Preparation and identification of influenza H1N1 subtype vaccine candidate strain in China

Abstract

Objective Influenza H1N1 subtype vaccine candidate strains from a 2015—2016 year epidemic strain in China were prepared and identified by themethod of classical reassortment. Methods The influenza H1N1 epidemic strain and H3N2 high-yield reassortant parental strain (X-157) were mixed and inoculated into embryonated chicken eggs by the classical reassortmentmethod . The negative selection of mixed culture virus was carried out with the antiserum of H3 protein and the antiserum of X-157 strain. Real-time PCRmethod was used to test the HA and NA genes. Restriction enzyme digestionmethod was used to identify the internal genes. HA and NA genes of selected strains were sequenced. The strain which HA and NA genes possessed the same amino acid constitution with the wild type virus was selected and immunized to ferret. Two-way test was carried out. Results Five strains with expected HA and NA genes were selected by real-time PCR. Internal genes were identified, with 4 strains had 6+ 2 constitution, 1 strain had 5+ 3 constitution. Comparing with the wild type virus, HA and NA genes of the 5 strains had no mutation. HA titer of reassortant strains was above 1 024. HI titer of the selected NO.12 reassortment strain reached 5 120, and two-way test was passed. The yield of reassortant strain was 64 times that of the wild type strain. Conclusions A circulating influenza A (H1N1) strain of influenza A (2015—2016) was successfully prepared in China and laid the foundation for vaccine storage and disease prevention and control. Key words: Influenza A virus; Classical reassortment; H1N1 subtype; Chinese epidemic strain