The Global Impact of Influenza on Mortality

Influenza Statistics in the United States

The impact of influenza on mortality worldwide is significant, ranking among the most detrimental infectious diseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the flu has caused between 9 million and 45 million illnesses, 140,000 to 810,000 hospitalizations, and 12,000 to 61,000 deaths annually in the United States since 2010.

The Role of Vaccines

Flu vaccines have proven effective in reducing the severity and transmission of the virus. However, the rapid evolution of the virus can result in vaccines that do not correspond to the most virulent strains each year, leaving many vaccinated individuals susceptible to contracting the flu.

Advancements in Influenza Treatment

New Therapy Developed by Purdue University

Researchers at Purdue University have introduced a novel therapy for influenza virus infections that has demonstrated the ability to eliminate advanced infections from both influenza A and B strains. This innovative study, published in *Nature Communications*, employs a targeted therapy approach.

Targeted Therapy Approach

Philip S. Low, the Ralph C. Corley Distinguished Professor of Chemistry at Purdue, explains, “we target all of the antiviral drugs we develop specifically to virus-infected cells. That way, we treat the diseased cells without harming healthy cells. We use this capability to deliver immune-activating drugs selectively into flu-infected cells.” This targeted approach holds potential for treating individuals infected with COVID-19 as well.

Mechanism of Action

The scientists have created a bifunctional small molecule that combines the neuraminidase inhibitor zanamivir with the highly immunogenic hapten dinitrophenyl (DNP). This combination specifically targets the surfaces of free viruses and infected cells. Neuraminidase inhibitors are antiviral drugs that impede the neuraminidase enzyme’s function, preventing the influenza virus from reproducing by budding off from host cells.

Understanding Haptens

A hapten is a molecule that interacts with a specific antibody but lacks immunogenic properties on its own. It can become immunogenic when conjugated to an appropriate carrier, such as zanamivir in this case. Zanamivir is an antiviral drug that aids in combating flu viruses, alleviating symptoms, and shortening illness duration.

Avoiding Toxicity

By designing these molecules to specifically target virus-infected cells, researchers aim to minimize the collateral toxicity that can occur when antiviral medications affect uninfected cells.

Potential for Broader Applications

The scientists believe that this new therapy could also be effective against other viral infections, including COVID-19, hepatitis B, HIV, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2020. Burden Of Influenza. [online] Available at: [Accessed 15 December 2020].
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2020. What You Should Know About Flu Antiviral Drugs. [online] Available at: [Accessed 15 December 2020].
Liu, X., Zhang, B., Wang, Y., Haymour, H., Zhang, F., Xu, L., Srinivasarao, M. and Low, P., 2020. A universal dual mechanism immunotherapy for the treatment of influenza virus infections. *Nature Communications*, 11(1).
Service, P., 2020. New Therapy For Flu May Help In Fight Against COVID-19. [online] Purdue.edu. Available at: [Accessed 15 December 2020].
Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay.