Design of Nanoparticulate Group 2 Influenza Virus Hemagglutinin Stem Antigens That Activate Unmutated Ancestor B Cell Receptors of Broadly Neutralizing Antibody Lineages

Abstract

Current influenza vaccines are primarily strain specific, requiring annual updates, and offer minimal protection against drifted seasonal or pandemic strains. The highly conserved stem region of hemagglutinin (HA) of group 2 influenza A virus subtypes is a promising target for vaccine elicitation of broad cross-group protection against divergent strains. We used structure-guided protein engineering employing multiple protein stabilization methods simultaneously to develop group 2 HA stem-based candidate influenza A virus immunogens displayed as trimers on self-assembling nanoparticles. Characterization of antigenicity, thermostability, and particle formation confirmed structural integrity. Group 2 HA stem antigen designs were identified that, when displayed on ferritin nanoparticles, activated B cells expressing inferred unmutated common ancestor (UCA) versions of human antibody lineages associated with cross-group-reactive, broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs). Immunization of mice led to protection against a lethal homosubtypic influenza virus challenge. These candidate vaccines are now being manufactured for clinical evaluation.