Influenza A virus nucleoprotein-derived epitopes (NP epitopes)

Influenza A virus nucleoprotein (NP) is a major internal structural protein that coats the viral RNA, playing a critical role in viral replication and assembly (UniProt P03466). NP-derived epitopes are short peptide sequences from this protein that are presented by MHC Class I and II molecules to activate CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes and CD4+ helper T cells, respectively (PubMed: 28914100). Because the NP sequence is highly conserved across various influenza A subtypes, these epitopes are primary candidates for universal influenza vaccines designed to provide heterosubtypic immunity (PubMed: 30103400). Unlike traditional vaccines that target the highly variable hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) surface proteins, NP-epitope-based therapies aim to reduce disease severity and viral shedding by clearing infected cells regardless of the virus's surface mutations (PubMed: 25100743). Several vaccine candidates, such as Multimeric-001 (M-001) and FLU-v, incorporate these conserved NP sequences to induce broad-spectrum protection against seasonal and pandemic influenza (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03450915).

Other names

Influenza A NP epitopesNucleocapsid protein epitopesNP-derived peptidesInfluenza A virus NP antigens

Induction of cross-reactive T-cell mediated immunity by presenting conserved viral peptides via MHC molecules to activate CD8+ and CD4+ T cells.