Global mortality associated with seasonal influenza epidemics: New burden estimates and predictors from the GLaMOR Project

Neutralization potency of the 2023-24 seasonal influenza vaccine against circulating influenza H3N2 strains

Seasonal influenza is a severe disease that significantly impacts public health, causing millions of infections and hundreds of thousands of deaths each year. Seasonal influenza viruses, particularly the H3N2 subtype, exhibit high antigenic variability, often leading to mismatch between vaccine strains and circulating strains. Therefore, rapidly assessing the alignment between existing seasonal influenza vaccine and circulating strains is crucial for enhancing vaccine efficacy. This study, based on a pseudovirus platform, evaluated the match between current influenza H3N2 vaccine strains and circulating strains through cross-neutralization assays using clinical human immune sera against globally circulating influenza virus strains. The research results show that although mutations are present in the circulating strains, the current H3N2 vaccine strain still imparting effective protection, providing a scientific basis for encouraging influenza vaccination. This research methodology can be sustainably applied for the neutralization potency assessment of subsequent circulating strains, establishing a persistent methodological framework.

A cross-sectional study on the understanding and attitudes toward influenza and influenza vaccines among different occupational groups in China

This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge regarding influenza viruses and vaccines among different professional groups to investigate the reasons for vaccine hesitancy. We collected 2190 questionnaires regarding influenza vaccines in China in 2022. The respondents were categorized into the general population (GP), foreign affairs workforce population (FAWP), and veterinary workforce population (VWP) according to their job positions. Linear regression was used to assess the association between multiple factors and influenza vaccination rates. The association between work and influenza vaccination rates was also assessed by grouping different workforce populations. The vaccination rate of the GP was higher than that of the VWP (odds ratio: 1.342, 95% confidence interval: 1.025-1.853), surpassing the rates reported in previous studies. This may be attributed to heightened concerns about infectious diseases influenced by the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Despite the VWP's more in-depth knowledge of the VWP on zoonotic diseases and their recognition of their importance, there was no significant difference in influenza knowledge among the three populations. This discrepancy contrasts with the observed differences in vaccination rates. Further investigation revealed that, compared with FAWP, the price of vaccines emerged as a primary influencing factor for vaccination rates (odds ratio:0.398, 95%CI; 0.280-0.564). General concerns regarding the protective effects and side effects of vaccines were also noted.

COBRA N2 NA vaccines induce protective immune responses against influenza viral infection

Influenza neuraminidase (NA) is a promising target for a broadly protective vaccine. In this study, the Computationally Optimized Broadly Reactive Antigen (COBRA) methodology was used to develop N2 NA vaccine candidates. The unique wild type (WT) N2 sequences of human and swine influenza strains isolated between 1957 and 2019 were used to design the COBRA N2-A NA vaccine, while the unique WT N2 sequences of human influenza strains isolated between 2000 and 2019 were used to design the COBRA N2-B NA vaccine. Sera collected from COBRA N2 NA vaccinated mice showed more broadly reactive antibody responses against a broad panel of H×N2 influenza virus strains than sera collected from mice vaccinated with WT N2 NA vaccines. Antibodies elicited by COBRA or WT N2 NA antigens cross react with recent human H3N2 influenza viruses from different clades, while the antibodies elicited by A/Switzerland/9715293/2013 hemagglutinin (HA) reacted with viruses from the same clade. Furthermore, mice vaccinated with COBRA N2-B NA vaccine had lower viral lung titers compared to mock vaccinated mice when challenged with human H3N2 influenza viruses. Thus, the COBRA N2 NA vaccines elicit broadly protective murine anti-NA antibodies against multiple strains across subtypes and the viral loads were significantly decreased in the lungs of the mice in the COBRA N2 NA vaccine groups, compared to the mice in the mock vaccinated group, indicating that the COBRA-based N2 subtype NA vaccines have a potential to be a component in a universal influenza vaccine.

Fighting the flu: a brief review on anti-influenza agents

The influenza virus causes one of the most prevalent and lethal infectious viral diseases of the respiratory system; the disease progression varies from acute self-limiting mild fever to disease chronicity and death. Although both the preventive and treatment measures have been vital in protecting humans against seasonal epidemics or sporadic pandemics, there are several challenges to curb the influenza virus such as limited or poor cross-protection against circulating virus strains, moderate protection in immune-compromised patients, and rapid emergence of resistance. Currently, there are four US-FDA-approved anti-influenza drugs to treat flu infection, viz. Rapivab, Relenza, Tamiflu, and Xofluza. These drugs are classified based on their mode of action against the viral replication cycle with the first three being Neuraminidase inhibitors, and the fourth one targeting the viral polymerase. The emergence of the drug-resistant strains of influenza, however, underscores the need for continuous innovation towards development and discovery of new anti-influenza agents with enhanced antiviral effects, greater safety, and improved tolerability. Here in this review, we highlighted commercially available antiviral agents besides those that are at different stages of development including under clinical trials, with a brief account of their antiviral mechanisms.

An evaluation of the National Influenza Vaccination Program in the Republic of Moldova, 2023-2024

During the 2023-2024 influenza season, the Republic of Moldova, a lower-middle income country seeking accession into the European Union, independently financed their influenza vaccine supply transitioning from external support from the Partnership for International Vaccine Initiatives, a collaboration conceived in 2015. As part of this transition, a mixed-methods evaluation was conducted from May 2023 - January 2024 to identify current strengths and weaknesses of the influenza vaccination program. A total of 157 interviews were conducted: one with the National Immunization Program (NIP), six with district health officers, 18 at health facilities, 18 with caregivers/parents, 34 with healthcare workers, 43 with adults with chronic diseases, 19 with pregnant women, and 13 vaccine observation sessions; further five expert interviews with an international organization, the insurance company, senior government officials in public health and within the ministry of health, and those involved with COVID-19 were conducted. The Republic of Moldova's NIP has benefited from decades of experience, internal commitments to progress, and contributions from external partners. Despite this progress, the evaluation recognized four areas for improvement. Recommendations from the evaluation assessment included: 1) develop a national strategy for immunization, including the establishment of national goals in consultation with the national immunization technical advisory group (NITAG); 2) expand immunization communications and advocacy initiatives, particularly to adults and pregnant individuals; 3) leverage trusted patient-doctor relationships and encourage vaccination as a healthcare norm with physician specialists; and 4) conduct operations research to better understand vaccine hesitancy in populations such as pregnant individuals. Additional thematic findings emphasized the importance of ensuring timely receipt of vaccine doses into the country no later than September, as medical providers reported difficulty administering doses when vaccines were delivered after September. Our findings outline ways to further strengthen the Republic of Moldova's self-sustained annual influenza vaccination program.

Highly-Efficient Selection of Aptamers for Quantitative Fluorescence Detecting Multiple IAV Subtypes

Influenza A virus (IAV) can cause infectious respiratory diseases in humans and animals. IAVs mutate rapidly through antigenic drift and shift, resulting in the emergence of numerous IAV subtypes and significant challenges for IAV detection. Therefore, achieving the simultaneous detection of multiple IAVs is crucial. In this work, three specific aptamers targeting the hemagglutination (HA) protein of the influenza A H5N1, H7N9, and H9N2 viruses were screened using a multichannel magnetic microfluidic chip. The aptamers exhibit nanomolar affinity and excellent specificity for the HA protein of H5N1, H7N9, and H9N2 viruses. Furthermore, three specific aptamers were truncated and labeled with different fluorescence markers to realize fluorescence quantitative detection of influenza A H5N1, H7N9, and H9N2 viruses through an aptamer sandwich assay in 1 h. The limit of detection (LOD) of the developed method is 0.38 TCID50/mL for the H5N1 virus, 0.75 TCID50/mL for the H7N9 virus, and 1.14 TCID50/mL for the H9N2 virus. The detection method has excellent specificity, strong anti-interference ability, and good reproducibility. This work provides a sensitive quantitative detection method for the H5N1, H7N9, and H9N2 viruses, enabling quantitative fluorescence detection for multiple IAV subtypes.

Safety and immunogenicity of mRNA-based seasonal influenza vaccines formulated to include multiple A/H3N2 strains with or without the B/Yamagata strain in US adults aged 50-75 years: a phase 1/2, open-label, randomised trial

BACKGROUND

Inclusion of additional influenza A/H3N2 strains in seasonal influenza vaccines could expand coverage against multiple, antigenically distinct, cocirculating A/H3N2 clades and potentially replace the no longer circulating B/Yamagata strain. We aimed to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of three next-generation seasonal influenza mRNA vaccines with different compositions that encode for haemagglutinins of multiple A/H3N2 strains, with or without the B/Yamagata strain, in adults.

METHODS

This randomised, open-label, phase 1/2 trial enrolled healthy adults aged 50-75 years across 22 sites in the USA. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1:1:1:1:1:1) via interactive response technology to receive a single dose of mRNA-1011.1 (pentavalent; containing one additional A/H3N2 strain [Newcastle]), mRNA-1011.2 (quadrivalent; B/Yamagata replaced with one additional A/H3N2 strain [Newcastle]), mRNA-1012 at one of two dose levels (pentavalent; B/Yamagata replaced with two additional A/H3N2 strains [Newcastle and Hong Kong]), or one of three quadrivalent mRNA-1010 controls each encoding one of the A/H3N2 study strains. The primary outcomes were safety, evaluated in all randomly assigned participants who received a study vaccination (safety population), and reactogenicity, evaluated in all participants from the safety population who contributed any solicited adverse reaction data (solicited safety population). The secondary outcome was humoral immunogenicity of investigational mRNA vaccines at day 29 versus mRNA-1010 control vaccines based on haemagglutination inhibition antibody (HAI) assay in the per-protocol population. Here, we summarise findings from the planned interim analysis after participants had completed day 29. The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05827068, and is ongoing.

FINDINGS

Between March 27 and May 9, 2023, 1183 participants were screened for eligibility, 699 (59·1%) were randomly assigned, and 696 (58·8%) received vaccination (safety population, n=696; solicited safety population, n=694; per-protocol population, n=646). 382 (55%) of the 696 participants in the safety population self-reported as female and 314 (45%) as male. Frequencies of solicited adverse reactions were similar across vaccine groups; 551 (79%) of 694 participants reported at least one solicited adverse reaction within 7 days after vaccination and 83 (12%) of 696 participants reported at least one unsolicited adverse event within 28 days after vaccination. No vaccine-related serious adverse events or deaths were reported. All three next-generation influenza vaccines elicited robust antibody responses against vaccine-matched influenza A and B strains at day 29 that were generally similar to mRNA-1010 controls, and higher responses against additional A/H3N2 strains that were not included within respective mRNA-1010 controls. Day 29 geometric mean fold rises in HAI titres from day 1 against vaccine-matched A/H3N2 strains were 3·0 (95% CI 2·6-3·6; Darwin) and 3·1 (2·6-3·8; Newcastle) for mRNA-1011.1; 3·3 (2·7-4·1; Darwin) and 4·2 (3·4-5·2; Newcastle) for mRNA-1011.2; 3·4 (2·9-4·0; Darwin), 4·5 (3·6-5·5; Newcastle), and 5·1 (4·2-6·2; Hong Kong) for mRNA-1012 50·0 μg; and 2·6 (2·2-3·1; Darwin), 3·7 (3·0-4·6; Newcastle), and 4·1 (3·3-5·1; Hong Kong) for mRNA-1012 62·5 μg. Inclusion of additional A/H3N2 strains did not reduce responses against influenza A/H1N1 or influenza B strains, and removal of B/Yamagata did not affect responses to B/Victoria.

INTERPRETATION

These data support the continued clinical development of mRNA-based next-generation seasonal influenza vaccines with broadened influenza A/H3N2 strain coverage.

FUNDING

Moderna.

Antigenic analysis of the influenza B virus hemagglutinin protein

Influenza B viruses (IBVs) primarily infect humans and are a common cause of respiratory infections in humans. Here, to systematically analyze the antigenicity of the IBVs Hemagglutinin (HA) protein, 31 B/Victoria and 19 B/Yamagata representative circulating strains were selected from Global Initiative of Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID), and pseudotyped viruses were constructed with the vesicular stomatitis virus system. Guinea pigs were immunized with three doses of vaccines (one dose of DNA vaccines following two doses of pseudotyped virus vaccines) of the seven IBV vaccine strains, and neutralizing antibodies against the pseudotyped viruses were tested. By comparing differences between various vaccine strains, we constructed several pseudotyped viruses that contained various mutations based on vaccine strain BV-21. The vaccine strains showed good neutralization levels against the epidemic virus strains of the same year, with neutralization titers ranging from 370 to 840, while the level of neutralization against viruses prevalent in previous years decreased 1-10-fold. Each of the high-frequency epidemic strains of B/Victoria and B/Yamagata not only induced high neutralizing titers, but also had broadly neutralizing effects against virus strains of different years, with neutralizing titers ranging from 1000 to 7200. R141G, D197N, and R203K were identified as affecting the antigenicity of IBV. In this study, pseudotyped virus system was used to monitor the cross-neutralizing efficacy of high-frequency epidemic strains and vaccine strains recommended by the World Health Organization. Additionally, we identified three mutation sites that can seriously affect the antigenicity of B/Victoria vaccine strains. These mutation sites provide valuable references for the selection and design of a universal IBV vaccine strain in the future.

Influenza-associated and COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis in critically ill patients

Influenza-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (IAPA) and COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) are increasingly recognised as important complications in patients requiring intensive care for severe viral pneumonia. The diagnosis can typically be made in 10-20% of patients with severe influenza or COVID-19, but only when appropriate diagnostic tools are used. Bronchoalveolar lavage sampling for culture, galactomannan testing, and PCR forms the cornerstone of diagnosis, whereas visual examination of the tracheobronchial tract during bronchoscopy is required to detect invasive Aspergillus tracheobronchitis. Azoles are the first-choice antifungal drugs, with liposomal amphotericin B as an alternative in settings where azole resistance is prevalent. Despite antifungal therapy, IAPA and CAPA are associated with poor outcomes, with fatality rates often exceeding 50%. In this Review, we discuss the mechanistic and clinical aspects of IAPA and CAPA. Moreover, we identify crucial knowledge gaps and formulate directions for future research.

Development and validation of nomogram for predicting the risk of transferring to the ICU for children with influenza

OBJECTIVE

Development of a nomogram model for predicting the magnitude of risk of transferring hospitalized children with influenza to the ICU.

METHODS

In a single-center retrospective study, 318 children with influenza who were hospitalized in our hospital from January 2018 to August 2023 were collected as study subjects. Children with influenza were randomly assigned to the training set and validation set in a ratio of 4:1. In the training set, risk factors were identified using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, and a nomogram model was created on this basis. The validation set was used to evaluate the predictive power of the model.

RESULTS

Multifactorial logistic regression analysis revealed six independent risk factors for transfer to the ICU in hospitalized children with influenza, including elevated peripheral white blood cell counts, elevated large platelet ratios, reduced mean platelet width, reduced complement C3, elevated serum globulin levels, and reduced total immunoglobulin M levels. Using these six metrics as predictors to construct a nomogram graphical model, the C-index was 0.970 (95% Cl: 0.953-0.988). The areas under the curve for the training and validation sets were 0.966 (95%Cl 0.947-0.985) and 0.919 (95%Cl 0.851-0.986), respectively.

CONCLUSION

A nomogram for predicting the risk of transferring to the ICU for children with influenza was developed and validated, which demonstrates good calibration and clinical benefits.

Protection against the H1N1 influenza virus using self-assembled nanoparticles formed by lumazine synthase and bearing the M2e peptide

There is an urgent need for influenza vaccines that offer broad cross-protection. The highly conserved ectodomain of the influenza matrix protein 2 (M2e) is a promising candidate; however, its low immunogenicity can be addressed. In this study, we developed influenza vaccines using the Lumazine synthase (LS) platform. The primary objective of this study was to determine the protective potential of M2e proteins expressed on Lumazine synthase (LS) nanoparticles. M2e-LS proteins, produced through the E. coli system, spontaneously assemble into nanoparticles. The study investigated the efficacy of the M2e-LS nanoparticle vaccine in mice. Mice immunized with M2e-LS nanoparticles exhibited significantly higher levels of intracellular cytokines than those receiving soluble M2e proteins. The M2e-LS protein exhibited robust immunogenicity and provided 100% protection against cross-clade influenza.

Different effects of air pollutant concentrations on influenza A and B in Sichuan, China

BACKGROUND

The detrimental effects of air pollution on the respiratory system are well documented. Previous research has established a correlation between air pollutant concentration and the frequency of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness. However, studies investigating the variations in infection among different influenza subtypes remain sparse. We aimed to determine the correlation between air pollutant levels and different influenza subtypes in Sichuan Province, China.

METHODS

A generalized additive model and distributed lag nonlinear model were employed to assess the association between air pollutants and influenza subtypes, utilizing daily influenza data obtained from 30 hospitals across 21 cities in Sichuan Province. The analysis considered the temporal effects and meteorological factors. The study spanned from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2019. To provide a more precise evaluation of the actual impact of air pollution on different subtypes of influenza, we also performed subgroup analyses based on factors such as gender, age, and geography within the population.

RESULTS

During the investigation, 17,462 specimens from Sichuan Province tested positive for influenza. Among these, 12,607 and 4855 were diagnosed with Flu A and B, respectively. The related risk of influenza A infection significantly increased following exposure to PM2.5 on Lag2 days (RR=1.008, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.000-1.016), SO2 and CO on Lag1 days (RR=1.121, 95 % CI: 1.032-1.219; RR=1.151, 95 % CI: 1.030-1.289), and NO2 on Lag0 day (RR=1.089, 95 % CI: 1.035-1.145). PM10 and SO2 levels on Lag0 day, PM2.5 levels on Lag1 day, and CO levels on Lag6 day, with a reduced risk of influenza B (RR=0.987, 95 % CI: 0.976-0.997; RR=0.817, 95 % CI: 0.676-0.987; RR=0.979, 95 % CI: 0.970-0.989; RR=0.814, 95 % CI: 0.561-0.921).

