Data from Erasmus University advance knowledge in influenza

Return to Viruses Alert Section

February 24th, 2009

   2009 FEB 24 -- "Highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses of the H5N1 subtype have been responsible for an increasing number of infections in humans since 2003. More than 60% of infected individuals die, and new infections are reported frequently," scientists in Netherlands report.

   "In light of the pandemic threat caused by these events, the rapid availability of safe and effective vaccines is desirable. Modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) expressing the hemagglutinin (HA) gene of H5N1 viruses is a promising candidate vaccine that induced protective immunity against infection with homologous and heterologous H5N1 influenza virus in mice. In the present study, we evaluated a recombinant MVA vector expressing the HA gene of H5N1 influenza virus A/Vietnam/1194/04 (MVA-HA-VN/04) in nonhuman primates. Cynomolgus macaques were immunized twice and then were challenged with influenza virus A/Vietnam/1194/04 (clade 1) or A/Indonesia/5/05 (clade 2.1) to assess the level of protective immunity. Immunization with MVA-HA-VN/04 induced (cross-reactive) antibodies and prevented virus replication in the upper and lower respiratory tract and the development of severe necrotizing bronchointerstitial pneumonia," wrote J.H.C.M. Kreijtz and colleagues, Erasmus University.

   The researchers concluded: "Therefore, MVA-HA-VN/04 is a promising vaccine candidate for the induction of protective immunity against highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza viruses in humans."

   Kreijtz and colleagues published their study in the Journal of Infectious Diseases (Recombinant Modified Vaccinia Virus Ankara Expressing the Hemagglutinin Gene Confers Protection against Homologous and Heterologous H5N1 Influenza Virus Infections in Macaques. Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2009;199(3):405-413).

   For additional information, contact G.F. Rimmelzwaan, Erasmus MC, Dept. of Virology, POB 2040, NL-3000 CA Rotterdam, Netherlands.

   The publisher's contact information for the Journal of Infectious Diseases is: University Chicago Press, 1427 E 60th St., Chicago, IL 60637-2954, USA.

   Keywords: Netherlands, Avian Flu, Avian Influenza, Avian Influenza Virus, Biotechnology, Bird Flu, Immunization, Vaccines, Vaccinia Virus, Viral Research, Virology, Erasmus University.

   This article was prepared by Health Risk Factor Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Health Risk Factor Week via NewsRx.com.

Return to Viruses Alert Section