The swine flu outbreak that took place in 2009 was quite a disastrous activity taken place across the world. This led many researchers to carry out a study on the subjects related to flu.

Among them was a team from Imperial College London. They carried out study to know why some people are more likely to get ill than others.

In order to come up with a conclusion, over 300 staff members and students were recruited. After carrying out the study, the researchers were able to find a set of immune cells that were said to be playing a significant in providing a protective shield to the body against the virus.

The revelation is said to be important. There are chances that the research findings will help in coming up with a new universal vaccine.

It is not the first time when the study researchers have tried to come up with a vaccine that works against the bird and swine flu. But they always have remained eluded.

The researchers have found that people who have more virus-killing immune cells, known as CD8 T cells, in their blood are better equipped to handle illness.

"New strains of flu are continuously emerging, some of which are deadly, and so the holy grail is to create a universal vaccine that would be effective against all strains of flu", said Professor Ajit Lalvani from the National Heart and Lung Institute.