Broadly Reactive Nanobody Targeting the H3 Hemagglutinin of the Influenza A Virus

Abstract

Monoclonal antibodies and recombinant antibody fragments are a very promising therapeutic tool to combat infectious diseases. Due to their unique paratope structure, nanobodies (VHHs) hold several advantages over conventional monoclonal antibodies, especially in relation to viral infections. Influenza A viruses (IAVs) remain a major threat to public health. The hemagglutinin (HA) protein is the main protective and immunodominant antigen of IAVs. In this study, three broadly reactive nanobodies (D9.2, E12.2, and D4.2) to H3N2 influenza strains were isolated and Fc-fusion proteins (VHH-Fcs) were obtained and characterized in vitro. This modification improved the nanobodies’ binding activity and allowed for their interaction with a wider range of strains. The D9.2-Fc antibody showed a 100% protection rate against mortality in vivo in a mouse lethal model. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the observed protection has to do with Fc-FcγR interactions. These results indicate that D9.2-Fc can serve as an effective antiviral agent against the H3N2 influenza infection.