CONCLUSION

The findings from the overall population and subgroup analyses indicated that the impact of air pollutant concentrations on influenza A and B is inconsistent, with influenza A demonstrating greater susceptibility to these pollutants. Minimizing the levels of SO2, CO, NO2, and PM2.5 can significantly decrease the likelihood of contracting influenza A. Analyzing the influence of environmental contaminants on different influenza subtypes can provide insights into seasonal influenza trends and guide the development of preventive and control strategies.

Study on the impact of meteorological factors on influenza in different periods and prediction based on artificial intelligence RF-Bi-LSTM algorithm: to compare the COVID-19 period with the non-COVID-19 period

OBJECTIVE

At different times, public health faces various challenges and the degree of intervention measures varies. The research on the impact and prediction of meteorology factors on influenza is increasing gradually, however, there is currently no evidence on whether its research results are affected by different periods. This study aims to provide limited evidence to reveal this issue.

METHODS

Daily data on influencing factors and influenza in Xiamen were divided into three parts: overall period (phase AB), non-COVID-19 epidemic period (phase A), and COVID-19 epidemic period (phase B). The association between influencing factors and influenza was analysed using generalized additive models (GAMs). The excess risk (ER) was used to represent the percentage change in influenza as the interquartile interval (IQR) of meteorology factors increases. The 7-day average daily influenza cases were predicted using the combination of bi-directional long short memory (Bi-LSTM) and random forest (RF) through multi-step rolling input of the daily multifactor values of the previous 7-day.

RESULTS

In periods A and AB, air temperature below 22 °C was a risk factor for influenza. However, in phase B, temperature showed a U-shaped effect on it. Relative humidity had a more significant cumulative effect on influenza in phase AB than in phase A (peak: accumulate 14d, AB: ER = 281.54, 95% CI = 245.47 ~ 321.37; A: ER = 120.48, 95% CI = 100.37 ~ 142.60). Compared to other age groups, children aged 4-12 were more affected by pressure, precipitation, sunshine, and day light, while those aged ≥ 13 were more affected by the accumulation of humidity over multiple days. The accuracy of predicting influenza was highest in phase A and lowest in phase B.

CONCLUSIONS

The varying degrees of intervention measures adopted during different phases led to significant differences in the impact of meteorology factors on influenza and in the influenza prediction. In association studies of respiratory infectious diseases, especially influenza, and environmental factors, it is advisable to exclude periods with more external interventions to reduce interference with environmental factors and influenza related research, or to refine the model to accommodate the alterations brought about by intervention measures. In addition, the RF-Bi-LSTM model has good predictive performance for influenza.

Antivirals for treatment of severe influenza: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

BACKGROUND

The optimal antiviral drug for treatment of severe influenza remains unclear. To support updated WHO influenza clinical guidelines, this systematic review and network meta-analysis evaluated antivirals for treatment of patients with severe influenza.

METHODS

We systematically searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Global Health, Epistemonikos, and ClinicalTrials.gov for randomised controlled trials published up to Sept 20, 2023, that enrolled hospitalised patients with suspected or laboratory-confirmed influenza and compared direct-acting influenza antivirals against placebo, standard care, or another antiviral. Pairs of coauthors independently extracted data on study characteristics, patient characteristics, antiviral characteristics, and outcomes, with discrepancies resolved by discussion or by a third coauthor. Key outcomes of interest were time to alleviation of symptoms, duration of hospitalisation, admission to intensive care unit, progression to invasive mechanical ventilation, duration of mechanical ventilation, mortality, hospital discharge destination, emergence of antiviral resistance, adverse events, adverse events related to treatments, and serious adverse events. We conducted frequentist network meta-analyses to summarise the evidence and evaluated the certainty of evidence using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach. This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42023456650.

FINDINGS

Of 11 878 records identified by our search, eight trials with 1424 participants (mean age 36-60 years for trials that reported mean or median age; 43-78% male patients) were included in this systematic review, of which six were included in the network meta-analysis. The effects of oseltamivir, peramivir, or zanamivir on mortality compared with placebo or standard care without placebo for seasonal and zoonotic influenza were of very low certainty. Compared with placebo or standard care, we found low certainty evidence that duration of hospitalisation for seasonal influenza was reduced with oseltamivir (mean difference -1·63 days, 95% CI -2·81 to -0·45) and peramivir (-1·73 days, -3·33 to -0·13). Compared with standard care, there was little or no difference in time to alleviation of symptoms with oseltamivir (0·34 days, -0·86 to 1·54; low certainty evidence) or peramivir (-0·05 days, -0·69 to 0·59; low certainty evidence). There were no differences in adverse events or serious adverse events with oseltamivir, peramivir, and zanamivir (very low certainty evidence). Uncertainty remains about the effects of antivirals on other outcomes for patients with severe influenza. Due to the small number of eligible trials, we could not test for publication bias.

INTERPRETATION

In hospitalised patients with severe influenza, oseltamivir and peramivir might reduce duration of hospitalisation compared with standard care or placebo, although the certainty of evidence is low. The effects of all antivirals on mortality and other important patient outcomes are very uncertain due to scarce data from randomised controlled trials.

FUNDING

World Health Organization.

Development and characterization of monoclonal antibodies recognizing nucleocapsid protein of multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants

Rapid antigen test (RAT) is widely used for SARS-CoV-2 infection diagnostics. However, test sensitivity has decreased recently due to the emergence of the Omicron variant and its sublineages. Here we developed a panel of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein (NP) specific mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and assessed their sensitivity and specificity to important SARS-CoV-2 variants. We identified seven mAbs that exhibited strong reactivity to SARS-CoV-2 variants and recombinant NP (rNP) by Western immunoblot or ELISA. Their specificity to SARS-CoV-2 was confirmed by negative or low reactivity to rNPs from SARS-CoV-1, MERS, and common human coronaviruses (HCoV-HKU1, HCoV-CO43, HCoV-NL63, and HCoV-229E). These seven mAbs were further tested by immunoplaque assay against selected variants of concern (VOCs), including two Omicron sublineages, and five mAbs (F461G13, F461G7, F459G7, F457G3, and F461G6), showed strong reactions, warranting further suitability testing for the development of diagnostic assay.

ProcCluster® and procaine hydrochloride inhibit the replication of influenza A virus in vitro

Introduction

Treatment of influenza A virus infections is currently limited to few direct acting antiviral substances. Repurposing other established pharmaceuticals as antivirals could aid in improving treatment options.

Methods

This study investigates the antiviral properties of ProcCluster® and procaine hydrochloride, two derivatives of the local anesthetic procaine, in influenza A virus infection of A549, Calu-3 and MDCK cells.

Results

Both substances inhibit replication in all three of these cell lines in multi-cycle experiments. However, cell line-dependent differences in the effects of the substances on viral RNA replication and subsequent protein synthesis, as well as release of progeny viruses in single-cycle experiments can be observed. Both ProcCluster® and procaine hydrochloride delay endosome fusion of the virus early in the replication cycle, possibly due to the alkaline nature of the active component procaine. In A549 and Calu-3 cells an additional effect of the substances can be observed at late stages in the first replication cycle. Interestingly, this effect is absent in MDCK cells. We demonstrate that ProcCluster® and procaine hydrochloride inhibit phospholipase A2 (PLA2) enzymes from A549 but not MDCK cells and confirm that specific inhibition of calcium independent PLA2 but not cytosolic PLA2 has antiviral effects.

Discussion

We show that ProcCluster® and procaine hydrochloride inhibit influenza A virus infection at several stages of the replication cycle and have potential as antiviral substances.

The relationship between influenza vaccine hesitancy and vaccine literacy among youth and adults in China

Objectives

The present study aimed to assess influenza vaccine hesitancy and vaccine literacy levels among youth and adults in China, as well as the association between them.

Methods

An online cross-sectional survey was conducted in Mainland China. Participants' total vaccine literacy and three sub-dimension vaccine literacy (knowledge literacy, competence literacy, and decision-making literacy) were assessed by a validated vaccine literacy scale. Having received influenza vaccination in the past three years or intending to accept it in next influenza season indicates less influenza vaccine hesitancy.

Results

Among 997 participants, a sub-optimal vaccine literacy was observed, with a mean score of 66.83 ± 10.27. Regression models 1-4 revealed that participants with middle (aOR: 1.431, P=0.039, 95% CI: 1.018~2.010) or high (aOR: 1.651, P=0.006, 95% CI: 1.157~2.354) total vaccine literacy, as well as those with high competence literacy (aOR: 1.533, P=0.017, 95% CI: 1.079~2.180), or high decision-making literacy (aOR: 1.822, P=0.001, 95% CI: 1.261~2.632) were more likely to have been vaccinated against influenza at least once in past three years. However, those with a high knowledge literacy were associated with a lower influenza vaccine rate (aOR: 0.676, P=0.046, 95% CI: 0.460~0.994). Regression models 5-8 revealed that participants with middle (aOR: 1.661, P=0.008, 95% CI: 1.142~2.414) or high total vaccine literacy (aOR: 2.645, P=0.000, 95% CI: 1.774~3.942), as well as those with middle (aOR: 1.703, P=0.005, 95% CI: 1.177~2.464) or high competence literacy (aOR: 2.346, P=0.000, 95% CI: 1.159~3.461), or high decision-making literacy (aOR: 2.294, P=0.000, 95% CI: 1.531~3.436) were more likely to express the willingness to receive the influenza vaccine in the next influenza season.

Conclusion

The participants' influenza vaccine hesitancy was negatively associated with their total vaccine literacy levels and two of the three sub-dimensions: competence literacy and decision-making literacy. Knowledge literacy suggested a positive or no relationship with influenza vaccine hesitancy.

The recombinant vaccine of Lactobacillus plantarum elicits immune protection against H1N1 and H9N2 influenza virus infection

Influenza A virus (IAV) causes annual epidemics and occasional pandemics, resulting in significant economic losses and numerous fatalities. Current vaccines, typically administered through injection, provide limited protection due to the frequent antigenic shift and drift of IAV strains. Therefore, the development of alternative broad-spectrum vaccine strategies is imperative. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) represent promising candidates for vaccine engineering due to their low cost, high safety profile, and suitability for oral administration. In this study, we identified a strain of Lactobacillus plantarum (Lp) that is resistant to acid and bile salts and capable of colonizing the intestines of mice. Subsequently, we employed the RecE/T gene editing system to integrate headless hemagglutinins (mini-HA) into the genome of Lp, generating Lp-mini-HA-SP. Remarkably, immunization with Lp-mini-HA-SP elicited serum IgG antibody responses and conferred immune protection against H9N2 and H1N1 influenza virus challenges. Collectively, our findings offer a novel approach for the development of orally administered IAV vaccines and hold significant potential for future drug development endeavors.

Multi-COBRA hemagglutinin formulated with cGAMP microparticles elicits protective immune responses against influenza viruses

In humans, seasonal influenza viruses cause epidemics. Avian influenza viruses are of particular concern because they can infect multiple species and lead to unpredictable and severe disease. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a universal influenza vaccine that provides protection against all influenza strains. The cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP) is a promising adjuvant for subunit vaccines, which promotes type I interferons' production through the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway. The encapsulation of cGAMP in acetalated dextran (Ace-DEX) microparticles (MPs) enhances its intracellular delivery. In this study, the Computationally Optimized Broadly Reactive Antigen (COBRA) methodology was used to generate H1, H3, and H5 vaccine candidates. Monovalent and multivalent COBRA HA vaccines formulated with cGAMP Ace-DEX MPs were evaluated in mice for protective antibody responses. cGAMP MPs adjuvanted COBRA HA vaccines elicited robust antigen-specific antibodies following vaccination. Compared with COBRA HA vaccine groups with no adjuvant or blank MPs, the cGAMP MPs enhanced HAI activity elicited by COBRA HA vaccines. The HAI activity was not significantly different between cGAMP MPs adjuvanted monovalent or multivalent COBRA HA vaccines. The cGAMP MPs adjuvanted COBRA vaccine groups had higher antigen-specific IgG2a-binding titers than the COBRA vaccine groups with no adjuvant or blank MPs. The COBRA vaccines formulated with cGAMP MPs mitigated diseases caused by influenza viral challenge and decreased pulmonary viral titers in mice. Therefore, the formulation of COBRA vaccines plus cGAMP MPs is a promising universal influenza vaccine that elicits protective immune responses against human seasonal and pre-pandemic strains.

IMPORTANCE

Influenza viruses cause severe respiratory disease, particularly in the very young and the elderly. Next-generation influenza vaccines are needed to protect against new influenza variants. This report used a promising adjuvant, cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP), to enhance the elicited antibodies by an improved influenza hemagglutinin candidate and protect against influenza virus infection. Overall, adding adjuvants to influenza vaccines is an effective method to improve vaccines.

The gut-lung axis: the impact of the gut mycobiome on pulmonary diseases and infections

The gastrointestinal tract contains a diverse microbiome consisting of bacteria, fungi, viruses and archaea. Although these microbes usually reside as commensal organisms, it is now well established that higher abundance of specific bacterial or fungal species, or loss of diversity in the microbiome can significantly affect development, progression and outcomes in disease. Studies have mainly focused on the effects of bacteria, however, the impact of other microbes, such as fungi, has received increased attention in the last few years. Fungi only represent around 0.1% of the total gut microbial population. However, key fungal taxa such as Candida, Aspergillus and Wallemia have been shown to significantly impact health and disease. The composition of the gut mycobiome has been shown to affect immunity at distal sites, such as the heart, lung, brain, pancreas, and liver. In the case of the lung this phenomenon is referred to as the 'gut-lung axis'. Recent studies have begun to explore and unveil the relationship between gut fungi and lung immunity in diseases such as asthma and lung cancer, and lung infections caused by viruses, bacteria and fungi. In this review we will summarize the current, rapidly growing, literature describing the impact of the gut mycobiome on respiratory disease and infection.

Intranasal Vaccination with Recombinant TLR2-Active Outer Membrane Vesicles Containing Sequential M2e Epitopes Protects against Lethal Influenza a Challenge

Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory disease, resulting in an estimated 3 to 5 million cases of severe illness annually. While most influenza vaccines are administered parenterally via injection, one shortcoming is that they do not generate a strong immune response at the site of infection, which can become important in a pandemic. Intranasal vaccines can generate both local and systemic protective immune responses, can reduce costs, and enhance ease of administration. Previous studies showed that parenterally administered outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) that carry sequences of the M2e protein (OMV-M2e) protect against influenza A/PR8 challenge in mice and ferrets. In the current study, we measured the effectiveness of the intranasal route of the OMV-M2e vaccine against the influenza A/PR8 strain in mice. We observed high anti-M2e IgG and IgA titers post-challenge in mice vaccinated intranasally with OMV-M2e. In addition, we observed a Th1/Tc1 bias in the vaccinated mice, and an increased Th17/Tc17 response, both of which correlated with survival to A/PR8 challenge and significantly lower lung viral titers. We conclude that the intranasal-route administration of the OMV-M2e vaccine is a promising approach toward generating protection against influenza A as it leads to an increased proinflammatory immune response correlating with survival to viral challenge.

Mastoparan-7 adjuvanted COBRA H1 and H3 hemagglutinin influenza vaccines

Adjuvants enhance, prolong, and modulate immune responses by vaccine antigens to maximize protective immunity and enable more effective immunization in the young and elderly. Most adjuvants are formulated with injectable vaccines. However, an intranasal route of vaccination may induce mucosal and systemic immune responses for enhancing protective immunity in individuals and be easier to administer compared to injectable vaccines. In this study, a next generation of broadly-reactive influenza hemagglutinin (HA) vaccines were developed using the Computationally Optimized Broadly Reactive Antigen (COBRA) methodology. These HA vaccines were formulated with Mastoparan 7 (M7-NH2) mast cell degranulating peptide adjuvant and administered intranasally to determine vaccine-induced seroconversion of antibodies against a panel of influenza viruses and protection following infection with H1N1 and H3N2 viruses in mice. Mice vaccinated intranasally with M7-NH2-adjuvanted COBRA HA vaccines had high HAIs against a panel of H1N1 and H3N2 influenza viruses and were protected against both morbidity and mortality, with reduced viral lung titers, following challenge with an H1N1 influenza virus. Additionally, M7-NH2 adjuvanted COBRA HA vaccines induced Th2 skewed immune responses with robust IgG and isotype antibodies in the serum and mucosal lung lavages. Overall, this intranasally delivered M7-NH2 -adjuvanted COBRA HA vaccine provides effective protection against drifted H1N1 and H3N2 viruses.

The Hospital Burden of Flu in Italy: a retrospective study on administrative data from season 2014-2015 to 2018-2019

BACKGROUND

Every year in Italy, influenza affects about 4 million people. Almost 5% of them are hospitalised. During peak illness, enormous pressure is placed on healthcare and economic systems. This study aims to quantify the clinical and economic burden of severe influenza during 5 epidemic seasons (2014-2019) from administrative claims data.

METHODS

Patients hospitalized with a diagnosis of influenza between October 2014, and April 2019, were analyzed. Clinical characteristics and administrative information were retrieved from health-related Administrative Databases (ADs) of 4 Italian Local Health Units (LHUs). The date of first admission was set as the Index Date (ID). A follow-up period of six months after ID was considered to account for complications and re-hospitalizations, while a lookback period (2 years before ID) was set to assess the prevalence of underlying comorbidities.

