We have developed a self-replicating RNA (replicon) derived from live-attenuated poliovirus vaccine strains, designed to provide pre- and post-exposure protection against respiratory infections. Administered via lipid nanoparticles like mRNA vaccines, enterovirus replicons activate innate immune responses and enhance adaptive immunity, offering broad-spectrum protection against respiratory viruses such as rhinoviruses, influenza, and SARS-CoV-2 (Shirogane et al., 2021; Xiao et al., 2021) . By mimicking natural infection, it generates a regulated antiviral response and long-term immunity. Our goal is to advance this strategy to clinical trials by optimizing delivery, formulation, and safety, addressing mucosal infections and emerging viral threats.

Related Publications

Shirogane, Y., Rousseau, E., Voznica, J., Xiao, Y., Su, W., Catching, A., Whitfield, Z.J., Rouzine, I.M., Bianco, S., Andino, R., 2021. Experimental and mathematical insights on the interactions between poliovirus and a defective interfering genome. PLoS Pathog. 17, e1009277. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.1009277

Xiao, Y., Lidsky, P.V., Shirogane, Y., Aviner, R., Wu, C.-T., Li, W., Zheng, W., Talbot, D., Catching, A., Doitsh, G., Su, W., Gekko, C.E., Nayak, A., Ernst, J.D., Brodsky, L., Brodsky, E., Rousseau, E., Capponi, S., Bianco, S., Nakamura, R., Jackson, P.K., Frydman, J., Andino, R., 2021. A defective viral genome strategy elicits broad protective immunity against respiratory viruses. Cell 184, 6037-6051.e14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2021.11.023