Advancing usability of an influenza hemagglutinin virus-like particle vaccine expressing a chimeric cytokine

Vaccine efficacy of conventional influenza vaccines depend on the antigenic similarity between the selected vaccine strain and annual epidemic strain. Since the influenza virus evolves yearly, a vaccine which is independent from viral antigenic mutation is desired. We have developed chimeric cytokine (CC) and hemagglutinin (HA) incorporated virus-like particle (CCHA-VLP) as a universal influenza vaccine candidate. Using mouse models, it was shown that the vaccine provided broad-based protective activity against several types of human and avian influenza A viruses. In this report, nasal immunization and mixture form (CC- and HA-VLP) were tested to improve usability of this vaccine. Immunogenicity was evaluated by induction of IgG, IgA, and IFN-γ secreting cells. Protective activity was measured as mouse survival rate against lethal challenge with H1N1 and H5N1 viruses and against H3N2 virus by lung viral titer. Nasal immunization showed low immunogenicity and low protective efficacy, but the addition of a sesame oil adjuvant improved vaccine efficacy. Mixture form of CC- and HA-VLP showed comparable or higher vaccine efficacy when compared to the incorporated form, CCHA-VLP. These results contribute to improved usability, such as needle-less administration and easy HA subtypes alteration.