Universal Influenza Vaccine

About

This technology is a layered nanoparticle vaccine designed to be highly effective against both influenza A and B strains. In vivo testing demonstrates that the vaccine provides complete protection against both lineages of influenza B viruses with a 100% survival rate and long-lived immune responses. Notably, this vaccine also demonstrates a 100% survival rate in mice challenged with H3N2, which is the most common Influenza A virus among all age groups. With enhanced antigen uptake and long-lasting immune response, this vaccine has the potential to be a true universal influenza vaccine platform that does not require prior strain forecasting.

Influenza is a globally important cause of severe, contagious respiratory illness and a serious threat to public health and the economy. More than 3 million cases of influenza are reported in the US alone each year, resulting in high mortality and morbidity. Annual influenza infections are caused by either of two types of viruses, influenza A or influenza B.  Current seasonal influenza vaccines remain suboptimal due to the need to preselect vaccine strains, antigenic drift, and time-consuming culture systems.