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A Subunit-based Influenza/SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Combined Vaccine Induced Potent Protective Immunity in BALB/c Mice
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  • NARU ZHANG,
  • Zihui Ye,
  • Cun Li,
  • Jie Zhou,
  • Wei Xue,
  • Luying Xiang,
  • Yuewen Chen,
  • Shuchang Chen,
  • Rouhan Ye,
  • Jingyin Dong,
  • J. Zhou,
  • Shibo Jiang,
  • Haijun Han
NARU ZHANG
Hangzhou City University

Corresponding Author:zhangnr@hzcu.edu.cn

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Zihui Ye
Hangzhou City University
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Cun Li
The University of Hong Kong
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Jie Zhou
Fudan University
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Wei Xue
The University of Hong Kong
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Luying Xiang
Hangzhou City University
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Yuewen Chen
Hangzhou City University
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Shuchang Chen
Hangzhou City University
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Rouhan Ye
Hangzhou City University
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Jingyin Dong
Hangzhou City University
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J. Zhou
The University of Hong Kong
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Shibo Jiang
Fudan University
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Haijun Han
Hangzhou City University
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Abstract

Infection with influenza A virus (IAV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) poses a significant risk to human life, health, and the global economy. Vaccination is one of the most effective strategies in the fight against infectious viruses. In this study, we, for the first time, have evaluated the immunogenicity and protective effect of an influenza/SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subunit combined vaccine adjuvanted with MF59 and administered to BALB/c mice. Results showed that the combined vaccine induced high levels of IgG, IgG 1, and IgG 2a antibodies, as well as influenza A H1N1/California/2009 virus-specific hemagglutination-inhibiting antibodies in BALB/c mice. Moreover, this subunit combined vaccine induced high titers of neutralization antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.5 pseudovirus and effectively reduced the viral load of authentic SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.5.2 variant in the cell culture supernatants. These results suggested that this subunit combined vaccine achieved protective effect against both H1N1 A/California/07/2009 strain and SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.5.2 variant. It is therefore expected that this study will establish the scientific foundation for the next-step development of combined vaccines against other strains or variants of IAV and SARS-CoV-2.
20 Nov 2023Submitted to Journal of Medical Virology
21 Nov 2023Submission Checks Completed
21 Nov 2023Assigned to Editor
21 Nov 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
31 Jan 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
07 Feb 2024Editorial Decision: Accept