multivalent messenger RNA influenza vaccine

The multivalent messenger RNA influenza vaccine is an experimental nucleoside-modified mRNA-lipid nanoparticle (mRNA-LNP) vaccine developed by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, including the laboratories of Dr. Scott Hensley and Dr. Drew Weissman. The vaccine is designed to provide broad, potentially universal protection against influenza by encoding the hemagglutinin (HA) antigens from all 20 known influenza virus subtypes, which include 18 influenza A subtypes (H1-H18) and two influenza B lineages (Victoria and Yamagata). By utilizing the same mRNA-LNP platform employed in successful COVID-19 vaccines, this multivalent candidate elicits high levels of cross-reactive and subtype-specific antibodies. Preclinical studies in mice and ferrets have demonstrated that the vaccine can protect against both closely matched and significantly mismatched viral strains, addressing the limitations of current seasonal vaccines that require annual updates and offer limited protection against emerging pandemic threats. The research is supported by the NIAID's Centers of Excellence for Influenza Research and Response (CEIRR).

Other names

20-valent mRNA influenza vaccinemultivalent mRNA flu vaccine20-valent mRNA-LNP influenza vaccine