Live recombinant Measles-M2 vaccine induces broad-spectrum protective immunity against influenza viruses

Summary

The invention relates to a live attenuated recombinant measles virus expressing influenza A virus antigens (M2 and NP or M1 and M2) and to its use in the elicitation of immunity, in particular protective immunity and advantageously broad-spectrum protective immunity against influenza A virus. The influenza A virus is selected among epidemic seasonal viruses and/or endemic viruses circulating in the human population and advantageously encompasses a pandemic virus such as H1N1.

Unmet need

Influenza is a worldwide public health concern. The WHO estimates that flu kills between 250,000 and 500,000 people around the world every year. Current influenza vaccines have moderate efficacy, good safety, and acceptable tolerability; however, they have unsatisfactory efficacy in older adults, are dependent on egg supply for production, and are time-consuming to manufacture. In the northern hemisphere, annual influenza epidemics typically occur during the autumn and winter months. The global attack rate is estimated to be 5-10% in adults and 20-30% in children. However, complications and hospitalizations are more frequent among individuals aged ≥ 65 years, children aged < 2 years, and those with underlying medical conditions that confer higher risk for influenza-related complications. Vaccination is the primary strategy used to prevent and control influenza.

Current Development Status

Double recombinant MVs expressing M2 and either M1 or NP nucleoprotein
Immunogenicity studies done
Full protection in challenged mice, and partial protection against heterologous H1N1 viruses

Applications

Prophylactic vaccine against Flu

Advantages

Can be easily and rapidly produced in large quantities and at low cost
MV vaccine routinely used for infants worldwide, notably through the Expanded Program of Immunization of WHO
Antibodies and cross-reactive cellular responses to influenza and broad protection from intranasal challenge
Prof-of-concept for universal influenza vaccine development, mice protected from an intranasal lethal challenge with homologous or heterologous influenza viruses.

Publications