Based on the new DNA strategy, the treatment of influenza virus shows hope

The Wistar Institute's MedImmune (AstraZeneca Global Biologics Research and Development Division) and Inovio Pharmaceuticals scientists have developed a novel, synthetic DNA-based strategy in preclinical models to provide protection against a variety of influenza viruses. These findings underscore this promising strategy, published in the npj vaccine.

Based on the new DNA strategy, the treatment of influenza virus shows hope

It is widely recognized that influenza strains change every year. Seasonal flu vaccines are effective against the annual flu virus. Therefore, at the end of the flu season, the vaccine must be put into production immediately for listing at the end of the summer.

“The process of discovery is not always smooth. Therefore, the vaccine available in the fall is not a good match for circulating strains, and the effect is poor,” said senior author David Weiner. The flu occasionally causes a dramatic change in the strain, leading to another strain of the virus, which requires a new vaccine development strategy that carries the risk of significant health consequences. "In addition, some vulnerable people may not respond well to vaccines, and the new, simple, rapid and widespread way to prevent the flu will be a big step forward."


The role of influenza vaccines is to induce the body's immune system to produce soluble proteins, called antibodies, aimed at the exact type of influenza virus that is included in the vaccine preparation process.

These antibodies protect certain influenza strains in the vaccine but do not provide comprehensive protection against other influenza strains that may be present.

“We designed a different approach than the traditional vaccine strategy, rather than relying on the immune system to respond to the vaccine. This new strategy provides a DNA sequence that directly encodes a protective antibody, rather than stimulating antibody production through an immune response,” Sarah TC study The co-editor said. "This new synthetic DNA-based strategy - called DMAb's - provides monoclonal antibodies that protect against highly diverse influenza strains.

Weiner, Elliott and colleagues studied the DNA sequences of two human monoclonal antibodies from Inovio and MedImmune, a DNA sequence that is broadly targeted against influenza A virus and a broadly targeted influenza B virus. The team focused on these antibodies, which together target two types of influenza viruses that contain all strains known to cause disease in humans.

Data from in vivo mouse models indicate that transmission of DMAb sequences against influenza A monoclonal antibodies can protect two very different, clinically relevant influenza viruses. Similarly, these models further demonstrate that DMAb sequences are provided for monoclonal antibodies to influenza B targets, protecting two distinct, clinically relevant influenza B viruses. If further research into humans proves to be successful, the study may have a broad impact on the prevention of influenza as a way to treat other infectious diseases.

Elliot said: "Although this is a preclinical work, this work deserves further study because it is a simple, economical way to overcome the major limitations of current influenza vaccination issues and may provide extensive prevention. Seasonal and pandemic influenza protection measures."