RESULTS

Out of 2,333 patients with severe influenza, 44.1% were adults ≥ 65, and 25.6% young individuals aged 0-17. 46.8% had comorbidities (i.e., were at risk), mainly cardiovascular and metabolic diseases (45.3%), and chronic conditions (24.7%). The highest hospitalization rates were among the elderly (≥ 75) and the young individuals (0-17), and were 37.6 and 19.5/100,000 inhabitants/year, respectively. The average hospital stay was 8 days (IQR: 14 - 4). It was higher for older individuals (≥ 65 years, 11 days, [17 - 6]) and for those with comorbidities (9 days, [16 - 6]), p-value < 0.001. Similarly, mortality was higher in elderly and those at risk (p-value < 0.001). Respiratory complications occurred in 12.7% of patients, and cardiovascular disorders in 5.9%. Total influenza-related costs were €9.7 million with hospitalization accounting for 95% of them. 47.3% of hospitalization costs were associated with individuals ≥ 65 and 52.9% with patients at risk. The average hospitalisation cost per patient was € 4,007.

CONCLUSIONS

This retrospective study showed that during the 2014-2019 influenza seasons in Italy, individuals of extreme ages and those with pre-existing medical conditions, were more likely to be hospitalized with severe influenza. Together with complications and ageing, they worsen patient's outcome and may lead to a prolonged hospitalization, thus increasing healthcare utilization and costs. Our data generate real-world evidence on the burden of influenza, useful to inform public health decision-making.

Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Respiratory Diseases and Their Economic Impacts

COVID-19 is an airborne respiratory disease that mainly affects the lungs. To date, COVID-19 has infected 580 million people with a mortality of approximately 7 million people worldwide. The emergence of COVID-19 has also affected the infectivity, diagnosis, and disease outcomes of existing diseases such as influenza, TB, and asthma in human populations. These are airborne respiratory diseases with symptoms and mode of transmission similar to those of COVID-19. It was speculated that the protracted nature of the COVID-19 pandemic coupled with vaccination could impact other respiratory diseases and mortality. In this study, we analyzed the impact of COVID-19 on flu, tuberculosis (TB), and asthma. Our analyses suggest that COVID-19 has a potential impact on the mortality of flu, TB, and asthma. These impacts vary across before the COVID-19 era, during the peak period of the pandemic, and after vaccinations/preventive measures were implemented, as well as across different regions of the world. Overall, the spread of flu generally reduced during the pandemic, resulting in a reduced expenditure on flu-related hospitalizations, although there were sporadic spikes at setting times. In contrast, TB deaths generally increased perhaps due to the disruption in access to TB services and reduction in resources. Asthma deaths, on the other hand, only marginally varied. Collectively, the emergence of COVID-19 added extra cost to the overall expenditure on some respiratory infectious diseases, while the cost for other infectious diseases was either reduced or somewhat unaffected.

Immune Response to Respiratory Viral Infections

The respiratory system is constantly exposed to viral infections that are responsible for mild to severe diseases. In this narrative review, we focalized the attention on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza virus, and severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections, responsible for high morbidity and mortality in the last decades. We reviewed the human innate and adaptive immune responses in the airways following infection, focusing on a particular population: newborns and pregnant women. The recent Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has highlighted how our interest in viral pathologies must not decrease. Furthermore, we must increase our knowledge of infection mechanisms to improve our future defense strategies.

Influenza A genomic diversity during human infections underscores the strength of genetic drift and the existence of tight transmission bottlenecks

Influenza infections result in considerable public health and economic impacts each year. One of the contributing factors to the high annual incidence of human influenza is the virus's ability to evade acquired immunity through continual antigenic evolution. Understanding the evolutionary forces that act within and between hosts is therefore critical to interpreting past trends in influenza virus evolution and in predicting future ones. Several studies have analyzed longitudinal patterns of influenza A virus genetic diversity in natural human infections to assess the relative contributions of selection and genetic drift on within-host evolution. However, in these natural infections, within-host viral populations harbor very few single-nucleotide variants, limiting our resolution in understanding the forces acting on these populations in vivo. Furthermore, low levels of within-host viral genetic diversity limit the ability to infer the extent of drift across transmission events. Here, we propose to use influenza virus genomic diversity as an alternative signal to better understand within- and between-host patterns of viral evolution. Specifically, we focus on the dynamics of defective viral genomes (DVGs), which harbor large internal deletions in one or more of influenza virus's eight gene segments. Our longitudinal analyses of DVGs show that influenza A virus populations are highly dynamic within hosts, corroborating previous findings based on viral genetic diversity that point toward the importance of genetic drift in driving within-host viral evolution. Furthermore, our analysis of DVG populations across transmission pairs indicates that DVGs rarely appeared to be shared, indicating the presence of tight transmission bottlenecks. Our analyses demonstrate that viral genomic diversity can be used to complement analyses based on viral genetic diversity to reveal processes that drive viral evolution within and between hosts.

Intranasal Epitope-Polymer Vaccine Lodges Resident Memory T Cells Protecting Against Influenza Virus

Intranasal vaccines, unlike injectable vaccines, boost immunity along the respiratory tract; this can significantly limit respiratory virus replication and shedding. There remains a need to develop mucosal adjuvants and vaccine delivery systems that are both safe and effective following intranasal administration. Here, biopolymer particles (BP) densely coated with repeats of MHC class I restricted immunodominant epitopes derived from influenza A virus namely NP366, a nucleoprotein-derived epitope and PA224, a polymerase acidic subunit derived epitope, are bioengineered. These BP-NP366/PA224 can be manufactured at a high yield and are obtained at ≈93% purity, exhibiting ambient-temperature stability. Immunological characterization includes comparing systemic and mucosal immune responses mounted following intramuscular or intranasal immunization. Immunization with BP-NP366/PA224 without adjuvant triggers influenza-specific CD8+ T cell priming and memory CD8+ T cell development. Co-delivery with the adjuvant poly(I:C) significantly boosts the size and functionality of the influenza-specific pulmonary resident memory CD8+ T cell pool. Intranasal, but not intramuscular delivery of BP-NP366/PA224 with poly(I:C), provides protection against influenza virus challenge. Overall, the BP approach demonstrates as a suitable antigen formulation for intranasal delivery toward induction of systemic protective T cell responses against influenza virus.

Association between influenza vaccination and one-year all-cause and cardiovascular mortality risk: A self-controlled case series and matched case-control study

Debates surrounding the efficacy of influenza vaccination for survival benefits persist, and there is a lack of data regarding its duration of protection. A self-controlled case series (SCCS) and a 1:4 matched case-control study were conducted using the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) and public-use mortality data from 2005 to 2018 in the United States. The SCCS study identified participants who received influenza vaccination within 12 months before the survey and subsequently died within 1 year of postvaccination. The matched case-control study paired participants who died during the influenza season at the time of survey with four survivors. Among 1167 participants in the SCCS study, there was a 46% reduction in all-cause mortality and a 43% reduction in cardiovascular mortality within 29-196 days of postvaccination. The greatest protection was observed during days 29-56 (all-cause mortality: RI: 0.19; 95% CI: 0.12-0.29; cardiovascular mortality: RI: 0.28; 95% CI: 0.14-0.56). Among 626 cases and 2504 controls included in the matched case-control study, influenza vaccination was associated with a reduction in all-cause mortality (OR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.60-0.92) and cardiovascular mortality (OR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.44-0.93) during the influenza season. This study highlights the importance of influenza vaccination in reducing the risks of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, with effects lasting for approximately 6 months.

The immunodominance of antigenic site Sb on the H1 influenza virus hemagglutinin increases with high immunoglobulin titers of the cohorts and with young age, but not sex

The head domain of the hemagglutinin of influenza viruses plays a dominant role in the antibody response due to the presence of immunodominant antigenic sites that are the main targets of host neutralizing antibodies. For the H1 hemagglutinin, five major antigenic sites defined as Sa, Sb, Ca1, Ca2, and Cb have been described. Although previous studies have focused on defining the hierarchy of the antigenic sites of the hemagglutinin in different human cohorts, it is still unclear if the immunodominance profile of the antigenic sites might change with the antibody levels of individuals or if other demographic factors (such as exposure history, sex, or age) could also influence the importance of the antigenic sites. The major antigenic sites of influenza viruses hemagglutinins are responsible for eliciting most of the hemagglutination inhibition antibodies in the host. To determine the antibody prevalence towards each major antigenic site, we evaluated the hemagglutination inhibition against a panel of mutant H1 viruses, each one lacking one of the "classic" antigenic sites. Our results showed that the individuals from the Stop Flu NYU cohort had an immunodominant response towards the sites Sb and Ca2 of H1 hemagglutinin. A simple logistic regression analysis of the immunodominance profiles and the hemagglutination inhibition titers displayed by each donor revealed that individuals with high hemagglutination inhibition titers against the wild-type influenza virus exhibited higher probabilities of displaying an immunodominance profile dominated by Sb, followed by Ca2 (Sb > Ca2 profile), while individuals with low hemagglutination inhibition titers presented a higher chance of displaying an immunodominance profile in which Sb and Ca2 presented the same level of immunodominance (Sb = Ca2 profile). Finally, while age exhibited an influence on the immunodominance of the antigenic sites, biological sex was not related to displaying a specific immunodominance profile.

