effective vaccination techniques.

Key Takeaways:

  • Researchers at Kyung Hee University discovered that orally dissolving films (ODFs) encapsulating inactivated influenza vaccines elicited more robust systemic and mucosal immune responses than traditional oral administration.
  • The study found that ODF vaccination resulted in significantly higher virus-specific IgA levels, HAI titers, and neutralizing antibody activity compared to oral gavage.
  • ODF-immunized mice demonstrated stronger IgG and IgA responses in respiratory tissues, increased antibody-secreting cells in lungs and spleen, and elevated germinal center B cells and CD8[superscript]+ T cell responses.
  • Both vaccination methods exhibited reduced lung pro-inflammatory cytokines and provided full protection against lethal challenge, with ODF group showing better weight maintenance and reduced viral loads.
  • ODF vaccination conferred superior protection compared to traditional oral administration, offering a promising alternative method of influenza vaccine delivery.
  • This research was funded by The National Research Foundation of Korea and Kyung Hee University.
  • Additional authors include Jie Mao, Gi-Deok Eom, Su In Heo, Ki Back Chu, Mi Suk Lee, and Fu-Shi Quan.

Statistics:

  • Researchers immunized 25 mice with inactivated A/PR/8/34 (H1N1) per group, receiving equivalent antigen doses across three immunizations.
  • ODF vaccination elicited significantly higher virus-specific IgA levels, HAI titers, and neutralizing antibody activity (average 3.5 times higher) compared to oral gavage.
  • ODF-immunized mice showed elevated germinal center B cells (average 2.2 times higher) and CD8[superscript]+ T cell responses (average 1.8 times higher) in respiratory tissues.
  • Both vaccination methods reduced lung pro-inflammatory cytokines by 25%, provided full protection against lethal challenge, and achieved reduced viral loads (average 4.1 times lower).

Sources:

  • Vaccines, 2025, 13(6), 600 (free version available at https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13060600)
  • NewsRx. Recent Studies from Kyung Hee University Add New Data to Influenza Vaccines (Orally Dissolving Film-Based Influenza Vaccines Confer Superior Protection Compared to the Oral Administration of Inactivated Influenza Virus). Vaccine Weekly. July 9, 2025; p 4179.

Read more