Prefusion F–Based Polyanhydride Nanovaccine Induces Both Humoral and Cell-Mediated Immunity Resulting in Long-Lasting Protection against Respiratory Syncytial Virus

Abstract

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of lower respiratory tract infection in both young children and in older adults. Despite the morbidity, mortality, and high economic burden caused by RSV worldwide, no licensed vaccine is currently available. We have developed a novel RSV vaccine composed of a prefusion-stabilized variant of the fusion (F) protein (DS-Cav1) and a CpG oligodeoxynucleotide adjuvant encapsulated within polyanhydride nanoparticles, termed RSVNanoVax. A prime-boost intranasal administration of RSVNanoVax in BALB/c mice significantly alleviated weight loss and pulmonary dysfunction in response to an RSV challenge, with protection maintained up to at least 6 mo postvaccination. In addition, vaccinated mice exhibited rapid viral clearance in the lungs as early as 2 d after RSV infection in both inbred and outbred populations. Vaccination induced tissue-resident memory CD4 and CD8 T cells in the lungs, as well as RSV F-directed neutralizing Abs. Based on the robust immune response elicited and the high level of durable protection observed, our prefusion RSV F nanovaccine is a promising new RSV vaccine candidate.