Nasal mucosal administration of chitin microparticles boosts innate immunity against influenza A virus in the local pulmonary tissue.

Influenza virus infection remains a major health concern due to morbidity and mortality associated with epidemics and occasional pandemics. The absence of acquired immunity to antigenically distinct, emerging virus strains stresses the need for a generic drug that protects independent of vaccination. Here, we demonstrate that prophylactic administration of chitin microparticles (CMP) via the intranasal route significantly reduced lung viral titres and clinical signs. Pre-treatment boosted the innate immune response to subsequent infection by recruiting innate cells, such as neutrophils, and increasing inflammatory cytokines. Although an increase in virus-specific T cells was observed, the memory phase was diminished. Our data demonstrate that in the absence of prior exposure to influenza virus, CMP reduce clinical signs by boosting innate immunity.