Cross-Protection Induced by Virus-like Particles Derived from the Influenza B Virus

Abstract

The mismatch between the circulating influenza B virus (IBV) and the vaccine strain contributes to the rapid emergence of IBV infection cases throughout the globe, which necessitates the development of effective vaccines conferring broad protection. Here, we generated influenza B virus-like particle (VLP) vaccines expressing hemagglutinin, neuraminidase, or both antigens derived from the influenza B virus (B/Washington/02/2019 (B/Victoria lineage)-like virus, B/Phuket/3073/2013 (B/Yamagata lineage)-like virus. We found that irrespective of the derived antigen lineage, immunizing mice with the IBV VLPs significantly reduced lung viral loads, minimized bodyweight loss, and ensured 100% survival upon Victoria lineage virus B/Colorado/06/2017 challenge infection. These results were closely correlated with the vaccine-induced antibody responses and HI titer in sera, IgG, IgA antibody responses, CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses, germinal center B cell responses, and inflammatory cytokine responses in the lungs. We conclude that hemagglutinin, neuraminidase, or both antigen-expressing VLPs derived from these influenza B viruses that were circulating during the 2020/21 season provide cross-protections against mismatched Victoria lineage virus (B/Colorado/06/2017) challenge infections.

Analysis of Viral and Host Factors on Immunogenicity of 2018, 2019, and 2020 Southern Hemisphere Seasonal Trivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccine in Adults in Brazil

“…This provides strong indications of backboosting and possible OAS. The higher GMT-Post# for B/CO than B/WA in 2020 can be interpreted in a similar context, with high influenza B circulation during the previous year (Figure 1); a high percentage of volunteers that had been vaccinated in 2019; and studies showing a strong cross-response between these strains' antigens, even though they present a triple deletion that may distance them from the B/CO strain [41]. However, without a definitive and complete vaccination and infection history for each patient, it is difficult to extrapolate conclusive evidence.…”

Respiratory Viruses and Virus-like Particle Vaccine Development: How Far Have We Advanced?

“…HA and NA antigens derived from B/Washing/02/2019 Victoria lineage and B/Phuket/3073/2013 Yamagata lineage were used to generate VLPs in Sf9 cells, and these were intramuscularly administered into mice. Interestingly, none of the immunized mice perished upon challenge infection with a lethal dose of B/Colorado/06/2017 Victoria lineage virus, thus signifying the presence of VLP-induced cross-protection against mismatched B virus infections [ 31 ].…”