Optimization and Design of Influenza Virus Vaccine
Date
2018-05
Authors
Jacobi, Allison
Major Professor
Advisor
Verhoeven, David
Committee Member
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Abstract
Influenza vaccines protect against few strains because the virus is constantly adapting. Annual alterations of the vaccination based on predictions for the coming influenza season are necessary. During the 2017-2018 influenza season, the vaccination ineffectively matched the strains present, leading to increased infections. Thus, a universal vaccine capable of generating immunity to all circulating strains is desired. Influenza virus has a surface-exposed hemagglutinin protein (HA) comprised of a head and a stem region. Current approaches for developing a universal vaccine involve eliciting antibodies to the stem region, but this method has proven difficult. We have a candidate vaccine that may target antibodies to many HA regions and may elicit broadly neutralizing antibodies. To further evaluate this option, we developed a recombinant HA protein similar to our live attenuated vaccine for further efficacy testing in animals. Moreover, using molecular techniques, we cloned a HA protein in bacterial plasmids cells. We then facilitated large-scale growth of insect cells to generate recombinant HA using baculovirus. The protein was purified and tested by injection into multiple species, which showed neutralizing antibodies to many strains of influenza. We conclude based on the evidence that the vaccine may be a potential candidate for a universal vaccine.
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