A Different Sort of Influenza Vaccine

A modified vaccinia virus combining two conserved influenza A antigens induced T-cell immunity and reduced the number of infections and the duration of viral shedding.

Today's influenza A vaccines depend on stimulating humoral immunity and have limited efficacy, even when well matched to circulating viruses. Another approach is to stimulate cytotoxic T-cell–mediated immune responses against highly conserved internal antigens. Such immunization should provide much broader protection than the antibodies elicited by current vaccines.

In a phase IIa study, researchers in the U.K. examined the efficacy of a vaccine containing a modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) vector expressing the conserved internal influenza A antigens nucleoprotein (NP) and matrix protein 1 (M1). Of the 27 study participants (healthy adult volunteers without immunity to influenza A [H3N2] virus), 15 received a single intramuscular dose o…

Reviewing Author

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)