M2e-based universal influenza A vaccine

Human influenza causes substantial morbidity and mortality. Currently, licensed influenza vaccines offer satisfactory protection if they match the infecting strain, but they come with significant drawbacks. These vaccines are derived from prototype viruses, containing the hemagglutinin of influenza viruses that are likely to cause the next epidemic. Their usefulness against a future pandemic, however, remains problematic. A vaccine based on the ectodomain of influenza matrix protein 2 (M2e) could overcome these drawbacks. M2e is highly conserved in both human and avian influenza A viruses. The low immunogenicity against natural M2e can be overcome by fusing M2e to an appropriate carrier such as Hepatitis B virus-derived virus-like particles. Such chimeric particles can be produced in a simple and safe bacterial expression system, requiring minimal biocontainment, and can be obtained in a pure form. Experiments in animal models have demonstrated that M2e-based vaccines induce protection against a lethal challenge with various influenza A virus subtypes. Furthermore, the production and use of an effective M2e-vaccine could be implemented at any time regardless of seasonality, both in an epidemic as well as in a pandemic preparedness program. In animal models, M2e-vaccines administered parenterally or intranasally protect against disease and mortality following challenge with various influenza A strains. Adjuvants suitable for human use improve protection, which correlates with higher anti-M2e antibody responses of defined subtypes. Recently, Phase I clinical studies with M2e-vaccines have been completed, indicating their safety and immunogenicity. Further clinical development of this universal influenza A vaccine candidate is being pursued in order to validate its protective efficacy in humans.