Safety of and Immune Response to Recombinant Live-Attenuated Influenza H6N1 Virus Vaccine Vaccine

In the 20th century, influenza pandemics occurred in 1918, 1957, and 1968, and were associated with significant morbidity and mortality. It is estimated that, in the United States alone, the next influenza pandemic could cause approximately 200,000 deaths and 750,000 hospitalizations. Thus, the development of a vaccine against potential influenza strains has become a priority. The purpose of this study is to determine the safety and immune response to an H6N1 influenza vaccine candidate.

H6 influenza viruses are of the low pathogenicity phenotype in poultry, and in the last decade, outbreaks of H6 influenza infection have been reported both in the United States and South Africa. The prevalence of H6 influenza viruses in a wide range of domestic and wild birds, and their propensity for reassortment has raised concerns regarding the pandemic potential of these viruses. This vaccine, therefore, is an important priority in the development of vaccines against potential pandemic influenza strains.

This vaccine trial will be conducted in the Center for Immunization Research inpatient unit in the Mason F. Lord Building at the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center (Baltimore, MD). The study will be initiated between April 1st and December 20th, 2008, when wild-type influenza is unlikely to be circulating in the Baltimore area.

An individual's participation in the study will last approximately 90 days. All participants will receive two vaccinations approximately 4 - 8 weeks apart. After each vaccination, participants will remain in isolation at the study site for at least nine days or until rRT-PCR assays for influenza are negative for 2 consecutive days. A physical examination and nasal wash will occur each day during the isolation period. Blood collection will occur on the day of admission, the following day, and day 7 after vaccination. Follow-up outpatient visits are scheduled on Days 28 and 56 after the first vaccination and on Day 28 after the second vaccination. Follow-up visits will include serum collection, nasal wash, and interim medical history.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult males and non-pregnant females 18-49 years old
* General good health
* Available for the duration of the trial
* If female, agree to use effective birth control methods for the duration of the study. More information on this criterion can be found in the protocol.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Evidence of clinically significant neurologic, cardiac, pulmonary, hepatic, rheumatologic, autoimmune, or renal disease. More information on this criterion can be found in the protocol.
* Behavioral or cognitive impairment or psychiatric disease that, in the opinion of the investigator, intereferes with the study
* Previous receipt of FluMist or any intranasal live attenuated influenza vaccine
* Previous enrollment in an H6N1 influenza vaccine trial or in any study of an avian influenza vaccine
* Seropositive to the H6N1 influenza A virus (serum HAI titer \>1:8)
* Positive urine drug toxicology test indicating narcotic use and/or dependency as defined by the Drug Enforcement Agency
* Medical, occupational, or family problems as a result of alcohol or illicit drug use within the 12 months prior to study entry
* Any condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, would interfere with the study
* History of anaphylaxis
* Allergy to oseltamivir as determined by subject report
* Current diagnosis of asthma or reactive airway disease within 2 years prior to study entry
* History of Guillain-Barre Syndrome
* HIV-1-infected
* Hepatitis C-infected
* Positive hepatitis B virus surface antigen
* Known immunodeficiency syndrome
* Use of corticosteroids (excluding topical preparations) or immunosuppressive drugs within 30 days prior to study entry
* Receipt of a live vaccine within 4 weeks or a killed vaccine within 2 weeks prior to study entry
* History of a surgical splenectomy
* Receipt of blood or blood-derived products (including immunoglobulin) within 6 months prior to study entry
* Current smoker unwilling to stop smoking for the duration of the study. More information on this criterion can be found in the protocol.
* Travel to the Southern Hemisphere within 14 days prior to study entry
* Travel on a cruise ship within 14 days prior to study entry
* Direct contact with live poultry within the 14 days prior to the study or after study completion.
* Receipt of another investigational vaccine or drug within 30 days prior to study entry
* Allergy to eggs or egg products
* Pregnant or breastfeeding