Novel TLR4 adjuvant elicits protection against homologous and heterologous Influenza A infection

Vaccine. 2021 Aug 23;39(36):5205-5213. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.06.085. Epub 2021 Aug 3.

Abstract

Influenza A virus (IAV) is a leading cause of respiratory disease worldwide often resulting in hospitalization or death. In this study, TLR4 immunostimulatory molecules, Bacterial Enzymatic Combinatorial Chemistry (BECC) 438 and BECC470 were found to be superior IAV vaccine adjuvants when compared to the classic adjuvant alhydrogel (alum) and Phosphorylated Hexa-Acyl Disaccharide (PHAD), a synthetic TLR4 agonist. BECC molecules allow for antigen sparing of a recombinant HA (rHA) protein, elicit a more balanced IgG1/IgG2a response, and were protective in a prime only dosing schedule. Importantly, BECC molecules afford protection from a heterologous IAV strain demonstrating that a cross-protective influenza vaccine is possible when the antigen is effectively adjuvanted.

Keywords: Adjuvant; Cross-protection; Influenza; TLR4 agonist; Vaccine.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic
  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Influenza Vaccines*
  • Influenza, Human* / prevention & control
  • Orthomyxoviridae Infections* / prevention & control
  • Toll-Like Receptor 4

Substances

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic
  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Influenza Vaccines
  • TLR4 protein, human
  • Toll-Like Receptor 4