A pan-influenza monoclonal antibody neutralizes H5 strains and prophylactically protects through intranasal administration
Avian A(H5N1) influenza virus poses an elevated zoonotic threat to humans, and no pharmacological products are currently registered for fast-acting pre-exposure protection in case of spillover leading to a pandemic. Here, we show that an epitope on the stem domain of H5 hemagglutinin is highly conserved and that the human monoclonal antibody CR9114, targeting that epitope, potently neutralizes all pseudotyped H5 viruses tested, even in the rare case of substitutions in its epitope. Further, intranasal administration of CR9114 fully protects mice against A(H5N1) infection at low dosages, irrespective of pre-existing immunity conferred by the quadrivalent seasonal influenza vaccine. These data provide a proof-of-concept for broad, pre-exposure protection against a potential future pandemic using the intranasal administration route. Studies in humans should assess if autonomous administration of a broadly-neutralizing monoclonal antibody is safe and effective and can thus contribute to pandemic preparedness.
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Published version
Journal
Scientific ReportsISSN
2045-2322Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLCPublisher URL
External DOI
Volume
14Article number
3818Department affiliated with
- Mathematics Publications
Institution
University of SussexFull text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes