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Kumar R, Bera BC, Anand T, Pavulraj S, Kurian Mathew M, Gupta RP, Tripathi BN, Virmani N. Evaluation of immunogenicity and protective efficacy of bacteriophage conjugated haemagglutinin based subunit vaccine against equine influenza virus in a murine model. Vet Res Commun 2024; 48:1707-1726. [PMID: 38528300 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-024-10356-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Equine influenza (EI) is a highly contagious acute respiratory disease of equines caused by the H3N8 subtype of Influenza A virus i.e. equine influenza virus (EIV). Vaccination is an important and effective tool for the control of EI in equines. Most of the commercial influenza vaccines are produced in embryonated hen's eggs which has several inherent disadvantages. Hence, subunit vaccine based on recombinant haemagglutinin (HA) antigen, being the most important envelope glycoprotein has been extensively exploited for generating protective immune responses, against influenza A and B viruses. We hypothesized that novel vaccine formulation using baculovirus expressed recombinant HA1 (rHA1) protein coupled with bacteriophage will generate strong protective immune response against EIV. In the present study, the recombinant HA1 protein was produced in insect cells using recombinant baculovirus having cloned HA gene of EIV (Florida clade 2 sublineage) and the purified rHA1 was chemically coupled with bacteriophage using a crosslinker to produce rHA1-phage vaccine candidate. The protective efficacy of vaccine preparations of rHA1-phage conjugate and only rHA1 proteins were evaluated in mouse model through assessing serology, cytokine profiling, clinical signs, gross and histopathological changes, immunohistochemistry, and virus quantification. Immunization of vaccine preparations have stimulated moderate antibody response (ELISA titres-5760 ± 640 and 11,520 ± 1280 for rHA1 and rHA1-phage, respectively at 42 dpi) and elicited strong interferon (IFN)-γ expression levels after three immunizations of vaccine candidates. The immunized BALB/c mice were protected against challenge with wild EIV and resulted in reduced clinical signs and body weight loss, reduced pathological changes, decreased EIV antigen distribution, and restricted EIV replication in lungs and nasopharynx. In conclusion, the immune responses with moderate antibody titer and significantly higher cytokine responses generated by the rHA1-phage vaccine preparation without any adjuvant could be a novel vaccine candidate for quick vaccine preparation through further trials of vaccine in the natural host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh Kumar
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, LUVAS, Hisar, Haryana, 125004, India
| | | | - Taruna Anand
- ICAR- National Research Centre on Equines, Hisar, Haryana, 125 001, India
| | - Selvaraj Pavulraj
- Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Skip Bertman Dr, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA
| | - Manu Kurian Mathew
- ICAR- National Research Centre on Equines, Hisar, Haryana, 125 001, India
| | - R P Gupta
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, LUVAS, Hisar, Haryana, 125004, India
| | | | - Nitin Virmani
- ICAR- National Research Centre on Equines, Hisar, Haryana, 125 001, India.
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Lee DH, Lee J, Ahn SY, Ho TL, Kim K, Ko EJ. Monophosphoryl lipid A and poly I:C combination enhances immune responses of equine influenza virus vaccine. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2024; 271:110743. [PMID: 38522410 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2024.110743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Equine influenza is a contagious respiratory disease caused by H3N8 type A influenza virus. Vaccination against equine influenza is conducted regularly; however, infection still occurs globally because of the short immunity duration and suboptimal efficacy of current vaccines. Hence the objective of this study was to investigate whether an adjuvant combination can improve immune responses to equine influenza virus (EIV) vaccines. Seventy-two mice were immunized with an EIV vaccine only or with monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL), polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (Poly I:C), or MPL + Poly I:C. Prime immunization was followed by boost immunization after 2 weeks. Mice were euthanized at 4, 8, and 32 weeks post-prime immunization, respectively. Sera were collected to determine humoral response. Bone marrow, spleen, and lung samples were harvested to determine memory cell responses, antigen-specific T-cell proliferation, and lung viral titers. MPL + Poly I:C resulted in the highest IgG, IgG1, and IgG2a antibodies and hemagglutination inhibition titers among the groups and sustained their levels until 32 weeks post-prime immunization. The combination enhanced memory B cell responses in the bone marrow and spleen. At 8 weeks post-prime immunization, the combination induced higher CD8+ central memory T cell frequencies in the lungs and CD8+ central memory T cells in the spleen. In addition, the combination group exhibited enhanced antigen-specific T cell proliferation, except for CD4+ T cells in the lungs. Our results demonstrated improved immune responses when using MPL + Poly I:C in EIV vaccines by inducing enhanced humoral responses, memory cell responses, and antigen-specific T cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Ha Lee
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Republic of Korea; Veterinary Medical Research Institute, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Republic of Korea
| | - Jueun Lee
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Republic of Korea
| | - So Yeon Ahn
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Republic of Korea; Veterinary Medical Research Institute, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Republic of Korea
| | - Thi Len Ho
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Advanced Convergence Technology & Science, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Republic of Korea
| | - Kiyeon Kim
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Ju Ko
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Republic of Korea; Veterinary Medical Research Institute, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Republic of Korea; Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Advanced Convergence Technology & Science, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Republic of Korea.
