Reduction of influenza virus transmission from mice immunized against conserved viral antigens is influenced by route of immunization and choice of vaccine antigen.

Reduction of influenza virus transmission from mice immunized against conserved viral antigens is influenced by route of immunization and choice of vaccine antigen. Vaccine. 2018 Aug 06;36(32 Pt B):4910-4918 Authors: Price GE, Lo CY, Misplon JA, Epstein SL Abstract Transmission of influenza virus between susceptible hosts mediates spread of infection in the population and can occur via direct-contact or airborne routes. Mathematical models suggest that vaccines that reduce viral transmission from infected individuals could substantially reduce viral spread in an epidemic or pandemic, even if they do not completely protect against infection. Vaccines targeting conserved nucleoprotein (A/NP) and matrix 2 (M2) antigens of influenza virus do not completely prevent infection upon influenza virus challenge, but reduce viral replication, morbidity, and mortality. Using a mouse model of influenza virus transmission, we have previously shown that immunization with recombinant adenovirus vectors expressing the combination of A/NP and M2 can reduce viral transmission to unimmunized contacts. Here we demonstrate that transmission reduction is more effective when mice are immunized against A/NP and M2 intranasally than via the intramuscular route. We show that immunization against the combination of A/NP and M2 is more effective at reducing transmission than either antigen alone, with a clear hierarchy of effectiveness (A/NP + M2 > A/N...
Source: Vaccine - Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Tags: Vaccine Source Type: research