Novel H7N9 influenza immunogen design enhances mobilization of seasonal influenza T cell memory in H3N2 pre-immune mice

• DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2022.2082191
• Publication Date: 2022-06-15T19:43:45Z
• Authors: Leonard Moise; Lauren M. Meyers; Hyesun Jang; Mayara Grizotte-Lake; Christine M. Boyle; Bethany McGonnigal; Pan Ge; Ted M. Ross; Anne S. De Groot
• Keywords: Immunogen; Memory T cell

Strategies that improve influenza vaccine immunogenicity are critical for the development of vaccines pandemic preparedness. Hemagglutinin (HA)-specific CD4+ T cell epitopes support protective B responses against seasonal influenza. However, in case avian H7N9, which poses a threat, HA elicits only weak neutralizing antibody infection and vaccination without adjuvant. We hypothesized an immune-engineered H7N9 incorporating broadly reactive H3N2 HA-specific memory epitope replaces regulatory cell-inducing at corresponding position could harness preexisting immunity to increase cells needed development. designed produced virus-like particle (VLP) carries augmented (OPT1) immunized HLA-DR3 transgenic mice with established immunity. OPT1-VLPs stimulated higher stem cell, central, effector levels over wild type VLP immunization. In addition, activated, IL-21-producing follicular helper frequencies were enhanced. This novel immunogen design strategy illustrates site-specific modifications aimed augment content enhance among subpopulations capable aiding immune upon antigen re-encounter mobilization can be used overcome poor viruses.