A replication-incompetent PB2-knockout influenza A virus vaccine vector

J Virol. 2012 Apr;86(8):4123-8. doi: 10.1128/JVI.06232-11. Epub 2012 Feb 1.

Abstract

Vaccination is the primary form of protection from influenza virus infection. We recently developed a replication-incompetent PB2-knockout (PB2-KO) influenza virus that possesses a reporter gene (the green fluorescent protein gene) in the coding region of the PB2 segment. This virus replicated to high titers in PB2-expressing, but not unmodified, cells, suggesting its potential safety and feasibility as a vaccine. Here, we tested its efficacy in a murine model. The levels of IgG and IgA antibodies against influenza virus in sera, nasal washes, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluids of mice immunized with the PB2-KO virus were higher than those induced by a conventional inactivated vaccine. All PB2-KO virus-immunized mice survived challenges with lethal doses of influenza virus. Moreover, importantly, mice immunized with the PB2-KO virus produced antibodies against the reporter protein, suggesting that the PB2-KO virus has potential as a multivalent vaccine to combat infection with not only influenza virus but also other pathogens.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Intranasal
  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Viral / blood
  • Antibodies, Viral / immunology
  • Antibody Specificity / immunology
  • Body Weight
  • Dogs
  • Female
  • Genetic Vectors
  • Humans
  • Influenza A virus / genetics*
  • Influenza A virus / immunology*
  • Influenza Vaccines / administration & dosage
  • Influenza Vaccines / genetics*
  • Influenza Vaccines / immunology*
  • Lung / immunology
  • Lung / virology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Orthomyxoviridae Infections / immunology
  • Orthomyxoviridae Infections / mortality
  • Orthomyxoviridae Infections / prevention & control
  • Turbinates / virology
  • Virus Replication / genetics*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Influenza Vaccines