Characterization of a Multi-Subtype Virus-Like Particle (VLP) for Development of Pandemic Influenza Vaccine

Abstract

Influenza viruses present a global health and economic concern. The most common vaccination methods rely on egg-based vaccines that pose allergy risk and lengthy production time. Currently, there are no widely available pandemic vaccines. Virus-like particles (VLP’s) offer a safe and efficient approach for preparing pandemic influenza viruses. In this study, a multi-subtype VLP construct containing H5, H7, H9, and H10 surface glycoproteins was analyzed and quantitated for specific HA expression. All four HA proteins were detected in the VLP using specific anti-HA antibodies, hemagglutinin activity of VLPs was confirmed, and individual HA concentrations were quantitated. Next, mice were vaccinated with this multi-subtype VLP and antibody production was observed. Mice vaccinated with multi-subtype VLP showed hemagglutination inhibition (HI) antibodies against all HA antigens except lower reactivity for H5 antigen. Thus, this study provides evidence for the broad immunogenic and protective potential of the multi-subtype VLP against multiple subtypes of influenza virus.