Effectiveness of inactivated influenza vaccine against laboratory-confirmed influenza among Chinese elderly: a test-negative design

BACKGROUND

Evidence on the effectiveness of influenza vaccination in the elderly is limited, and results are controversial. There are also few reports from China.

METHODS

We conducted a test-negative case-control study design to estimate influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE) against laboratory-confirmed influenza-associated visits among elderly (aged ≥ 60 years) across four influenza seasons in Ningbo, China, from 2018 to 19 to 2021-22. Influenza-positive cases and negative controls were randomly matched in a 1:1 ratio according to age, sex, hospital, and date of influenza testing. We used logistic regression models to compare vaccination odds ratios (ORs) in cases to controls. We calculated the VE as [100% × (1-adjusted OR)] and calculated the 95% confidence interval (CI) around the estimate.

RESULTS

A total of 30,630 elderly patients tested for influenza with virus nucleic acid or antigen during the study period. After exclusions, we included 1 825 influenza-positive cases and 1 825 influenza-negative controls. Overall, the adjusted VE for influenza-related visits was 63.5% (95% CI, 56.3-69.5%), but varied by season. Influenza VE was 59.8% (95% CI, 51.5-66.7%) for influenza A and 89.6% (95% CI, 77.1-95.3%) for influenza B. The VE for ages 60-69 and 70-79 was 65.2% (95% CI, 55.4-72.9%) and 69.8% (95% CI, 58.7-77.9%), respectively, but only 45.4% (95% CI, 6.2-68.2%) for ages 80 and over.

CONCLUSIONS

Standard-dose inactivated influenza vaccine has shown good protection in the elderly in China. However, protection may not be satisfactory in people aged 80 years and older.

Increase in venous thromboembolism in SARS-CoV-2 infected lung tissue: proteome analysis of lung parenchyma, isolated endothelium, and thrombi

AIMS

COVID-19 pneumonia is characterized by an increased rate of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. To better understand the pathophysiology behind thrombosis in COVID-19, we performed proteomics analysis on SARS-CoV-2 infected lung tissue.

METHODS

Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry was performed on SARS-CoV-2 infected postmortem lung tissue samples. Five protein profiling analyses were performed: whole slide lung parenchyma analysis, followed by analysis of isolated thrombi and endothelium, both stratified by disease (COVID-19 versus influenza) and thrombus morphology (embolism versus in situ). Influenza autopsy cases with pulmonary thrombi were used as controls.

RESULTS

Compared to influenza controls, both analyses of COVID-19 whole-tissue and isolated endothelium showed upregulation of proteins and pathways related to liver metabolism including urea cycle activation, with arginase being among the top upregulated proteins in COVID-19 lung tissue. Analysis of isolated COVID-19 thrombi showed significant downregulation of pathways related to platelet activation compared to influenza thrombi. Analysis of isolated thrombi based on histomorphology shows that in situ thrombi have significant upregulation of coronavirus pathogenesis proteins.

CONCLUSIONS

The decrease in platelet activation pathways in severe COVID-19 thrombi suggests a relative increase in venous thromboembolism, as thrombi from venous origin tend to contain fewer platelets than arterial thrombi. Based on histomorphology, in situ thrombi show upregulation of various proteins related to SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis compared to thromboemboli, which may indicate increased in situ pulmonary thrombosis in COVID-19. Therefore, this study supports the increase of venous thromboembolism without undercutting the involvement of in situ thrombosis in severe COVID-19.

The critical role of RAGE in severe influenza infection: A target for control of inflammatory response in the disease

Controlling the excessive inflammatory response is one of the key ways to reduce the severity and mortality of severe influenza virus infections. RAGE is involved in inflammatory responses and acute lung injuries. Here, we investigated the role of RAGE and its potential application as a target for severe influenza treatment through serological correlation analysis for influenza patients, and treatment with the RAGE inhibitor FPS-ZM1 on A549 cells or mice with influenza A (H1N1) infection. The results showed high levels of RAGE were correlated with immunopathological injury and severity of influenza, and FPS-ZM1 treatment increased the viability of A549 cells with influenza A infection and decreased morbidity and mortality of influenza A virus infection in mice. The RAGE/NF-κb inflammatory signaling pathway is a major targeting pathway for FPS-ZM1 treatment in severe influenza. These findings provide further insights into the immune injury of severe influenza and a potential targeting candidate for the disease treatment.

Lipid nanoparticles for local delivery of mRNA to the respiratory tract: Effect of PEG-lipid content and administration route

Design of inhalable mRNA therapeutics is promising because local administration in the respiratory tract is minimally invasive and induces a local response. However, several challenges related to administration via inhalation and respiratory tract barriers have so far prevented the progress of inhaled mRNA therapeutics. Here, we investigated factors of importance for lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-mediated delivery of mRNA to the respiratory tract. We hypothesized that: (i) the PEG-lipid content is important for providing colloidal stability during aerosolization and for mucosal delivery, (ii) the PEG-lipid contentinfluences the expression of mRNA-encoded protein in the lungs, and (iii) the route of administration (nasal versus pulmonary) affects mRNA delivery in the lungs. In this study, we aimed to optimize the PEG-lipid content for mucosal delivery and to investigatethe effect of administration route on the kinetics of protein expression. Our results show that increasing the PEG-lipid content improves the colloidal stability during the aerosolization process, but has a negative impact on the transfection efficiencyin vitro. The kinetics of protein expressionin vivois dependent on the route of administration, and we found that pulmonaryadministration of mRNA-LNPs to mice results inmore durable protein expression than nasaladministration. These results demonstrate that the design of the delivery system and the route of administration are importantfor achieving high mRNA transfection efficiency in the respiratory tract.

Advax-SM™-Adjuvanted COBRA (H1/H3) Hemagglutinin Influenza Vaccines

Adjuvants enhance immune responses stimulated by vaccines. To date, many seasonal influenza vaccines are not formulated with an adjuvant. In the present study, the adjuvant Advax-SM™ was combined with next generation, broadly reactive influenza hemagglutinin (HA) vaccines that were designed using a computationally optimized broadly reactive antigen (COBRA) methodology. Advax-SM™ is a novel adjuvant comprising inulin polysaccharide and CpG55.2, a TLR9 agonist. COBRA HA vaccines were combined with Advax-SM™ or a comparator squalene emulsion (SE) adjuvant and administered to mice intramuscularly. Mice vaccinated with Advax-SM™ adjuvanted COBRA HA vaccines had increased serum levels of anti-influenza IgG and IgA, high hemagglutination inhibition activity against a panel of H1N1 and H3N2 influenza viruses, and increased anti-influenza antibody secreting cells isolated from spleens. COBRA HA plus Advax-SM™ immunized mice were protected against both morbidity and mortality following viral challenge and, at postmortem, had no detectable lung viral titers or lung inflammation. Overall, the Advax-SM™-adjuvanted COBRA HA formulation provided effective protection against drifted H1N1 and H3N2 influenza viruses.

Predictors of Severity of Influenza-Related Hospitalizations: Results From the Global Influenza Hospital Surveillance Network (GIHSN)

BACKGROUND

The Global Influenza Hospital Surveillance Network (GIHSN) has since 2012 provided patient-level data on severe influenza-like-illnesses from >100 participating clinical sites worldwide based on a core protocol and consistent case definitions.

METHODS

We used multivariable logistic regression to assess the risk of intensive care unit admission, mechanical ventilation, and in-hospital death among hospitalized patients with influenza and explored the role of patient-level covariates and country income level.

RESULTS

The data set included 73 121 patients hospitalized with respiratory illness in 22 countries, including 15 660 with laboratory-confirmed influenza. After adjusting for patient-level covariates we found a 7-fold increase in the risk of influenza-related intensive care unit admission in lower middle-income countries (LMICs), compared with high-income countries (P = .01). The risk of mechanical ventilation and in-hospital death also increased by 4-fold in LMICs, though these differences were not statistically significant. We also find that influenza mortality increased significantly with older age and number of comorbid conditions. Across all severity outcomes studied and after controlling for patient characteristics, infection with influenza A/H1N1pdm09 was more severe than with A/H3N2.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provides new information on influenza severity in underresourced populations, particularly those in LMICs.

