Single dose of multi-clade virus-like particle vaccine protects chickens against clade 2.3.2.1 and clade 2.3.4.4 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses

Sci Rep. 2021 Jul 2;11(1):13786. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-93060-8.

Abstract

Virus-like particles (VLPs) are recognized as an alternative vaccine platform that provide effective protection against various highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs). Here, we developed multi-clade VLPs expressing two HAs (a chimera of clade 2.3.2.1c and clade 2.3.4.4c HA) within a single vector. We then compared its protective efficacy with that of a monovalent VLP and evaluated its potency against each homologous strain. Chickens vaccinated with the multi-clade VLP shed less virus and were better protected against challenge than birds receiving monovalent vaccines. Single vaccination with a multi-clade VLP resulted in 100% survival, with no clinical symptoms and high levels of pre-challenge protective immunity (7.6-8.5 log2). Moreover, the multi-clade VLP showed high productivity (128-256 HAU) both in the laboratory and on a large scale, making it cheaper than whole inactivated vaccines produced in eggs. However, the PD50 (protective dose 50%) of the multi-clade VLP against clades 2.3.2.1c and 2.3.4.4c was < 50 PD50 (28 and 42 PD50, respectively), and effective antibody response was maintained for 2-3 months. This multi-clade VLP protects against both clades of HPAI viruses and can be produced in high amounts at low cost. Thus, the vaccine has potential as a pandemic preparedness vaccine.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chickens / virology
  • Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus / genetics
  • Influenza A virus / drug effects
  • Influenza A virus / pathogenicity*
  • Influenza Vaccines / pharmacology*
  • Influenza in Birds / drug therapy*
  • Influenza in Birds / pathology
  • Influenza in Birds / virology
  • Vaccines, Inactivated / pharmacology
  • Vaccines, Virus-Like Particle / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus
  • Influenza Vaccines
  • Vaccines, Inactivated
  • Vaccines, Virus-Like Particle