A Second Big Step Toward a Universal Flu Vaccine

Researchers have identified monoclonal antibodies with neutralizing activity against nearly all group 2 influenza viruses.

Most antibodies against influenza A viruses target surface structures of the hemagglutinin (HA) protein that can readily change to allow immune escape. In 2009, investigators (some of them employees of a biopharmaceutical company) described a human monoclonal antibody — CR6261 — that targets a conserved region on the HA stalk in group 1 influenza A viruses, including all H1 and H5 strains (JW Infect Dis Mar 18 2009).

Now, the same research group has identified a human monoclonal antibody — CR8020 — with broad neutralizing activity against group 2 viruses. Like CR6261, this antibody binds to a conserved region at the base of the HA stalk and interferes with conformational changes in the molecule that are necessary for fusion with host cells.

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Reviewing Author

Richard T. Ellison III, MD

Disclosures

Consult/Advisory BoardAcurx Pharmaceuticals, LLC;

Grant/Research SupportDoctors Company Foundation, Massachusetts Department of Public Health

Richard T. Ellison III, MD

Disclosures

Consult/Advisory BoardAcurx Pharmaceuticals, LLC;

Grant/Research SupportDoctors Company Foundation, Massachusetts Department of Public Health

A Second Big Step Toward a Universal Flu Vaccine

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Reviewing Author