Influenza virus-like particles comprised of the HA, NA, and M1 proteins of H9N2 influenza virus induce protective immune responses in BALB/c mice.
Avian influenza viruses represent a growing threat for an influenza pandemic. To develop recombinant vaccine for avian influenza of the H9N2 subtype, we expressed in insect cells virus-like particles (VLPs) consisting of three structural proteins of influenza A/Hong Kong/1073/99 (H9N2) virus. Upon infection of Sf9 cells with recombinant baculoviruses, the hemagglutinin (HA), neuraminidase (NA), and matrix (M1) proteins were co-expressed in the infected cells, self-assembled, and released into the culture medium as VLPs of 80-120nm in diameter. VLPs exhibited functional characteristics of influenza virus including hemagglutination and neuraminidase activities. In BALB/c mice, VLPs elicited serum antibodies specific for influenza A/Hong Kong/1073/99 (H9N2) virus and inhibited replication of the influenza virus after challenge. Thus, VLPs represent a potential strategy for the development of human vaccines against avian influenza H9N2 viruses.
Pushko
Peter
P
Novavax, Inc., Vaccine Technologies, 1 Taft Court, Rockville, MD 20850, USA. ppushko@novavax.com
Tumpey
Terrence M
TM
Bu
Fang
F
Knell
John
J
Robinson
Robin
R
Smith
Gale
G
D000818:Animals; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000097:blood; D016367:Baculoviridae; D002460:Cell Line; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D019267:Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D053127:Influenza A Virus, H9N2 Subtype / Q000737:chemistry*; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology*; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D009439:Neuraminidase / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D009976:Orthomyxoviridae Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018411:Spodoptera; D014763:Viral Matrix Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D019267:Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus; D007252:Influenza Vaccines; C488936:M1 protein, Influenza A virus; D014763:Viral Matrix Proteins; D009439:Neuraminidase