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- Title
A universal influenza A vaccine based on the extracellular domain of the M2 protein.
- Authors
Neirynck, S; Deroo, T; Saelens, X; Vanlandschoot, P; Jou, W M; Fiers, W
- Abstract
The antigenic variation of influenza virus represents a major health problem. However, the extracellular domain of the minor, virus-coded M2 protein is nearly invariant in all influenza A strains. We genetically fused this M2 domain to the hepatitis B virus core (HBc) protein to create fusion gene coding for M2HBc; this gene was efficiently expressed in Escherichia coli. Intraperitoneal or intranasal administration of purified M2HBc particles to mice provided 90-100% protection against a lethal virus challenge. The protection was mediated by antibodies, as it was transferable by serum. The enhanced immunogenicity of the M2 extracellular domain exposed on HBc particles allows broad-spectrum, long-lasting protection against influenza A infections.
- Publication
Nature medicine, 1999, Vol 5, Issue 10, p1157
- ISSN
1078-8956
- Publication type
Journal Article
- DOI
10.1038/13484