Self-assembling influenza nanoparticle vaccines drive extended germinal center activity and memory B cell maturation

• DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.136653
• Publication Date: 2020-05-20T15:01:32Z
• Authors: Hannah G. Kelly; Hyon-Xhi Tan; Jennifer A. Juno; Robyn Esterbauer; Yi Ju; Wenbo Jiang; Verena C. Wimmer; Brigette C. Duckw...; Joanna R. Groom; Frank Caruso; Masaru Kanekiyo; Stephen J. Kent; Adam K. Wheatley
• Keywords: Center (category theory)

Protein-based, self-assembling nanoparticles elicit superior immunity compared with soluble protein vaccines, but the immune mechanisms underpinning this effect remain poorly defined. Here, we investigated immunogenicity of a prototypic ferritin-based nanoparticle displaying influenza hemagglutinin (HA) in mice and macaques. Vaccination HA-ferritin elicited higher serum antibody titers greater protection against experimental challenge HA protein. Germinal centers draining lymph nodes were expanded persistent following vaccination, deposition antigen that colocalized follicular dendritic cells. Our findings suggest highly ordered repetitive array may directly drive germinal through B cell–intrinsic mechanism does not rely on ferritin-specific T helper In contrast to mice, enhanced was observed pigtail macaques, where node comparable vaccination. An improved understanding factors vaccine small large animal models will facilitate clinical development vaccines for broad durable diverse pathogens.