Nimisha Rikhi

Nimisha Rikhi

*This is an algorithmically generated author record based on publicly available information.

Nimisha Rikhi has a total of 14 co-authors. Here are the top co-authors by number of shared publications:


Latest Publications

  • Open Access

    Unconjugated Multi-Epitope Peptides Adjuvanted with ALFQ Induce Durable and Broadly Reactive Antibodies to Human and Avian Influenza Viruses

    by Nimisha Rikhi, Clara J. Sei, Mangala Rao, Richard F. Schuman, Kellie A. Kroscher, Gary R. Matyas, Kevin Muema, Camille Lange, Aba Assiaw-Dufu, Elizabeth Hussin, et al.

    An unconjugated composite peptide vaccine targeting multiple conserved influenza epitopes from hemagglutinin, neuraminidase, and matrix protein and formulated with a safe and highly potent adjuvant, Army Liposome formulation (ALFQ), generated broad and durable immune responses in outbred mice. The antibodies recognized specific epitopes in influenza peptides and several human, avian, and swine influenza viruses. Comparable antibody responses to influenza viruses were observed with intramuscular and intradermal routes of vaccine administration. The peptide vaccine induced cross-reactive antibodies that recognized influenza virus subtypes A/H1N1, A/H3N2, A/H5N1, B/Victoria, and B/Yamagata. In addition, immune sera neutralized seasonal and pandemic influenza strains (Group 1 and Group 2). This composite multi-epitope peptide vaccine, formulated with ALFQ and administered via intramuscular and intradermal routes, provides a high-performance supra-seasonal vaccine that would be cost-effective and easily scalable, thus moving us closer to a viable strategy for a universal influenza vaccine and pandemic preparedness.


  • Open Access

    Conserved Influenza Hemagglutinin, Neuraminidase and Matrix Peptides Adjuvanted with ALFQ Induce Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies

    by Clara J. Sei, Mangala Rao, Richard F. Schuman, Luke T. Daum, Gary R. Matyas, Nimisha Rikhi, Kevin Muema, Alexander Anderson, Ousman Jobe, Kellie A. Kroscher, et al.

    A universal influenza candidate vaccine that targets multiple conserved influenza virus epitopes from hemagglutinin (HA), neuraminidase (NA) and matrix (M2e) proteins was combined with the potent Army liposomal adjuvant (ALFQ) to promote induction of broad immunity to seasonal and pandemic influenza strains. The unconjugated and CRM-conjugated composite peptides formulated with ALFQ were highly immunogenic and induced both humoral and cellular immune responses in mice. Broadly reactive serum antibodies were induced across various IgG isotypes. Mice immunized with the unconjugated composite peptide developed antibody responses earlier than mice immunized with conjugated peptides, and the IgG antibodies were broadly reactive and neutralizing across Groups 1 and 2 influenza viruses. Multi-epitope unconjugated influenza composite peptides formulated with ALFQ provide a novel strategy for the development of a universal influenza vaccine. These synthetic peptide vaccines avoid the pitfalls of egg-produced influenza vaccines and production can be scaled up rapidly and economically.