Universal protection against influenza viruses by multi-subtype neuraminidase and M2 ectodomain virus-like particle

PLoS Pathog. 2022 Aug 25;18(8):e1010755. doi: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010755. eCollection 2022 Aug.

Abstract

Annual influenza vaccination is recommended to update the variable hemagglutinin antigens. Here, we first designed a virus-like particle (VLP) displaying consensus multi-neuraminidase (NA) subtypes (cN1, cN2, B cNA) and M2 ectodomain (M2e) tandem repeat (m-cNA-M2e VLP). Vaccination of mice with m-cNA-M2e VLP induced broad NA inhibition (NAI), and M2e antibodies as well as interferon-gamma secreting T cell responses. Mice vaccinated with m-cNA-M2e VLP were protected against influenza A (H1N1, H5N1, H3N2, H9N2, H7N9) and influenza B (Yamagata and Victoria lineage) viruses containing substantial antigenic variations. Protective immune contributors include cellular and humoral immunity as well as antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Furthermore, comparable cross protection by m-cNA-M2e VLP vaccination was induced in aged mice. This study supports a novel strategy of developing a universal vaccine against influenza A and B viruses potentially in both young and aged populations by inducing multi-NA subtype and M2e immunity with a single VLP entity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Humans
  • Influenza A virus / classification
  • Influenza Vaccines* / immunology
  • Influenza, Human* / prevention & control
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Orthomyxoviridae Infections* / prevention & control
  • Viral Matrix Proteins / genetics

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Influenza Vaccines
  • Viral Matrix Proteins