Open AccessAn H 1‐ H 3 chimeric influenza virosome confers complete protection against lethal challenge with PR 8 ( H 1 N 1) and X 47 ( H 3 N 2) viruses in mice
Author(s) -
Abdoli Asghar,
Soleimanjahi Hoorieh,
Tavassoti Kheiri Masoumeh,
Jamali Abbas,
Mazaheri Vahideh,
Abdollahpour Alitappeh Meghdad
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
pathogens and disease
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.983
H-Index - 105
ISSN - 2049-632X
DOI - 10.1111/2049-632x.12206
Subject(s) - virology , hemagglutinin (influenza) , vaccination , virus , influenza vaccine , hemagglutination assay , neuraminidase , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , titer
Annual health threats and economic damages caused by influenza virus are still a main concern of the World Health Organization and other health departments all over the world. An influenza virosome is a highly efficient immunomodulating carrier mimicking the natural antigen presentation pathway and has shown an excellent tolerability profile due to its biocompatibility and purity. The major purpose of this study was to construct a new chimeric virosome influenza vaccine containing hemagglutinin ( HA ) and neuraminidase ( NA ) proteins derived from the A/ PR /8/1934 (H1N1) ( PR 8) and A/X/47 (H3N2) (X47) viruses, and to evaluate its efficacy as a vaccine candidate in mice. A single intramuscular vaccination with the chimeric virosomes provided complete protection against lethal challenge with the PR 8 and X47 viruses. The chimeric virosomes induced high IgG antibody responses as well as hemagglutination inhibition ( HAI ) titers. HAI titers following the chimeric virosome vaccination were at the same level as the whole inactivated influenza vaccine. Mice immunized with the chimeric virosomes displayed considerably less weight loss and exhibited significantly reduced viral load in their lungs compared with the controls. The chimeric virosomes can be used as an innovative vaccine formulation to confer protection against a broad range of influenza viruses.