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A Method to Assess Fc-mediated Effector Functions Induced by Influenza Hemagglutinin Specific Antibodies
Published on: February 23, 2018
MF59 adjuvant: the best insurance against influenza strain diversity
Derek T O'Hagan1, Rino Rappuoli, Ennio De Gregorio
1Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, Cambridge, MA, USA. derek.ohagan@novartis.com
Abstract:
MF59 is a well-established, safe and potent vaccine adjuvant that has been licensed for more than 13 years for use in an influenza vaccine focused on elderly subjects (Fluad®), Novartis, Cambridge, MA, USA). Recently, MF59 was shown to be safe in a seasonal influenza vaccine for young children and was able to increase vaccine efficacy from 43 to 89%. A key and consistent feature of MF59 is the ability of the emulsion to induce fast priming of influenza antigen-specific CD4(+) T-cell responses, to induce strong and long-lasting memory T- and B-cell responses and to broaden the immune response beyond the influenza strains actually included in the vaccine. The enhanced breadth of response is valuable in the seasonal setting, but is particularly valuable in a (pre-) pandemic setting, when it is difficult to predict which strain will emerge to cause the pandemic. We have shown that the ability of MF59 to increase the breadth of immune response against influenza vaccines is mainly due to the spreading of the repertoire of the B-cell epitopes recognized on the hemagglutinin and neuraminidase of the influenza virus.
Insights
MF59 adjuvant enhances influenza vaccine efficacy and broadens immune responses. It boosts T-cell priming, memory cell generation, and recognizes more viral epitopes, crucial for pandemic preparedness.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- MF59 is a licensed, potent vaccine adjuvant with a proven safety profile.
- It has been used in influenza vaccines for the elderly (Fluad®) for over 13 years.
- MF59 has demonstrated safety and efficacy in pediatric seasonal influenza vaccines, significantly increasing protection rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which MF59 broadens immune responses to influenza vaccines.
- To understand MF59's role in enhancing both seasonal and (pre-)pandemic influenza vaccine effectiveness.
Main Methods:
- The study focused on analyzing the immunological effects of MF59, particularly T-cell and B-cell responses.
- Investigated the impact of MF59 on the recognition of viral epitopes, including hemagglutinin and neuraminidase.
Main Results:
- MF59 consistently induces rapid priming of influenza antigen-specific CD4(+) T-cell responses.
- It generates robust and durable memory T- and B-cell responses.
- MF59 broadens the immune response beyond vaccine-included strains by expanding the repertoire of recognized B-cell epitopes on viral proteins.
Conclusions:
- MF59's ability to enhance immune response breadth is primarily attributed to the expanded recognition of B-cell epitopes on influenza hemagglutinin and neuraminidase.
- This broadening effect is highly valuable for seasonal influenza vaccination and particularly critical for (pre-)pandemic preparedness due to unpredictable strain emergence.
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