Maintaining the right temperature for laboratory materials is crucial, especially for delicate substances like flu virus-like particles or dummy viruses (DV). These lab-made particles safely replace real flu viruses in vaccine and treatment testing. However, DV particles are unstable, requiring storage at -80°C. Some degrade quickly if frozen and thawed repeatedly, making them difficult to use in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where ultra-cold freezers are scarce or unreliable.
To address this, University of Kent researchers developed a freeze-dried version of DV particles covering multiple flu strains. This innovation simplifies storage and transport, improving vaccine testing and flu monitoring, particularly in LMICs.
This study aims to evaluate how well this tool detects flu antibodies in blood samples from healthy donors. Since most people have been exposed to flu, an effective tool should identify these antibodies when present.
The NIHR BioResource collects biological samples from diverse populations, providing an excellent source for testing this tool’s effectiveness.
A reliable flu vaccine testing tool enabled the development of safe and effective flu vaccines and treatments. Patients will gain from improved vaccines and treatments, reducing flu-related illness. Early detection of new flu strains in human and animal populations worldwide will enable public health and animal disease experts to implement measures that limit or prevent their spread.
