[Construction, expression and immunogenicity analysis of a fusion protein containing M2e of influenza A virus fused to a modified Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin A]

Bing Du Xue Bao. 2010 May;26(3):189-94.
[Article in Chinese]

Abstract

M2 protein of type A influenza virus is a good candidate for universal influenza vaccine, exotoxin A of Pseudomonas aeruginosa may facilitate the immunogenicity of M2 protein. We constructed and expressed a prokaryotic expression plasmid containing a chimeric gene of M2 extracellular coding region and a partial PEA gene, and observed the immunoprotection in BALB/c mice vaccinated with the fusion protein. The fusion protein (ntPE-M2e) was generated by inserting the coding sequence of the M2e in place of Ib loop in PEA. This fusion protein was used to immunize BALB/c mice by subcutaneously injection with incomplete Freund's adjuvant and boost at weeks 3 and 7. The immunized mice were challenged with influenza virus strain A/PR/34/8. The fusion protein (ntPE-M2e) immunization protected mice against lethal viral challenge. ELISA and ELISPOT results demonstrated that the fusion protein could induce a strong systemic immune response against synthetic M2e peptide, and virus replication in the lungs of mice was inhibited in comparison with the control. This study provides foundation for developing broad-spectrum vaccines against type A influenza viruses.

MeSH terms

  • ADP Ribose Transferases / genetics*
  • Animals
  • Bacterial Toxins / genetics*
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Escherichia coli / genetics
  • Exotoxins / genetics*
  • Female
  • Gene Expression
  • Immunization
  • Influenza A virus* / immunology
  • Influenza A virus* / physiology
  • Lung / immunology
  • Lung / virology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa Exotoxin A
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / genetics*
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / immunology*
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / isolation & purification
  • Viral Matrix Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Viral Matrix Proteins / genetics*
  • Viral Matrix Proteins / immunology*
  • Viral Matrix Proteins / isolation & purification
  • Virulence Factors / genetics*

Substances

  • Bacterial Toxins
  • Exotoxins
  • M2 protein, Influenza A virus
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • Viral Matrix Proteins
  • Virulence Factors
  • ADP Ribose Transferases