Page 14 - Abacoa Community News - July '21

Page 14, Abacoa
scieNce ON the cUttiNg edge

The Scripps Research Institute News

Lessons From Most Recent the road when another, slightly different version of influenza In roughly the past

Flu Pandemic Point The Way comes along. century, two of the four
“When people encounter that virus a second or third time,

flu pandemics have
Toward Universal Vaccines their antibody response is pretty much completely dominated been caused by H1N1
by antibodies against those more variable parts of the virus,” influenza, including
Strong immune responses to unchanging, conserved Guthmiller said. “So that’s the uphill battle that we continue the 1918 Spanish flu
parts of the 2009 pandemic H1N1 flu virus suggest to face with this.” pandemic that killed as many as 100 million
strategies for effective universal vaccines. The trick to getting around this is to design a vaccine that people. Yet the findings of this study are reassuring in the fight
A new study from Scripps Research and the University of recreates that initial encounter with H1N1, using a version of against possible future pandemics caused by other H1 viruses.
Chicago shows that during the last great influenza pandemic the HA protein that keeps the conserved, powerful antibody- “The odds of there being another pandemic within our
in 2009, people developed strong, effective immune responses inducing components, and replaces the variable parts with lifetime caused by an H1 virus is quite high,” Guthmiller said.
to stable, conserved parts of the virus that don’t vary much other molecules that won’t distract the immune system. “Just knowing that we actually have the immune toolkit ready
from strain to strain. “Structural studies were essential to delineate the conserved to protect ourselves is encouraging. Now it’s just a matter of
This suggests a strategy for developing universal flu areas on the HA protein,” says Han, a staff scientist in the Ward getting the right vaccine to do that.”
vaccines that are designed to generate those same responses, lab at Scripps Research and co-first author of the new study.
instead of targeting parts of the virus that tend to evolve rapidly “Now these data can be used to fine-tune vaccine targets.” The Scripps Research Institute News on page 16
and require a new vaccine every year.
Influenza is an elusive and frustrating target for vaccines.
There are two main types of flu virus that can infect humans, Sunny Skies and Peace of Mind Signal a
which evolve rapidly from season to season. When developing
seasonal flu vaccines, health officials try to anticipate the
predominant variation of the virus that will circulate that Return to Normalcy at La Posada
year. These predictions are often slightly off. Sometimes new,
unexpected variants emerge, which means the vaccine may not
be very effective. To avoid this, the ultimate goal of many flu Residents of La Posada,
researchers is to develop a universal vaccine that can account a Kisco senior living
for any virus strain or variation in a given year, or even longer. community in the heart of
The new study, featured on the cover of Science Palm Beach Gardens, are
enjoying sunny skies and
Translational Medicine, was led by Scripps Research structural peace of mind as they gather
biologists Andrew Ward, Ph.D., and Julianna Han, Ph.D., and together to fully enjoy all
University of Chicago immunologists Jenna Guthmiller, Ph.D., that the community offers.
and Patrick Wilson, Ph.D. They studied the immune responses For many residents, this
of people who were first exposed to the 2009 pandemic H1N1 is the first time in the last
year they’ve felt confident
flu virus, either from infection or a vaccine. removing their masks and
The researchers saw that the immune systems of these getting back into the swing
people recalled memory B cells from their childhood that of an active lifestyle.
produced broadly neutralizing antibodies against highly La Posada offers full-
conserved parts on the head of a protein called hemagglutinin service senior living that
affords an enriched lifestyle. With a unique approach and a
(HA) – a virus surface protein that attaches to receptors on philosophy centered on giving residents peace of mind, the
host cells. These antibody responses were very effective at community focuses on providing five-star service in all areas.
combatting the virus, and because they targeted conserved As a resort-style community, residents have access to a variety
parts of the HA protein – parts that don’t change very often – of amenities, including chef-prepared meals, concierge services,
they could provide an enticing target for a vaccine to generate state-of-the-art wellness programs and so much more.
“Throughout the pandemic, we adapted our services and

those same robust immune responses. programming so residents could still feel engaged and connected
“Our structural studies of these broadly neutralizing to one another socially,” said Rick Minichino, wellness director
antibodies reveal the molecular determinants for designing at La Posada. “However, nothing can beat the peace of mind our
next generation influenza vaccines,” says Ward, a professor residents are experiencing post-vaccination with the ability to
in Scripps Research’s Department of Integrative Structural forego masks. With this return to normalcy, we’re focused on
developing new and unique programming to engage our residents
and Computational Biology. and improve their overall health and wellbeing.”
In a separate 2020 study, Guthmiller of the University or gathering for a meal, and it’s given all of us an incredible sense
of Chicago and her colleagues found so-called polyreactive of hope and eagerness for the days ahead.”

While physical wellness programming has resumed pre-
antibodies that can bind to several conserved sites on the flu COVID initiatives, it’s also the return of events and lifestyle
virus. Now, the new study reveals more details about the activities that has residents buzzing. Recently, La Posada hosted
conditions that can recall the same strong immune responses its annual Ladies’ Tea, which was the community’s first large
as this first exposure. gathering in celebration of the incredible female residents who
“That’s the exciting thing about this study,” Guthmilller call the community home. More than 75 of the women who live
at La Posada gathered together on the community’s terrace for
said. “Not only have we found these broadly neutralizing afternoon tea and treats. This special event enabled friends to
antibodies, but now we know of a way to actually induce gather and celebrate one another, all while enjoying a delicious
them.” meal.
The only problem is that on subsequent encounters with the “We’ve remained focused on ensuring that our residents have
virus or a vaccine, the body doesn’t generate those same super- everything they need to live their lives well and on their own
terms,” said Cadiere. “As we continue to move towards traditional
effective antibodies. Instead, for reasons that are unclear, the planning and activities, we’re looking forward to providing new
immune system tends to target newer variations on the virus. La Posada’s recent additions to its wellness programming and engaging opportunities that create a myriad of choices and
That may be effective at the time, but isn’t very helpful down include unique activities like cardio drumming and even the social opportunities for our residents to enjoy, all while making new
favorite, cornhole. Such programming allows participants to be friendships along the way.”
La Posada features 193 luxurious independent living
NEED A/C? We’ve Got You Covered! physically active in ways that are also socially engaging and most apartments and 11 independent living cottages, in addition to
importantly, fun. These activities provide a boost in confidence
and plenty of physical activity without the need to hit the gym assisted living apartments, memory care suites, and private rooms
or feel like a routine. After a season of social distancing, and in for short-term rehabilitation and skilled nursing. And as a part
some cases isolation, it’s this level or programming that assures of The Art of Living Well philosophy, residents have ample
®
residents there is positive change in the air. opportunities to strengthen their minds, bodies and spirits at all
“Since our vaccination clinics, we’ve seen an increase in the levels of community life.
“WE SHOW number of residents who
are ready to enjoy their
UP!” favorite activities again,”
said Brad Cadiere,
executive director
of La Posada. “We’re
absolutely thrilled that
we can provide our
residents with the safety
and security they desire
so that they can enjoy
all they did before. It’s
been wonderful to see
everyone going to classes

Be our guest for a summertime complimentary lunch and meet some La Posada residents in person to hear how
Call Today for a FREE estimate! they live life at La Posada. On July 28 at 11:30 a.m., La Posada will be hosting a Resident Panel Luncheon
561.575.2173 with five-star deliciousness from Chef Guy. Join us for a taste of life at La Posada and see why we earned three
231 Jupiter St., Jupiter, FL Best of Palm Beach County awards three years in a row. Call (561) 277-0660 to RSVP by July 23
www.MiklosAir.com so we can save a spot for you!