Chinese scientists revealed have discovered a "revolutionary" way of developing flu vaccines through genetic alteration of live viruses which are capable of triggering the immune system. The viruses' abilities to multiply and cause infection were removed.

The vaccine was tested on guinea pigs, ferrets, and mice and showed effectiveness in protecting the animals. Professor Deming Zhou of Peking University voiced optimism that their study will result in a simple yet general and convenient way of developing live virus vaccine, which can be applied to "almost any viruses." Deming, who is leading the research, added that "this will help control pandemics of influenza and other life-threatening RNA viruses."

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The study, which was published in the U.S. journal Science, focused on the modification of the premature termination codon (PTC), three-consecutive-base-segment in the genomic property of influenza virus. The process altered the pathogens into potent yet replicating viruses. The researchers added that the second dose of the vaccine would enable more antibodies by a factor of six and eight.

"Vaccination with such live PTC viruses in animal model via the intranasal route elicited all aspects of immune responses including humoral, mucosal and T cell-mediated immunity against hyper-variable and even antigenically distinct influenza virus strains," Deming said. He added that "multiple PTCs-harboring viruses are not only prophylactic but also therapeutic to existing infecting viruses."

The researchers explained that the primary challenge in the conversion of pathogens such as influenza, Zika, Ebola, and AIDS virus into live vaccines is the removal of their virulence while retaining their capability to activate the immunity. In traditional vaccine development, dead or weakened pathogens are used. Since weakened viruses are still capable of multiplication, their toxic effects remain a problem especially to people or animals with compromised immunity.

Zhou and his colleagues will continue their study on the development of "revolutionary" live influenza virus vaccine before proceeding to clinical trials.