A Small Molecule RIG-I Agonist Serves as an Adjuvant to Induce Broad Multifaceted Influenza Virus Vaccine Immunity

Emily A. Hemann, Megan L. Knoll, Courtney R. Wilkins, Caroline Subra, Richard Green, Adolfo García-Sastre, Paul G. Thomas, Lydie Trautmann, Renee C. Ireton, Yueh Ming Loo, Michael Gale

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) is essential for activating host cell innate immunity to regulate the immune response against many RNA viruses. We previously identified that a small molecule compound, KIN1148, led to the activation of IFN regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and served to enhance protection against influenza A virus (IAV) A/California/04/2009 infection. We have now determined direct binding of KIN1148 to RIG-I to drive expression of IFN regulatory factor 3 and NF-kB target genes, including specific immunomodulatory cytokines and chemokines. Intriguingly, KIN1148 does not lead to ATPase activity or compete with ATP for binding but activates RIG-I to induce antiviral gene expression programs distinct from type I IFN treatment. When administered in combination with a vaccine against IAV, KIN1148 induces both neutralizing Ab and IAV-specific T cell responses compared with vaccination alone, which induces comparatively poor responses. This robust KIN1148-adjuvanted immune response protects mice from lethal A/California/04/2009 and H5N1 IAV challenge. Importantly, KIN1148 also augments human CD8+ T cell activation. Thus, we have identified a small molecule RIG-I agonist that serves as an effective adjuvant in inducing noncanonical RIG-I activation for induction of innate immune programs that enhance adaptive immune protection of antiviral vaccination.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1247-1256
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Immunology
Volume210
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - May 1 2023

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Immunology

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