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2008 Publications

In the fight against infection, the human immune system isn't ready for war.

Although vaccines push the immune system to create defenses against illness, they can take time to work. But a new process developed by scientists at OMRF stands to revolutionize the process, creating the potential to quickly and effectively create new treatments for influenza and a variety of other communicable diseases that strike the lungs.

OMRF scientists unveiled their discovery in a 2008 paper in the journal Nature. The new process develops a “smart bomb” for the immune system, fighting infection without doing any harm to the body. While the research is aimed at combating influenza, it can be used to create treatments for any condition—such as anthrax or pneumococcal pneumonia—for which there is already a vaccine.

“Vaccines can activate the immune system, but they need time to take effect, and many offer less than 100 percent protection and carry risks of side effects,” says OMRF President Stephen Prescott. “With further research and testing, this new method might allow a nurse going into the center of an outbreak to receive a shot to keep her safe from infection. Soldiers in the field could keep a shot of anti-anthrax in their packs in case of a biological attack.”

"We now have an outstanding opportunity to create treatments for a host of diseases," says Dr. Judith James, who is leading efforts at OMRF to develop disease-fighting therapeutics. "This discovery has great potential."