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Research shows how a beer containing modified yeasts stimulated antibody production in the researcher himself. However, the method is still experimental and continues to be debated by the scientific community.
When it comes to vaccines, many people still associate immunization with the use of needles. Therefore, virologist Christopher Buck, a researcher at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in the United States, decided to investigate a different alternative.
Thus, the scientist developed a beer containing an experimental vaccine, with the aim of evaluating whether immunization could occur through the ingestion of the beverage.
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The study was published in the scientific repository Zenodo, a platform used for the dissemination of research. However, the work has not yet been peer-reviewed, a step considered essential in the scientific process.
How the beer with experimental vaccine works
According to Christopher Buck, the proposal consists of using live yeasts, responsible for beer fermentation, as a vehicle to transport vaccine components.
Furthermore, as explained by the researcher in a presentation video of the research, the idea is to insert the immunizing agent inside the yeasts.
In this way, the immune response could be stimulated by the body.
According to Buck, this strategy represents a very simplified approach to vaccine production.
How the experiment was conducted
To evaluate the proposal, the researcher himself conducted the test on himself.
Initially, for five consecutive days, he ingested a glass of the beer containing the experimental vaccine.
Subsequently, seven weeks later, a new stage of the experiment was administered.
Again, for five days, the beverage was consumed.
After that, another seven weeks passed, when a new booster dose was used.
Results observed during the research
Subsequently, blood tests were conducted.
As a result, it was found that antibodies against two types of BK polyomavirus were produced.
Furthermore, no side effects were reported by the researcher during the experiment.
According to Buck, even when diluted in a liquid like beer, the immunizer demonstrated the ability to stimulate the immune system.
What is the BK polyomavirus
As reported by the researcher, the BK polyomavirus is present in at least 70% of the adult population.
Furthermore, according to the study, this virus may be associated with diseases affecting:
- the kidneys;
- the bladder;
- the brain;
- the cardiovascular system.
Scientific community questions the method
However, although the initial results were presented, the proposal was not immediately accepted by the scientific community.
Moreover, the National Cancer Institute of the United States itself questioned the fact that Christopher Buck conducted the experiment using only himself as a participant.
As a consequence, the researcher created the Gusteau Research Corporation, a non-profit organization aimed at continuing the work.
Experts point out limitations and need for further studies
Additionally, other researchers raised important questions.
Among them, the following stand out:
- the safety of the method;
- the effectiveness of the strategy;
- the fact that the study has not yet been peer-reviewed;
- the possibility of misinterpretations strengthening anti-vaccine movements.
Therefore, the method remains under study and continues to be debated by the scientific community.
