A recent study published in Vaccine explores the development of a novel vaccine approach against avian influenza using chimeric virus-like particles (VLPs). Researchers engineered VLPs derived from nodavirus to display the extracellular domain of the M2 protein (M2e) from human influenza A viruses. These chimeric VLPs were designed to enhance the immune response against multiple influenza A virus (IAV) subtypes.
The chimeric VLPs induced a broad anti-IgG antibody response in mice, targeting both human and avian IAVs. Immunized mice demonstrated protection against lethal challenges with H1N1 and H5N1 influenza strains.
The VLP-based vaccine approach showed potential as a universal influenza vaccine candidate, offering cross-protection against diverse IAV subtypes.
This study highlights the potential of VLP-based vaccines in providing broad-spectrum protection against various influenza A virus subtypes, including those responsible for avian influenza outbreaks. The ability to elicit a strong and wide-ranging immune response suggests that such vaccines could play a crucial role in pandemic preparedness and in reducing the impact of influenza outbreaks in both human and animal populations.
This research was supported by the International Collaboration Fund (ICF) by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation of Malaysia.
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