Heterosubtypic influenza protection elicited by double-layered polypeptide nanoparticles in mice

Abstract

Significance Mismatched seasonal influenza vaccines are low efficacy and provide limited protection against circulating strains. A universal influenza vaccine that can induce broadly cross-protective immunity is urgently needed. Here, we have developed a layered peptide-only nanoparticle vaccine delivered by dissolvable microneedle patches. Immunizations with the vaccine candidates elicited robust long-lasting protective immune responses in mice. We found that the unique in vivo biodistribution feature of the nanoparticles correlated with the long-term immunity. This vaccine approach can be applied to develop peptide-based vaccines for different pathogens.