Pseudotyped influenza A virus as a vaccine for the induction of heterotypic immunity

TJ Powell, JD Silk, J Sharps, E Fodor… - Journal of …, 2012 - Am Soc Microbiol
TJ Powell, JD Silk, J Sharps, E Fodor, ARM Townsend
Journal of virology, 2012Am Soc Microbiol
There is a need for vaccines that can protect broadly across all influenza A strains. We have
produced a pseudotyped influenza virus based on suppression of the A/PR/8/34
hemagglutinin signal sequence (S-FLU) that can infect cells and express the viral core
proteins and neuraminidase but cannot replicate. We show that when given by inhalation to
mice, S-FLU is nonpathogenic but generates a vigorous T cell response in the lung
associated with markedly reduced viral titers and weight loss after challenge with H1 and H3 …
Abstract
There is a need for vaccines that can protect broadly across all influenza A strains. We have produced a pseudotyped influenza virus based on suppression of the A/PR/8/34 hemagglutinin signal sequence (S-FLU) that can infect cells and express the viral core proteins and neuraminidase but cannot replicate. We show that when given by inhalation to mice, S-FLU is nonpathogenic but generates a vigorous T cell response in the lung associated with markedly reduced viral titers and weight loss after challenge with H1 and H3 influenza viruses. These properties of S-FLU suggest that it may have potential as a broadly protective A virus vaccine, particularly in the setting of a threatened pandemic before matched subunit vaccines become available.
American Society for Microbiology