Influenza virosomes as a vaccine adjuvant and carrier system

Abstract

Influenza virosomes have been used for more than 10 years in commercial vaccines. The technology has been further developed as a carrier and adjuvant system for subunit vaccines, in particular for synthetic peptides. The extensive amount of preclinical and clinical data supports the notion that influenza virosomes represent a platform technology that ensures robust and long-lasting immune responses against subunit antigens with an excellent safety profile. Structurally and functionally, virosomes are enveloped virus-like particles, although they are assembled in vitro. This unique feature ensures a tight control of their composition and at the same time provides the flexibility to adapt the particle to various types of antigens. The mode of action of virosomes is complex and includes carrier as well as immune-stimulatory functions.

Keywords::

• adjuvant
• antigen delivery
• influenza
• vaccines
• virosomes

Financial & competing interests disclosure

Christian Moser and Mario Amacker are employees of Pevion Biotech AG. All three authors are shareholders of Pevion Biotech AG. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.