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Atwa AS, Gomaa L, Elmenofy W, Amer HM, Ahmed BM. Expression of recombinant Florida clade 2 hemagglutinin in baculovirus expression system: A step for subunit vaccine development against H3N8 equine influenza virus. Open Vet J 2024; 14:350-359. [PMID: 38633177 PMCID: PMC11018420 DOI: 10.5455/ovj.2024.v14.i1.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Equine influenza (EI) is a transmissible viral respiratory sickness of the Equidae family. Two viruses, H7N7 and H3N8 caused EI; however, H7N7 has not been detected for decades. H3N8 has circulated and bifurcated into Eurasian and American lineages. The latter subsequently diversified into Kentucky, South America, and Florida sub-lineages. Florida clade 1 (FC1) and Florida clade 2 (FC2) strains are the only circulating EI viruses (EIVs) in the meantime. Immunization is considered the major means for the prevention and control of EI infection. Using disparate technologies and platforms, several vaccines have been developed and commercialized. According to the recommendations of the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), all commercial vaccines shall comprise representatives of both FC1 and FC2 strains. Unfortunately, most of the commercially available vaccines were not updated to incorporate a representative of FC2 strains. Aim The purpose of this research was to develop a new EI vaccine candidate that incorporates the hemagglutinin (HA) antigen from the currently circulating FC2. Methods In this study, we report the expression of the full-length recombinant HA gene of FC2 in the baculovirus expression system. Results The HA recombinant protein has been proven to maintain its biological characteristics by hemadsorption (HAD) and hemagglutination tests. Moreover, using a reference-specific serum, the specificity of the HA has been confirmed through the implementation of immunoperoxidase and western immunoblotting assays. Conclusion In conclusion, we report the expression of specific biologically active recombinant HA of FC2, which would act as a foundation for the generation of an updated EI subunit or virus vector vaccine candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed S. Atwa
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Lamis Gomaa
- Agricultural Genetic Engineering Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt
| | - Wael Elmenofy
- Agricultural Genetic Engineering Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt
- Department of Arid Land Agriculture, College of Agricultural and Food Sciences, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Haitham M. Amer
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Basem M. Ahmed
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
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Lee DH, Lee EB, Seo JP, Ko EJ. Evaluation of concurrent vaccinations with recombinant canarypox equine influenza virus and inactivated equine herpesvirus vaccines. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2022; 64:588-598. [PMID: 35709134 PMCID: PMC9184697 DOI: 10.5187/jast.2022.e30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Despite vaccination, equine influenza virus (EIV) and equine herpesvirus (EHV)
infections still cause highly contagious respiratory diseases in horses.
Recently, concurrent vaccination with EIV and EHV was suggested as a new
approach; however, there have been no reports of concurrent vaccination with
recombinant canarypox EIV and inactivated EHV vaccines. In this study, we aimed
to compare the EIV-specific immune responses induced by concurrent
administrations of a recombinant canarypox EIV vaccine and an inactivated
bivalent EHV vaccine with those induced by a single recombinant canarypox EIV
vaccine in experimental horse and mouse models. Serum and peripheral blood
mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected from immunized animals after
vaccination. EIV-specific serum antibody levels, serum hemagglutinin inhibition
(HI) titers, and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) levels were measured by
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, HI assay, and quantitative polymerase chain
reaction, respectively. Concurrent EIV and EHV vaccine administration
significantly increased IFN-γ production, without compromising humoral
responses. Our data demonstrate that concurrent vaccination with EIV and EHV
vaccines can enhance EIV-specific cellular responses in horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Ha Lee
- College of Veterinary Medicine and
Veterinary Medical Research Institute, Jeju National
University, Jeju 63243, Korea
| | - Eun-bee Lee
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College
of Veterinary Medicine, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243,
Korea
| | - Jong-pil Seo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College
of Veterinary Medicine, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243,
Korea
| | - Eun-Ju Ko
- College of Veterinary Medicine and
Veterinary Medical Research Institute, Jeju National
University, Jeju 63243, Korea
- Corresponding author: Eun-Ju Ko, College of
Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Medical Research Institute, Jeju National
University, Jeju 63243, Korea. Tel: +82-64-754-3366, E-mail:
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Equine Influenza Virus and Vaccines. Viruses 2021; 13:v13081657. [PMID: 34452521 PMCID: PMC8402878 DOI: 10.3390/v13081657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Equine influenza virus (EIV) is a constantly evolving viral pathogen that is responsible for yearly outbreaks of respiratory disease in horses termed equine influenza (EI). There is currently no evidence of circulation of the original H7N7 strain of EIV worldwide; however, the EIV H3N8 strain, which was first isolated in the early 1960s, remains a major threat to most of the world's horse populations. It can also infect dogs. The ability of EIV to constantly accumulate mutations in its antibody-binding sites enables it to evade host protective immunity, making it a successful viral pathogen. Clinical and virological protection against EIV is achieved by stimulation of strong cellular and humoral immunity in vaccinated horses. However, despite EI vaccine updates over the years, EIV remains relevant, because the protective effects of vaccines decay and permit subclinical infections that facilitate transmission into susceptible populations. In this review, we describe how the evolution of EIV drives repeated EI outbreaks even in horse populations with supposedly high vaccination coverage. Next, we discuss the approaches employed to develop efficacious EI vaccines for commercial use and the existing system for recommendations on updating vaccines based on available clinical and virological data to improve protective immunity in vaccinated horse populations. Understanding how EIV biology can be better harnessed to improve EI vaccines is central to controlling EI.
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