Reduction of Influenza A Virus Transmission in Mice by a Universal Intranasal Vaccine Candidate is Long-Lasting and Does Not Require Antibodies
Graeme E. Price, Chia-Yun Lo, Julia A. Misplon, Suzanne L. Epstein
Abstract
Universal influenza virus vaccines targeting antigens conserved among influenza A virus strains can protect from severe disease but do not necessarily prevent infection. Despite allowing low-level infection, intranasal immunization with adenovirus vectors expressing the conserved antigens influenza nucleoprotein (A/NP) and M2 reduces influenza virus transmission from vaccinated to unvaccinated contact mice. Here, we show that antibodies are not required for this transmission reduction, suggesting a role for T cells. We also show that transmission blocking could be achieved in recipients of different ages and remained effective for at least a year following a single-dose vaccination. Such vaccines could have major public health impacts by limiting viral transmission in the community.