Aerosol Delivery of Influenza Vaccine Candidates and Role of Local Immune Response in Pigs

Influenza A virus is responsible for the major pandemics in the last century. Its ability to infect different hosts, such as human, pigs and birds, and the high mutation rate represents a major challenge in fighting this pathogen. Pigs are natural host of influenza A virus and play a critical role in the emergence of new viruses, being able to be infected with human and avian strains. Current vaccine strategies rely on neutralising antibodies which are strain dependent and therefore need to be updated every year. In this study new broadly protective vaccine candidates will be analysed and different routes of administration compared for their immunogenicity and protection potential. For the first time it will be possible to study the role of lung tissue resident memory T cells in pigs and their function in the context of influenza infection and protection. This project follows the BBSRC "Bioscience for Health" priority area, giving new insights into pigs' health and allowing the study of influenza A virus in a One Health perspective.

AfS, ENWW