Preventing and Treating Influenza

SLU ID 10-018 | Peptides for Inducing Heterosubtypic Influenza T Cell Responses

Background

Influenza, commonly referred to as the flu, is an infectious disease caused by RNA viruses of the family Orthomyxoviridae (the influenza viruses), that affects birds and mammals. The most common symptoms of the disease are chills, fever, pharyngitis, muscle pains, severe headache, coughing, weakness and general discomfort. Fever and coughs are the most frequent symptoms. In more serious cases, influenza causes pneumonia, which can be fatal, particularly for the young and the elderly. Although it is often confused with the common cold, influenza is a much more severe disease and is caused by a different type of virus. Because of the high viral mutation rate in the target for conventional vaccines, new influenza vaccines must be generated annually based on the prevalence of circulating strains. Reformulated influenza vaccines are effective, but only when well-matched with circulating viruses. Influenza vaccines that induce greater cross-protective immunity are urgently needed.

Overview

Researchers at Saint Louis University have developed compositions and methods for producing and anti-influenza immune response, with the goal of developing a T cell‑based vaccine. This includes the identification and screening of conserved T cell epitopes within matrix protein and nucleoprotein components of the influenza virus that will bind either or both of HLA I and II molecules. Moreover, the researchers have developed methods for vaccinating subjects with formulations of such peptides for preventing and treating influenza.

Benefits

The potential benefits of this technology include:

• Minimizing the negative impacts of severe strains of influenza

• Minimizing the risk of influenza pandemics

• Increasing long-term protection against diverse influenza strains

• Increasing immune response to influenza

• Increasing the methods available to administer influenza vaccines

• Minimizing the severity of influenza infections

• Minimizing the risk of death from influenza infections

Applications

This technology has potential application in the fields of virology and immunotherapy, particularly with regard to preventing and treating influenza.

Opportunity

Saint Louis University is seeking a partner to further develop and commercialize this technology.