Universal protection against influenza infection by a multidomain antibody to influenza hemagglutinin

TLDR

Vaccines are essential for influenza control but face challenges from poor individual responses, antigenic variation, and limited cross‑reactivity of broadly neutralizing antibodies. The study used an intranasal adeno‑associated virus vector to deliver multidomain antibodies to mice. These multidomain antibodies are broad and potent, and intranasal delivery via AAV conferred durable protection against a wide range of influenza strains. Laursen et al., Science, this issue p.

Abstract

Durable influenza protection Vaccines are indispensable for the control and prevention of influenza, but there are several challenges to efficacy. Some individuals respond poorly to vaccination, and virus variation makes targeting optimal antigens difficult. Broadly neutralizing antibodies are one solution, but they have their own pitfalls, including limited cross-reactivity to both influenza A and B strains and the need for repeated injections. Now, Laursen et al. have developed multidomain antibodies with breadth and potency. Administered intranasally to mice with an adeno-associated virus vector, the antibodies provided durable and continuous protection from a panoply of influenza strains. Science , this issue p. 598