Researchers at the National Institutes of Health have discovered antibodies that target a concealed portion of the influenza virus, potentially offering new avenues for combating the virus. These antibodies focus on the "dark side" of the neuraminidase (NA) protein, a region previously unexplored. The study, conducted by scientists at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases’ Vaccine Research Center, reveals insights into combating various influenza strains, including H3N2 subtypes.

Highlights

• NIH researchers identify antibodies targeting a concealed area of the influenza virus, providing potential new strategies for combating the virus.
• The antibodies focus on the "dark side" of the neuraminidase (NA) protein, a relatively unexplored region.
• Isolated antibodies from individuals who recovered from H3N2 subtype influenza effectively inhibited various influenza viruses in lab tests.
• Advanced microscopy techniques revealed multiple nonoverlapping regions on the NA dark side targeted by different antibodies, suggesting diverse opportunities for countermeasure development.
• The findings indicate the potential of NA dark side targets for the development of new vaccines and therapeutic approaches against influenza.

Details

Influenza remains a significant global health concern, necessitating ongoing efforts to enhance vaccines and therapeutic interventions. The discovery of antibodies targeting the NA dark side presents a promising advancement in this field. By focusing on conserved regions of the virus, these antibodies offer potential broad-spectrum protection against various influenza strains.

The study involved isolating antibodies from individuals who had recovered from H3N2 subtype influenza, demonstrating the effectiveness of these antibodies against multiple influenza viruses in laboratory experiments. Moreover, structural analysis revealed distinct regions on the NA dark side targeted by different antibodies, indicating the presence of diverse epitopes for further exploration.

These findings pave the way for the development of next-generation influenza vaccines and therapeutic strategies. By leveraging the unique epitopes on the NA dark side, researchers aim to enhance the efficacy of existing interventions and mitigate the impact of drug-resistant influenza strains. The study underscores the importance of continued research into novel targets for combating influenza and reducing its global burden.

Reference

Lederhofer, J. et al. Protective human monoclonal antibodies target conserved sites of vulnerability on the underside of influenza virus neuraminidase. Immunity. DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2024.02.003(2024).