Development of an Influenza/COVID-19 Combination mRNA Vaccine Containing a Novel Multivalent Antigen Design That Enhances Immunogenicity of Influenza Virus B Hemagglutinins.

ABSTRACT:

Background/objectives

Developing next-generation mRNA-based seasonal influenza vaccines remains challenging, primarily because of the relatively low immunogenicity of influenza B hemagglutinin (HA) antigens. We describe a systematic vaccine development strategy that combined vector and antigen design optimization.

Methods

Novel untranslated region (UTR) sequences and a hybrid poly(A) tail were used to increase plasmid stability and mRNA expression. Fusion proteins containing HA antigens linked by T4 foldon domains were engineered to enhance the immune responses against influenza B HA antigens and to permit the expression of multiple HA ectodomains from a single mRNA species. The vaccine performance was verified in a traditional encapsulated lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulati

SUBMITTER: Thornhill-Wadolowski E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12197711 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature