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New flu vaccines research reported from A.S. Herbert and co-authors
2009 AUG 3 - (NewsRx.com) -- According to a study from the United States, "Influenza epidemics continue to cause morbidity and mortality within the human population despite widespread vaccination efforts. This, along with the ominous threat of an avian influenza pandemic (H5N1), demonstrates the need for a much improved, more sophisticated influenza vaccine." "We have developed an in vitro model system for producing a membrane-bound Cytokine-bearing Influenza Vaccine (CYT-IVAC). Numerous cytokines are involved in directing both innate and adaptive immunity and it is our goal to utilize the properties of individual cytokines and other immunomodulatory proteins to create a more immunogenic vaccine. We have evaluated the immunogenicity of inactivated cytokine-bearing influenza vaccines using a mouse model of lethal influenza virus challenge. CYT-IVACs were produced by stably transfecting MDCK cell lines with mouse-derived cytokines (GM-CSF, IL-2 and IL-4) fused to the membrane-anchoring domain of the viral hemagglutinin. Influenza virus replication in these cell lines resulted in the uptake of the bioactive membrane-bound cytokines during virus budding and release. In vivo efficacy studies revealed that a single low dose of IL-2 or IL-4- bearing CYT-IVAC is superior at providing protection against lethal influenza challenge in a mouse model and provides a more balanced Th1/Th2 humoral immune response, similar to live virus infections. We have validated the protective efficacy of CYT-IVACs in a mammalian model of influenza virus infection," wrote A.S. Herbert and colleagues. The researchers concluded: "This technology has broad applications in current influenza virus vaccine development and may prove particularly useful in boosting immune responses in the elderly, where current vaccines are minimally effective." Herbert and colleagues published their study in Virology Journal (Incorporation of membrane-bound, mammalian-derived immunomodulatory proteins into influenza whole virus vaccines boosts immunogenicity and protection against lethal challenge. Virology Journal, 2009;6():42). For more information, contact P.C. Roberts, Virginia Technical, Virginia Maryland Reg College Vet. Medical, Dept. of Biomedical Science & Pathobiol, Center Molecular Med & Infectious Disease, 1981 Kraft Dr., Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA. Publisher contact information for the Virology Journal is: Biomedical Central Ltd., Current Science Group, Middlesex House, 34-42 Cleveland St., London W1T 4LB, England. Keywords: United States, Blacksburg, Avian Flu, Avian Influenza, Biotechnology, Bird Flu, Cytokines, Epidemics, Flu Vaccines, Immunization, Influenza Vaccines, Influenza Virus, Pandemics, Vaccination, Viral Research, Virology. This article was prepared by Pharma Business Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Pharma Business Week via NewsRx.com.
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