Nasal spray vaccine protected mice from viruses, bacteria and allergies
Mar 4th 2026
A new nasal vaccine sustained innate immunity in mice and protected them for months against multiple coronaviruses, antibiotic resistant bacteria, and dust mite induced asthma by combining adaptive and innate immune signals.
- The vaccine, called GLA-3M-052-LS+OVA, was delivered as a nasal spray and tested in mice.
- Three doses protected mice from SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses for three months and cut lung viral load about 700-fold versus unvaccinated mice.
- Vaccinated mice mounted an adaptive immune response to SARS-CoV-2 in as little as three days instead of the usual up to two weeks.
- The vaccine also reduced bacterial infections from Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii in follow-up tests.
- Vaccination lowered dust mite induced asthmatic responses, including excess mucus and immune cell influx, for three months.
- The strategy works by linking adaptive and innate immunity, using synthetic signals that keep innate defenses active beyond their normal short window.
- The study was published in Science and the team says human trials are next, with an optimistic 5 to 7 year timeline if safety and efficacy are confirmed