Breakthrough Reported in RSV and hMPV Vaccine Development

Scientists at Scripps Research have made progress in developing more effective vaccines against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV). These viruses, which can cause severe respiratory infections in infants and the elderly, have been challenging targets for vaccine development due to the unstable nature of their fusion (F) proteins.

The research team, led by Jiang Zhu, focused on stabilizing the pre-fusion form of the F protein, which is crucial for triggering an effective immune response. They discovered an "acidic patch" at the center of the RSV F protein that causes instability. By modifying this area, they created a more stable version of the protein that showed promise in vaccinating mice against RSV.

For hMPV, the team used a different approach, employing a strong chemical bond to stabilize the F protein. This method also proved successful in creating a potential vaccine candidate.

Dr. Zhu emphasized the potential impact of this research, stating, "Creating a combination vaccine for these viruses could significantly reduce viral hospitalizations for both babies and the elderly."

The study, published in Nature Communications, also analyzed existing RSV vaccines, revealing that some contained unstable pre-fusion F proteins that could convert to less desirable forms. This insight could lead to improvements in current vaccines.

Looking ahead, Zhu plans to develop an experimental vaccine using a self-assembling protein nanoparticle (SApNP) platform reported in his recent work to deliver the RSV and hMPV F proteins to the human body. “That would be our next-generation RSV/hMPV combo vaccine,” says Zhu.