The Y161F Substitution of Hemagglutinin Increases Antigenic Thermostability and Improves Yields of Influenza A Viruses
Description:
Background
Vaccination has been the most efficient and economical strategy for preventing influenza virus infection and controlling disease spread among hosts. A high yield vaccine seed strain is required for timely vaccine manufacture and is thus a critical component of a successful influenza vaccination program. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon that the recommended vaccine strains by the World Health Organization (WHO) have less than desirable yields in eggs and/or cells. For example, the 2009 H1N1 seed strain is a low yield strain, and it required almost three months for the WHO collaborative laboratories and vaccine companies to engineer the selected strain to meet the criteria required for vaccine production. Due to such a delay, vaccine derived immunity only arose after the peak of the second wave of infections in the pandemic. The vaccine would have reduced the impact of the second wave if no delay occurred, and fewer infections and deaths would have occurred. Therefore, a rapid method to generate an egg high yield vaccine selection is critical for rapid vaccine production and thus the effectiveness of influenza prevention and control.
Technology Overview
Vaccination remains as the primary strategy for influenza prevention and control. Both vaccine yields and antigenic thermostability are two of the keys to a successful vaccination program. This invention introduces a Y161F mutation in hemagglutinin, which significantly enhances viral growth for influenza vaccine manufacturing. It also ensures antigenic thermostability, maintaining vaccine quality during transportation. This mutation does not alter the antigenic properties of influenza viruses and is applicable to all subtypes of influenza A viruses.
Benefits
This invention facilitates the manufacturing of influenza vaccines, which can lower vaccine costs, increase profits for vaccine companies, and maintain antigenic stability during vaccine deliveries.
Applications
This invention has potential applications in both veterinary and human medicine.
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