Innovative mRNA Vaccine for Chickens Enhances Immunity Against IBV

Researchers at the University of Connecticut (UConn) have developed a groundbreaking mRNA vaccine for chickens that effectively enhances immunity against the Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV), a significant threat to poultry farming worldwide. The new vaccine utilizes a novel protein-based nanoparticle to stabilize mRNA, addressing key challenges associated with traditional vaccine methods.

In a study published in the journal Vaccines on June 9, 2025, a team led by Dr. Mazhar Khan, Professor in the Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science at UConn, along with Challa V. Kumar, Emeritus Professor in the Department of Chemistry, and graduate students Anka Rao Kalluri and Aseno Sakhrie, demonstrated that their mRNA vaccine dramatically increased antibody levels against IBV in vaccinated chickens, showing a remarkable 1000-fold increase compared to unvaccinated controls.

Infectious Bronchitis Virus, a rapidly spreading coronavirus, poses a major economic threat to poultry farmers, causing millions in losses annually due to increased mortality and reduced egg production. Existing vaccines, including live attenuated and killed vaccines, face significant drawbacks, including the potential for virus reactivation and the requirement for additional adjuvants to enhance efficacy. These traditional vaccines also exhibit limited shelf life and necessitate stringent temperature controls, complicating their use in poultry farming environments.

The UConn research team addressed the stability issues of mRNA vaccines, which are prone to rapid degradation, by employing a specially engineered nanoparticle derived from bovine serum albumin, a non-toxic and readily available protein. This nanoparticle encapsulates the mRNA, protecting it from hydrolysis by nucleases and ensuring efficient delivery to target cells. The study indicated that this innovative approach not only enhances the stability of the mRNA but also significantly boosts the immune response in chickens, as evidenced by increased immune cell activity.

"This project highlights how collaborations across campus are making rapid progress in solving complex scientific problems," said Dr. Kumar. The researchers are also exploring alternative vaccination methods, such as administering the vaccine via spray, to simplify the vaccination process for farmers and minimize stress for the chicks.

While IBV does not currently affect human health, the implications of this research extend beyond poultry. The nanoparticle technology could potentially be adapted for human vaccines, providing a rapid-response platform to address emerging infectious diseases. Dr. Khan emphasized, "The timing for vaccine development is very short; we just need the specific sequence of the gene."

The findings from this study not only represent a significant advancement in the field of veterinary vaccines but also pave the way for future innovations in human vaccine development. As the research continues, the team aims to refine their nanoparticle platform, potentially revolutionizing the landscape of vaccine technology for various infectious diseases.

This research exemplifies the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing pressing global health challenges, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, where rapid vaccine development has become paramount.