Virus-like particles displaying H5, H7, H9 hemagglutinins and N1 neuraminidase elicit protective immunity to heterologous avian influenza viruses in chickens

Virology. 2017 Jan 15:501:176-182. doi: 10.1016/j.virol.2016.12.001. Epub 2016 Dec 6.

Abstract

Avian influenza (AI) viruses circulating in wild birds pose a serious threat to public health. Human and veterinary vaccines against AI subtypes are needed. Here we prepared triple-subtype VLPs that co-localized H5, H7 and H9 antigens derived from H5N1, H7N3 and H9N2 viruses. VLPs also contained influenza N1 neuraminidase and retroviral gag protein. The H5/H7/H9/N1/gag VLPs were prepared using baculovirus expression. Biochemical, functional and antigenic characteristics were determined including hemagglutination and neuraminidase enzyme activities. VLPs were further evaluated in a chicken AI challenge model for safety, immunogenicity and protective efficacy against heterologous AI viruses including H5N2, H7N3 and H9N2 subtypes. All vaccinated birds survived challenges with H5N2 and H7N3 highly pathogenic AI (HPAI) viruses, while all controls died. Immune response was also detectable after challenge with low pathogenicity AI (LPAI) H9N2 virus suggesting that H5/H7/H9/N1/gag VLPs represent a promising approach for the development of broadly protective AI vaccine.

Keywords: Avian flu; Influenza; Recombinant; VLP; Vaccine; Virus-like particle.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Viral / immunology
  • Chickens
  • Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus / administration & dosage
  • Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus / genetics
  • Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus / immunology*
  • Immunity
  • Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype / genetics
  • Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype / immunology*
  • Influenza A Virus, H5N2 Subtype / genetics
  • Influenza A Virus, H5N2 Subtype / immunology*
  • Influenza A Virus, H7N3 Subtype / genetics
  • Influenza A Virus, H7N3 Subtype / immunology*
  • Influenza A Virus, H9N2 Subtype / genetics
  • Influenza A Virus, H9N2 Subtype / immunology*
  • Influenza Vaccines / administration & dosage
  • Influenza Vaccines / genetics
  • Influenza Vaccines / immunology*
  • Influenza in Birds / immunology
  • Influenza in Birds / prevention & control*
  • Influenza in Birds / virology
  • Neuraminidase / administration & dosage
  • Neuraminidase / genetics
  • Neuraminidase / immunology*
  • Poultry Diseases / immunology
  • Poultry Diseases / prevention & control
  • Poultry Diseases / virology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus
  • Influenza Vaccines
  • Neuraminidase