Broadly Neutralizing Neuraminidase Antibodies for Prophylactic and Therapeutic Treatment of Influenza

SUMMARY

• One of the weaknesses of current influenza vaccines is seasonable variability in efficacy, which is predominantly caused by escape mutations in the hemagglutinin (HA) antigen, the main target of the vaccine-induced immune response. Only 1-2% of vaccine-induced antibodies target the neuraminidase (NA) antigen, despite this antigen being less susceptible to mutation and more conserved between viral strains.
• The inventors isolated 15 antibodies specific to influenza NA from 12 donors to characterize the immune response against this viral antigen. They found that these antibodies neutralized a broad range of viral strains. 
• The product is a panel of broadly neutralizing influenza antibodies that bind the viral NA antigen. These antibodies can be used prophylactically or therapeutically and can supplement current HA-targeted vaccines.
• In H3N2 and H1N1 mouse models of influenza, the NA antibodies conferred protection for up to 14 days when used prophylactically. Moreover, the antibodies extended mouse survival when used therapeutically 48 hours post-viral challenge in the same animal models.

FIGURE

ADVANTAGES

ADVANTAGES

• Broadly neutralizing
• Less susceptible to escape mutation
• Both prophylactically and therapeutically effective

APPLICATIONS

• Influenza treatment
• Influenza prophylaxis
• Diagnostic
• Research tools

PUBLICATIONS

• Chen, YQ; et al. Influenza infection in humans induces broadly cross-reactive and protective neuraminidase-reactive antibodies. Cell. 2018 Apr; 173(2):417-429.

July 23, 2019

In vivo proof ofconcept

Patent Pending

Licensing,Co-development

Patrick Wilson

• Comparison to clinical standard of care Tamiflu