Nanoclusters self-assembled from conformation-stabilized influenza M2e as broadly cross-protective influenza vaccines

Influenza vaccines with broad cross-protection are urgently needed. The highly conserved ectodomain of the influenza matrix protein 2 (M2e) can be a promising candidate if its low immunogenicity was overcome. In this study, we generated protein nanoclusters self-assembled from conformation-stabilized M2e tetramers (tM2e) to improve its immunogenicity. The resulting nanoclusters showed an average hydrodynamic diameter of 227 nm. Vaccination with the nanoclusters by an intranasal route elicited high levels of serum antigen-specific IgG in mice (approximately 100-fold higher than that obtained with soluble tM2e), as well as antigen-specific T cell and mucosal antibody responses. The immunity conferred complete protection against lethal challenge with homo- as well as heterosubtypic viruses. These results demonstrate that nanoclusters assembled from conformation-stabilized M2e are promising as a potential universal influenza A vaccine. Self-assembly into nanoclusters represents a novel approach for increasing the immunogenicity of vaccine antigens.

In order to develop more effective influenza vaccination, the highly conserved ectodomain of M2e could be a promising candidate. Unfortunately, it is a weak antigen for vaccination purposes. In this study, self-assembled protein nanoclusters of tM2e were generated and tested. The nanoclusters demonstrated superior vaccination properties, with complete protection against lethal challenge in the studied rodent model, raising hope for the introduction of similar vaccines to challenge human influenza outbreaks.