[Immunological evaluation of vector-expressed M2 and HA genes of H5N1 influenza virus in mice]

Abstract

We developed vectors expressing two antigen of H5N1 influenza virus. Based on the human H5N1 avian influenza virus strain A/Anhui/1/2005 isolated in China, we amplified the matrix protein 2 (M2) and Hemagglutinin (HA) genes by PCR and subcloned them into pStar vector to construct two genes co-expressing recombinant DNA vaccine pStar-M2/HA. After transfection of 293 cells with the plasmid, we confirmed with indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) that M2 and HA genes cloned on plasmid pStar co-expressed successfully. Using Ad-Easy adenovirus vector system, by homologous recombination in bacteria and packaging in 293 cells, we constructed two recombinant adenoviruses, namely Ad-M2 and Ad-HA. After infection of 293 cells with the recombinant adenoviruses, we confirmed with IFA that M2 and HA genes cloned into adenoviruses expressed successfully. We then combined the recombinant DNA vaccine and adenoviral vector vaccines in immunization of BALB/c mice with a prime-boost regime. On day 0 and day 28, we immunized the mice with DNA vaccine and on day 14 and day 42, with recombinant adenovirus vaccines. We took blood samples before each injection and 14 days after the final injection. On day 56, we collected splenocytes from the mice. ELISA and hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay showed that the vaccines successfully induced specific IgG antibodies against HA protein in serum of the immunized mice. ELISPOT confirmed that the vaccines successfully induced the special cellular immune response to M2 and HA protein of H5N1 influenza virus. The study on combined immunization with M2 and HA genes provided basis for development of novel influenza vaccine.