Nasal mucosal administration of chitin microparticles boosts innate immunity against influenza A virus in the local pulmonary tissue.
Influenza virus infection remains a major health concern due to morbidity and mortality associated with epidemics and occasional pandemics. The absence of acquired immunity to antigenically distinct, emerging virus strains stresses the need for a generic drug that protects independent of vaccination. Here, we demonstrate that prophylactic administration of chitin microparticles (CMP) via the intranasal route significantly reduced lung viral titres and clinical signs. Pre-treatment boosted the innate immune response to subsequent infection by recruiting innate cells, such as neutrophils, and increasing inflammatory cytokines. Although an increase in virus-specific T cells was observed, the memory phase was diminished. Our data demonstrate that in the absence of prior exposure to influenza virus, CMP reduce clinical signs by boosting innate immunity.
Baaten
B J G
BJ
The Edward Jenner Institute for Vaccine Research, Compton, RG20 7NN, United Kingdom. bbaaten@sanfordburnham.org
Clarke
B
B
Strong
P
P
Hou
S
S
D000281:Administration, Intranasal; D000818:Animals; D002686:Chitin / Q000276:immunology*; D016207:Cytokines / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D009980:Influenza A virus / Q000276:immunology*; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000276:immunology; D008168:Lung / Q000276:immunology* / Q000821:virology; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000276:immunology; D009976:Orthomyxoviridae Infections / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D019562:Viral Load
D016207:Cytokines; D007252:Influenza Vaccines; D002686:Chitin