Development and Rapid Adaptation of a Broad-Spectrum RNA Replicon Vaccine against Influenza Virus A Using Wastewater-Based Epidemiological Surveillance

• Grant number: 24/16537-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: November 01, 2024
• End date: October 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Collective Health
• Principal Investigator: Rúbens Prince dos Santos Alves
• Grantee: Carla Longo de Freitas
• Host Institution: Institut Pasteur de São Paulo (IPSP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 24/03895-3 - Outsmarting influenza through integrated wastewater surveillance and rapid saRNA vaccine development, AP.JP

Abstract

Seasonal influenza is responsible for causing significant morbidity and mortality every year. The viral strains, population immunity, and vaccine-strain alignment keep fluctuating, making it difficult to control its spread. Due to the high mutation rates in influenza viruses, vaccine formulas need constant updates, which is a complex process. However, emerging self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) technologies within lipid nanoparticles promise to hasten vaccine development and offer prolonged immunity against diverse influenza subtypes. This research aims to use wastewater surveillance to detect early influenza strains in São Paulo. This can help inform rapid antigen updates for saRNA vaccines to be evaluated in relevant mouse models. The project focuses on developing an RNA replicon vaccine that targets essential antigens such as hemagglutinin, neuraminidase, nucleoprotein, and the M2e protein. The goal is to create a broad-spectrum vaccine that adapts quickly to circulating strains, paving the way for effective immunization strategies such as ring vaccination and setting a new standard in infectious disease control and prevention.