Probing altered receptor specificities of antigenically drifting human H3N2 viruses by chemoenzymatic synthesis, NMR, and modeling

Prototypic receptors for human influenza viruses are N-glycans carrying α2,6-linked sialosides. Due to immune pressure, A/H3N2 influenza viruses have emerged with altered receptor specificities that bind α2,6-linked sialosides presented on extended N-acetyl-lactosamine (LacNAc) chains. Here, binding modes of such drifted hemagglutinin's (HAs) are examined by chemoenzymatic synthesis of N-glycans having 13C-labeled monosaccharides at strategic positions. The labeled glycans are employed in 2D STD-1H by 13C-HSQC NMR experiments to pinpoint which monosaccharides of the extended LacNAc chain engage with evolutionarily distinct HAs. The NMR data in combination with computation and mutagenesis demonstrate that mutations distal to the receptor binding domain of recent HAs create an extended binding site that accommodates with the extended LacNAc chain. A fluorine containing sialoside is used as NMR probe to derive relative binding affinities and confirms the contribution of the extended LacNAc chain for binding.

Use of Sentinel Surveillance Platforms for Monitoring SARS-CoV-2 Activity: Evidence From Analysis of Kenya Influenza Sentinel Surveillance Data

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the cocirculation of influenza and SARS-CoV-2 viruses during the COVID-19 pandemic and the use of respiratory disease sentinel surveillance platforms for monitoring SARS-CoV-2 activity in sub-Saharan Africa.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to describe influenza and SARS-CoV-2 cocirculation in Kenya and how the SARS-CoV-2 data from influenza sentinel surveillance correlated with that of universal national surveillance.

METHODS

From April 2020 to March 2022, we enrolled 7349 patients with severe acute respiratory illness or influenza-like illness at 8 sentinel influenza surveillance sites in Kenya and collected demographic, clinical, underlying medical condition, vaccination, and exposure information, as well as respiratory specimens, from them. Respiratory specimens were tested for influenza and SARS-CoV-2 by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The universal national-level SARS-CoV-2 data were also obtained from the Kenya Ministry of Health. The universal national-level SARS-CoV-2 data were collected from all health facilities nationally, border entry points, and contact tracing in Kenya. Epidemic curves and Pearson r were used to describe the correlation between SARS-CoV-2 positivity in data from the 8 influenza sentinel sites in Kenya and that of the universal national SARS-CoV-2 surveillance data. A logistic regression model was used to assess the association between influenza and SARS-CoV-2 coinfection with severe clinical illness. We defined severe clinical illness as any of oxygen saturation <90%, in-hospital death, admission to intensive care unit or high dependence unit, mechanical ventilation, or a report of any danger sign (ie, inability to drink or eat, severe vomiting, grunting, stridor, or unconsciousness in children younger than 5 years) among patients with severe acute respiratory illness.

RESULTS

Of the 7349 patients from the influenza sentinel surveillance sites, 76.3% (n=5606) were younger than 5 years. We detected any influenza (A or B) in 8.7% (629/7224), SARS-CoV-2 in 10.7% (768/7199), and coinfection in 0.9% (63/7165) of samples tested. Although the number of samples tested for SARS-CoV-2 from the sentinel surveillance was only 0.2% (60 per week vs 36,000 per week) of the number tested in the universal national surveillance, SARS-CoV-2 positivity in the sentinel surveillance data significantly correlated with that of the universal national surveillance (Pearson r=0.58; P<.001). The adjusted odds ratios (aOR) of clinical severe illness among participants with coinfection were similar to those of patients with influenza only (aOR 0.91, 95% CI 0.47-1.79) and SARS-CoV-2 only (aOR 0.92, 95% CI 0.47-1.82).

CONCLUSIONS

Influenza substantially cocirculated with SARS-CoV-2 in Kenya. We found a significant correlation of SARS-CoV-2 positivity in the data from 8 influenza sentinel surveillance sites with that of the universal national SARS-CoV-2 surveillance data. Our findings indicate that the influenza sentinel surveillance system can be used as a sustainable platform for monitoring respiratory pathogens of pandemic potential or public health importance.

Prior infection with unrelated neurotropic virus exacerbates influenza disease and impairs lung T cell responses

Immunity to infectious diseases is predominantly studied by measuring immune responses towards a single pathogen, although co-infections are common. In-depth mechanisms on how co-infections impact anti-viral immunity are lacking, but are highly relevant to treatment and prevention. We established a mouse model of co-infection with unrelated viruses, influenza A (IAV) and Semliki Forest virus (SFV), causing disease in different organ systems. SFV infection eight days before IAV infection results in prolonged IAV replication, elevated cytokine/chemokine levels and exacerbated lung pathology. This is associated with impaired lung IAV-specific CD8+ T cell responses, stemming from suboptimal CD8+ T cell activation and proliferation in draining lymph nodes, and dendritic cell paralysis. Prior SFV infection leads to increased blood brain barrier permeability and presence of IAV RNA in brain, associated with increased trafficking of IAV-specific CD8+ T cells and establishment of long-term tissue-resident memory. Relative to lung IAV-specific CD8+ T cells, brain memory IAV-specific CD8+ T cells have increased TCR repertoire diversity within immunodominant DbNP366+CD8+ and DbPA224+CD8+ responses, featuring suboptimal TCR clonotypes. Overall, our study demonstrates that infection with an unrelated neurotropic virus perturbs IAV-specific immune responses and exacerbates IAV disease. Our work provides key insights into therapy and vaccine regimens directed against unrelated pathogens.

Integrating single-cell RNA sequencing data to genome-wide association analysis data identifies significant cell types in influenza A virus infection and COVID-19

With the global pandemic of COVID-19, the research on influenza virus has entered a new stage, but it is difficult to elucidate the pathogenesis of influenza disease. Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have greatly shed light on the role of host genetic background in influenza pathogenesis and prognosis, whereas single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has enabled unprecedented resolution of cellular diversity and in vivo following influenza disease. Here, we performed a comprehensive analysis of influenza GWAS and scRNA-seq data to reveal cell types associated with influenza disease and provide clues to understanding pathogenesis. We downloaded two GWAS summary data, two scRNA-seq data on influenza disease. After defining cell types for each scRNA-seq data, we used RolyPoly and LDSC-cts to integrate GWAS and scRNA-seq. Furthermore, we analyzed scRNA-seq data from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of a healthy population to validate and compare our results. After processing the scRNA-seq data, we obtained approximately 70 000 cells and identified up to 13 cell types. For the European population analysis, we determined an association between neutrophils and influenza disease. For the East Asian population analysis, we identified an association between monocytes and influenza disease. In addition, we also identified monocytes as a significantly related cell type in a dataset of healthy human PBMCs. In this comprehensive analysis, we identified neutrophils and monocytes as influenza disease-associated cell types. More attention and validation should be given in future studies.

Should we ignore SARS-CoV-2 disease?

Current World Health Organization (WHO) reports claim a decline in COVID-19 testing and reporting of new infections. To discuss the consequences of ignoring severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, the endemic characteristics of the disease in 2023 with the ones estimated before using 2022 data sets are compared. The accumulated numbers of cases and deaths reported to the WHO by the 10 most infected countries and global figures were used to calculate the average daily numbers of cases DCC and deaths DDC per capita and case fatality rates (CFRs = DDC/DCC) for two periods in 2023. In some countries, the DDC values can be higher than the upper 2022 limit and exceed the seasonal influenza mortality. The increase in CFR in 2023 shows that SARS-CoV-2 infection is still dangerous. The numbers of COVID-19 cases and deaths per capita in 2022 and 2023 do not demonstrate downward trends with the increase in the percentages of fully vaccinated people and boosters. The reasons may be both rapid mutations of the coronavirus, which reduced the effectiveness of vaccines and led to a large number of re-infections, and inappropriate management.

Viral cardiovascular surgical diseases: global burdens, challenges and opportunities

Globally, more than one billion people are vulnerable to neglected tropical diseases, many of which have viral origins and cardiovascular implications. Access to cardiovascular care is limited in countries where these conditions are endemic. Six billion people lack access to safe, timely and affordable cardiac surgical care, whereby over 100 countries and territories lack a single cardiac surgeon. Moreover, while clinically unique, the surgical consequences of neglected cardiovascular diseases with viral origins have been poorly described in the current literature. This review provides an overview of the global burden of viral cardiovascular disease, describes access to cardiac surgical care in regions where these conditions are endemic, and further highlights surgical consequences and considerations to manage patients requiring cardiac surgical care.

Damage sensing through TLR9 Promotes Viral Clearance and Recovery During Influenza Infection

Host response aimed at eliminating the infecting pathogen, as well as the pathogen itself, can cause tissue injury. Tissue injury leads to the release of a myriad of cellular components including mitochondrial DNA, which the host senses through pattern recognition receptors. How the sensing of tissue injury by the host shapes the anti-pathogen response remains poorly understood. In this study, we utilized mice that are deficient in toll-like receptor-9 (TLR9), which binds to unmethylated CpG DNA sequences such as those present in bacterial and mitochondrial DNA. To avoid direct pathogen sensing by TLR9, we utilized the influenza virus, which lacks ligands for TLR9, to determine how damage sensing by TLR9 contributes to anti-influenza immunity. Our data show that TLR9-mediated sensing of tissue damage promotes an inflammatory response during early infection, driven by the myeloid cells and associated cytokine responses. Along with the diminished inflammatory response, the absence of damage sensing through TLR9 led to impaired viral clearance manifested as a higher and prolonged influenza burden in the lung. The absence of TLR9 led to extensive infection of myeloid cells including monocytes and macrophages rendering them highly inflammatory, despite having a low initial inflammatory response. The persistent inflammation driven by infected myeloid cells led to persistent lung injury and impaired recovery in influenza-infected TLR9-/- mice. Further, we show elevated circulating TLR9 ligands in the plasma samples of patients with influenza, demonstrating its clinical relevance. Overall, over data show an essential role of damage sensing through TLR9 in promoting anti-influenza immunity.

