The development of S100A4 as a potent mucosal adjuvant to boost nasal vaccination against influenza

The current COVID-19 pandemic has argued for the importance of protection against respiratory infections. Health authorities worldwide have therefore urged people not to forget influenza vaccination. Most of the currently available flu vaccines are delivered by injection. However, there are certain advantages for mucosal vaccination instead of parenteral injection from both a mucosal immunological mechanism perspective and a practical perspective. The only few nasal flu vaccine products available are based on the use of live attenuated virus or formulations that are not suitable for people who are immune compromised including small children and elderly people. To fill this gap and to reliably change flu shot to flu spray, our group at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University is trying to develop a novel flu vaccine formulation which can be delivered conveniently by nasal spray. We have identified a unique molecule for augmenting the nasal immune responses facilitating the vaccination efficiency. This strategy has been rigorously tested in animal models and this formulation is predicted to be safe.

Team Member(s)

Arka SEN CHAUDHURI
Yeh Yu Wen
Saina ZHENG, Sena
CHUNG Chi Wah