This paper should be cited as: Shaffifar, M. Tabarraei, A. Sajadian, A. Fotouhi, F. Ghaemi, A

Immunologic Evaluation of DNA Vaccine Encoding Influenza Virus M2 Gene in Type A- Influenza Mice Model

Shaffifar, M. (MSc)1, Tabarraei, A. (PhD)2, Sajadian, A. (MSc)3, Fotouhi, F. (PhD)4 Ghaemi, A. (PhD)5

1. MSc of Medical Virology, Infectious Diseases Research Center, Department of Microbiology, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran

2. Associate Professor of Medical Virology, Infectious Diseases Research Center, Department of Microbiology, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran

3. MSc of Medical Microbiology, Shefa Neuroscience Research Centre, Tehran, Iran

Influenza Research Lab, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran

4. Assistant Professor of Medical Virology, Influenza Research Lab, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran

5. Assistant Professor of Medical Virology, Influenza Research Lab, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Background and Objective: The M2 gene expressing the conserved protein in influenza virus can be used to make a single-dose vaccine with permanent immunity.

Material and Methods: The mice were allocated to one case group immunized with pcDNA3-M2 and two control groups with pcDNA and PBS, in three dozes with interval of two weeks. Two weeks after the last injection, Cellular immunity was analyzed by MTT lymphocyte proliferation, interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) and interleukin 4 (IL-4) ratio assays. The remaining animals were challenged with PR8 virus.

Results: The production rate of IFN8 and IL4 in pcDNA - M2 group was higher than that of control groups (P >0.0001).Given the results of lymphocyte proliferation, Stimulation index (SI) in vaccinated mice was significantly higher than that of control groups (P<0.05).In comparison with mortality rate of 100% in control groups, the animals Challenged with PR8 vaccine had a 50% fatal rate implying a high protection level for this vaccine.

Conclusion: The pcDNA3-M2 Vaccine can be considered as a promising vaccine against influenza infections.

Keywords: Influenza Virus - Gene Vaccine, M2 Protein

Corresponding Author: Ghaemi, A.

Email: mkargar@jia.ac.ir

Received: 19 Oct 2013
Revised: 10 May 2014
Accepted: 14 May 2014