Infectious Diseases 2025

Infectious Diseases 2025

mRNA Vaccine Against H5N1 Protects Ferrets

by Prof. Simon Shane 19 January, 2025

A recent paper reported on development of an mRNA vaccine that protected ferrets against clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1.* Challenge viruses were derived from a 2022 avian outbreak and a 2024 human case respectively.  Unvaccinated controlled ferrets all died following challenge.  Vaccination reduced propagation of virus in both the upper and lower respiratory tracts of infected ferrets. This is important in limiting contagion with respect to a potentially zoonotic strain impacting human populations. The potential of an effective mRNA against H5N1 to reduce the intensity of a pandemic strain of H5N1 is self-evident.  Large-scale production of an mRNA vaccine following the lead of applying this technology to COVID would enable public health authorities to protect populations locally regionally and internationally. The technology allows for rapid manufacture of vaccines and the ability to enhance antigenicity in the inevitable event of mutations among viruses in the field.


*Hatta, M. et al An influenza mRNA vaccine protects ferrets from lethal infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus. Science Translational Medicine. 2024, 16.778: eads1273.‏