Invention of a universal vaccine for all strains of a virus

Imagine a world where a single injection could protect against all strains of a virus. This vision now seems closer to becoming a reality, thanks to a recent scientific discovery.

Researchers at the University of California, Riverside have developed a new type of RNA-based vaccine that promises effectiveness against a variety of viral strains, while being safe for infants and immunocompromised individuals.


The annual challenge of formulating vaccines against influenza or COVID-19 could soon become a thing of the past. Each year, scientists attempt to predict the most prevalent virus strains to create an effective vaccine. However, with this new approach, that could become obsolete. Instead of targeting specific strains, this vaccine targets a part of the viral genome common to all strains of a given virus.

Traditional vaccines rely on using weakened or inactivated versions of the virus to stimulate the body's immune response. In contrast, this new vaccine uses a different path by utilizing small RNA molecules. These "interfering RNAs," or siRNAs, are naturally produced by the body to fight viral infections. By weakening the viruses and preventing their ability to block the siRNA response, this vaccine effectively strengthens the immune system to fight viral infections.

The researchers have tested this strategy on mice, showing effective protection against Nodamura virus for at least 90 days, even in newborns. This method offers hope for the creation of a universal vaccine against a range of viruses, including those responsible for diseases such as dengue, SARS, and COVID.

Despite the promising potential of this new approach, further research is needed to confirm its efficacy in humans. Scientists are planning to launch clinical trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this vaccine in the near future.