Tackling Influenza A virus by M2 ion channel blockers: Latest progress and limitations

Influenza outbreaks cause pandemics in millions of people. The treatment of influenza remains a challenge due to significant genetic polymorphism in the influenza virus. Also, developing vaccines to protect against seasonal and pandemic influenza infections is constantly impeded. Thus, antibiotics are the only first line of defense against antigenically distinct strains or new subtypes of influenza viruses. Among several anti-influenza targets, the M2 protein of the influenza virus performs several activities. M2 protein is an ion channel that permits proton conductance through the virion envelope and the deacidification of the Golgi apparatus. Both these functions are critical for viral replication. Thus, targeting the M2 protein of the influenza virus is an essential target. Rimantadine and amantadine are two well-known drugs that act on the M2 protein. However, these drugs acquired resistance to influenza and thus are not recommended to treat influenza infections. This review discusses an overview of anti-influenza therapy, M2 ion channel functions, and its working principle. It also discusses the M2 structure and its role, and the change in the structure leads to mutant variants of influenza A virus. We also shed light on the recently identified compounds acting against wild-type and mutated M2 proteins of influenza virus A. These scaffolds could be an alternative to M2 inhibitors and be developed as antibiotics for treating influenza infections.

The economic burden of viral severe acute respiratory infections in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A nationwide cost-of-illness study

Objectives

The authors conducted a study to estimate the rising disease and economic burden of viral severe acute respiratory infections and their management, including COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus, and influenza types A and B, in early and delayed diagnosis scenarios in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from a national perspective.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted in May 2022 using a de novo Excel-based universal cost-of-illness calculator model. The study used primary data, such as expert interviews, as well as secondary data from a thorough literature search.

Results

The total economic burden of viral severe acute respiratory infections in patients with an early diagnosis was lower than those with a delayed diagnosis among patients with complications, both from the payer's (United States dollar [USD] 3846 million vs USD 4726 million) and societal (USD 4048 million vs USD 5020 million, respectively) perspectives. The major cost driver of the total economic burden for both early and delayed diagnosis was disease management costs: 49% (USD 1880 million) and 58% (USD 2730 million), respectively.

Conclusions

In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the total economic burden for COVID-19, influenza (epidemic phase), and respiratory syncytial virus was higher with a delayed diagnosis vs an early diagnosis, emphasizing the importance of using a broader diagnostic method.

Multi-COBRA hemagglutinin formulated with cGAMP microparticles elicit protective immune responses against influenza viruses

Influenza viruses cause a common respiratory disease known as influenza. In humans, seasonal influenza viruses can lead to epidemics, with avian influenza viruses of particular concern because they can infect multiple species and lead to unpredictable and severe disease. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a universal influenza vaccine that provides protection against seasonal and pre-pandemic influenza virus strains. The cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP) is a promising adjuvant for subunit vaccines that promotes type I interferons production through the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway. The encapsulation of cGAMP in acetalated dextran (Ace-DEX) microparticles (MPs) enhances its intracellular delivery. In this study, the Computationally Optimized Broadly Reactive Antigen (COBRA) methodology was used to generate H1, H3, and H5 vaccine candidates. Monovalent and multivalent COBRA HA vaccines formulated with cGAMP Ace-DEX MPs were evaluated in a mouse model for antibody responses and protection against viral challenge. Serological analysis showed that cGAMP MPs adjuvanted monovalent and multivalent COBRA vaccines elicited robust antigen-specific antibody responses after a prime-boost vaccination and antibody titers were further enhanced after second boost. Compared to COBRA vaccine groups with no adjuvant or blank MPs, the cGAMP MPs enhanced HAI antibody responses against COBRA vaccination. The HAI antibody titers were not significantly different between cGAMP MPs adjuvanted monovalent and multivalent COBRA vaccine groups for most of the viruses tested in panels. The cGAMP MPs adjuvanted COBRA vaccines groups had higher antigen-specific IgG2a binding titers than the COBRA vaccine groups with no adjuvant or blank MPs. The COBRA vaccines formulated with cGAMP MPs mitigated disease caused by influenza viral challenge and decreased pulmonary viral titers in mice. Therefore, the formulation of COBRA vaccines plus cGAMP MPs is a promising universal influenza vaccine that elicits protective immune responses against human seasonal and pre-pandemic strains.

Immunity in the Progeroid Model of Cockayne Syndrome: Biomarkers of Pathological Aging

Cockayne syndrome (CS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder that affects the DNA repair process. It is a progeroid syndrome predisposing patients to accelerated aging and to increased susceptibility to respiratory infections. Here, we studied the immune status of CS patients to determine potential biomarkers associated with pathological aging. CS patients, as well as elderly and young, healthy donors, were enrolled in this study. Complete blood counts for patients and donors were assessed, immune cell subsets were analyzed using flow cytometry, and candidate cytokines were analyzed via multi-analyte ELISArray kits. In CS patients, we noticed a high percentage of lymphocytes, an increased rate of intermediate and non-classical monocytes, and a high level of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-8. In addition, we identified an increased rate of particular subtypes of T Lymphocyte CD8+ CD28- CD27-, which are senescent T cells. Thus, an inflammatory state was found in CS patients that is similar to that observed in the elderly donors and is associated with an immunosenescence status in both groups. This could explain the CS patients' increased susceptibility to infections, which is partly due to an aging-associated inflammation process.

Ferrets as a Mammalian Model to Study Influenza Virus-Bacteria Interactions

Ferrets represent an invaluable model for the study of influenza virus pathogenicity and transmissibility. Ferrets are also employed for the study of bacterial pathogens that naturally infect humans at different anatomical sites. While viral and bacterial infection studies in isolation using animal models are important for furthering our understanding of pathogen biology and developing improved therapeutics, it is also critical to extend our knowledge to pathogen coinfections in vivo, to more closely examine interkingdom dynamics that may contribute to overall disease outcomes. We discuss how ferrets have been employed to study a diverse range of both influenza viruses and bacterial species and summarize key studies that have utilized the ferret model for primary influenza virus challenge followed by secondary bacterial infection. These copathogenesis studies have provided critical insight into the dynamic interplay between these pathogens, underscoring the utility of ferrets as a model system for investigating influenza virus-bacteria interactions.

Egg microneedles for transdermal vaccination of inactivated influenza virus

The use of dissolving microneedles (DMNs) is a drug delivery technique in which drug dissolution occurs once it is administered into the skin. The skin is a remarkable site for vaccination due to its significant immunologic properties. Compared to the traditional hypodermic intramuscular (IM) injection, vaccination via DMN does not require cold chains and allows for minimal invasive drug delivery. On account of the significance of skin vaccination, preceding studies have been conducted to elucidate the importance of the DMN technology in vaccination. Most of these studies focused on formulations that maintain the activity of the vaccine, so formulations designed to be specific to the mechanical properties of the microneedle could not be used together independently. In this study, we have developed influenza vaccine loaded egg microneedles (EMN) and characterized the specificity of layer-specific functions of EMN by distinguishing between formulations that can maintain the activity of the vaccine and have the mechanical strength. By the use of in vitro tests such as ELISA and SRID assays, we quantitively evaluated the antigen activity of the formulation candidates to be 87% and 91%, respectively. In vivo tests were also conducted as mouse groups were inoculated with the formulation constructed into egg microneedles (FLU-EMN) to determine the protective efficacy against infection. The results demonstrated that FLU-EMN with functionalized formulations successfully enabled protective immune response even with a fractional dose compared to IM injection.

Association between Statins Administration and Influenza Susceptibility: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Longitudinal Studies

Previous studies reported that the association between statins use and influenza infection was contradictory. A systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies were performed to determine the association between statins use and influenza susceptibility. The literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science, from each database's inception to 21 May 2023. The fixed effect model and random effects model were used for data synthesis. In our study, a total of 1,472,239 statins users and 1,486,881 statins non-users from five articles were included. The pooled risk ratio (RR) of all included participants was 1.05 (95% CI: 1.03-1.07), and there were still significant differences after adjusting for vaccination status. Of note, RR values in statins users were 1.06 (95% CI: 1.03-1.08) in people aged ≥60 years old and 1.05 (95% CI: 1.03-1.07) in participant groups with a higher proportion of females. Administration of statins might be associated with an increased risk of influenza infection, especially among females and elderly people. For those people using statins, we should pay more attention to surveillance of their health conditions and take measures to prevent influenza infection.