A Multi-functional Viral Vector Vaccine System for Epidemics and Pandemics

Abstract

<p>Numerous common cold viruses cause recurring epidemics, some of which lead to significant disease burden and mortality among the elderly population, as exemplified by ongoing COVID-19 and annual influenza outbreaks. While current vaccines primarily reduce disease severity, they are not optimal for preventing infection and transmission. Developing effective vaccines to prevent respiratory viral infections remains a challenging task. Building on our long-term research and understanding of the NS1 protein's role in the influenza virus, we have successfully developed a live attenuated influenza virus (LAIV) system with the NS1 gene deleted (DelNS1). The influenza virus lacking NS1 serves as an ideal immunogen and versatile viral vector. The DelNS1 LAIV vaccine system offers several advantages, including high safety, ease of use, and the ability to induce mucosal immunity in the upper respiratory tract, thereby blocking infection and transmission. The removal of the NS1 gene from the viral genome enhances the vaccine's capacity to elicit long-lasting and broadly cross-protective immunity.</p><p>The DelNS1 LAIV is a multifunctional vaccine platform that can be adapted to develop vaccines for epidemic respiratory viruses and enable rapid responses to the emerging pathogens, serving as a stockpiling technology for future pandemics. Importantly, as an influenza-based viral vector, it can be flexibly used to develop bivalent vaccines, such as Flu-COVID, Flu-RSV, and Flu-hMPV.</p>