Published on Feb. 27, 2026
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A novel approach to vaccine development, utilizing a combination of immune-stimulating molecules rather than traditional antigen-specific methods, is showing promising results in preclinical trials. Researchers are hopeful this strategy could lead to a ‘universal’ vaccine capable of providing broad protection against a range of respiratory pathogens, including viruses and even allergens.
Why it matters
The potential benefits of a broadly protective vaccine are significant. It could reduce the burden of seasonal respiratory illnesses, streamline vaccination schedules, and provide a crucial defense against emerging pandemic threats. This research represents a shift in thinking about how we approach infectious disease prevention, moving beyond antigen specificity and exploring new ways to harness the power of the immune system.
The details
The new vaccine strategy, explored in studies published in February 2026 in Science and previously in November 2025, challenges the long-held belief that vaccines must be antigen-specific. Researchers at Stanford Medicine and The Jackson Laboratory have independently demonstrated that stimulating the immune system in a non-specific way can offer surprisingly broad protection. The Stanford team’s work, conducted in mice, showed that a novel vaccine formula delivered intranasally protected against SARS-CoV-2, other coronaviruses, Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter baumannii, and even house dust mites. Meanwhile, researchers at The Jackson Laboratory developed a therapy using a cocktail of antibodies that protected mice, even those with compromised immune systems, from nearly all strains of influenza tested.
The Stanford Medicine study was published in February 2026.The Jackson Laboratory study was published in September 2025.
The players
Bali Pulendran
A professor of microbiology and immunology at Stanford Medicine and the senior author of the Stanford study.
Silke Paust
An immunologist at The Jackson Laboratory and the senior author of the JAX study.
Stanford Medicine
A university and medical center where researchers explored a novel vaccine approach.
The Jackson Laboratory
A research institution where researchers developed a therapy using a cocktail of antibodies to provide broad protection against influenza.
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What they’re saying
“If translated into humans, such a vaccine could replace multiple jabs every year for seasonal respiratory infections and be on hand should a new pandemic virus emerge.”
— Bali Pulendran, Professor of microbiology and immunology (Stanford Chronicle)
“This is the first time we’ve seen such broad and lasting protection against flu in a living system.”
— Silke Paust, Immunologist (The Jackson Laboratory)
What’s next
The next step is to test a version of the ‘universal vaccine’ in humans, as the Stanford researchers intend to do. Clinical trials will be essential to determine the vaccine’s safety, efficacy, and durability in people.
The takeaway
This research represents a significant shift in thinking about how we approach infectious disease prevention, moving beyond antigen specificity and exploring new ways to harness the power of the immune system. If successful in human trials, a broadly protective ‘universal’ vaccine could revolutionize how we prepare for and respond to respiratory threats, including seasonal illnesses and emerging pandemics.
