Description:
The technology proposes a solution to the potential risks of the current Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccines (LAIV) by proposing a new mammalian-specific LAIV. This was done through the creation of a genetically-engineered influenza virus, that produces an immune response only in mammals. This attenuated vaccine produces mature and functional artificial microRNA. The miRNA specifically targets and successfully silences the influenza NP gene. This potent immune response has also been experimentally shown to provide heterologous protection, or cross-protection, for other strains of the influenza virus.
Reference Number: D-1093
Market Applications:
• Influenza Vaccinations
• This technology can also be applied to other vaccines (i.e. HIV, Herpes Simplex Virus, Ebola, Hantaviruses )
Features, Benefits & Advantages:
• Non-invasive nasal immunization
• Induces broad innate and adaptive immune response
• Does not require booster
• May potentially get rid of the required annual reformulation of the vaccine
• Will require a lower viral titer, thus reducing the cost of production
Intellectual Property:
A U.S. national stage patent was filed on 04/13/2017 with the Serial Number 15/518,781.
An EU national stage patent was filed on 05/12/2017 with the Serial Number 15850461.3.
Development Stage:
Preliminary experimental data (both in vitro and in vivo) has provided proof of concept for the proposed vaccine.
Researchers:
Mengtao Zeng, Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, TX
Junwei Li, Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, TX
Keywords:
Influenza, live attenuated influenza virus, Cross-protective immunity to influenza viruses, Homologous and Heterologous protection for influenza.
Publications:
"Generation of a safe and effective live viral vaccine by virus self-attenuation
using species-specific artificial microRNA"