The Interleukin-33 Group 2 Innate Lymphoid Cell Axis Represents a Potential Adjuvant Target To Increase the Cross-Protective Efficacy of Influenza Vaccine

Interleukin-33 (IL-33) is a multifunctional cytokine that mediates type 2-dominated immune responses. In contrast, the role of IL 33 during viral vaccination, which often aims to induce type 1 immunity, has not been fully investigated. Here, we examined the effects of IL-33 on influenza vaccine responses. We found that intranasal coadministration of IL-33 with an inactivated influenza virus vaccine increases vaccine efficacy against influenza virus infection, not only with the homologous strain but also with heterologous strains, including the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus pandemic strain. Cross-protection was dependent on group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s), as the beneficial effect of IL-33 on vaccine efficacy was abrogated in ILC2-deficient C57BL/6 Il7(rcre/+) Rora(fi/fi) mice. Furthermore, mechanistic studies revealed that IL-33-activated ILC2s potentiate vaccine efficacy by enhancing mucosal humoral immunity, particularly IgA responses, potentially in a Th2 cytokine-dependent manner. Our results demonstrate that IL-33-mediated activation of ILC2s is a critical early event that is important for the induction of mucosal humoral immunity, which in turn is responsible for cross-strain protection against influenza. Thus, we reveal a previously unrecognized role for the IL-33-ILC2 axis in establishing broadly protective and long-lasting humoral mucosal immunity against influenza, knowledge that may help in the development of a universal influenza vaccine. IMPORTANCE Current influenza vaccines, although capable of protecting against predicted viruses/strains included in the vaccine, are inept at providing cross-protection against emerging/novel strains. Thus, we are in critical need of a universal vaccine that can protect against a wide range of influenza viruses. Our novel findings show that a mucosal vaccination strategy involving the activation of lung ILC2s is highly effective in eliciting cross-protective humoral immunity in the lungs. This suggests that the biology of lung ILC2s can be exploited to increase the cross-reactivity of commercially available influenza subunit vaccines.

Automated summary

IL-33 can enhance the efficacy of influenza vaccines by activating ILC2s, thereby promoting mucosal humoral immunity and cross-strain protection against influenza. This previously unrecognized role of the IL-33-ILC2 axis may aid in the development of a universal influenza vaccine.