Influenza Isolates Research Articles

Competitive detection of influenza neutralizing antibodies using a novel bivalent fluorescence-based microneutralization assay (BiFMA)

Avian-derived influenza A zoonoses are closely monitored and may be an indication of virus strains with pandemic potential. Both successful vaccination and convalescence of influenza A virus in humans typically results in the induction of antibodies that can neutralize viral infection. To improve long-standing and new-generation methodologies for detection of neutralizing antibodies, we have employed a novel reporter-based approach that allows for multiple antigenic testing within a single sample. Central to this approach is a single-cycle infectious influenza A virus (sciIAV), where a functional hemagglutinin (HA) gene was changed to encode either the green or the monomeric red fluorescent protein (GFP and mRFP, respectively) and HA is complemented in trans by stable HA-expressing cell lines. By using fluorescent proteins with non-overlapping emission spectra, this novel bivalent fluorescence-based microneutralization assay (BiFMA) can be used to detect neutralizing antibodies against two distinct influenza isolates in a single reaction, doubling the speed of experimentation while halving the amount of sera required. Moreover, this approach can be used for the rapid identification of influenza broadly neutralizing antibodies. Importantly, this novel BiFMA can be used for any given influenza HA-pseudotyped virus under BSL-2 facilities, including highly pathogenic influenza HA isolates.

Integration of antibody by surface functionalization of graphite-encapsulated magnetic beads using ammonia gas plasma technology for capturing influenza A virus.

Antibody-integrated magnetic beads have been functionalized for influenza A virus capture. First, ammonia plasma produced by a radio frequency power source was reacted with the surface of graphite-encapsulated magnetic beads to introduce amino groups. Anti-influenza A virus hemagglutinin antibody was then anchored by its surface sulfide groups to the amino groups on the beads via N-succinimidyl 3-(2-pyridyldithio) propionate. After incubation with influenza A virus, adsorption of the virus to the beads was confirmed by immunochromatography, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and inoculation of chicken embryonated eggs, indicating that virus infectivity is maintained and that the proposed method is useful for the enhanced detection and isolation of influenza A virus.

Molecular epidemiology and phylogenetic analyses of influenza B virus in Thailand during 2010 to 2014.

Influenza B virus remains a major contributor to the seasonal influenza outbreak and its prevalence has increased worldwide. We investigated the epidemiology and analyzed the full genome sequences of influenza B virus strains in Thailand between 2010 and 2014. Samples from the upper respiratory tract were collected from patients diagnosed with influenza like-illness. All samples were screened for influenza A/B viruses by one-step multiplex real-time RT-PCR. The whole genome of 53 influenza B isolates were amplified, sequenced, and analyzed. From 14,418 respiratory samples collected during 2010 to 2014, a total of 3,050 tested positive for influenza virus. Approximately 3.27% (471/14,418) were influenza B virus samples. Fifty three isolates of influenza B virus were randomly chosen for detailed whole genome analysis. Phylogenetic analysis of the HA gene showed clusters in Victoria clades 1A, 1B, 3, 5 and Yamagata clades 2 and 3. Both B/Victoria and B/Yamagata lineages were found to co-circulate during this time. The NA sequences of all isolates belonged to lineage II and consisted of viruses from both HA Victoria and Yamagata lineages, reflecting possible reassortment of the HA and NA genes. No significant changes were seen in the NA protein. The phylogenetic trees generated through the analysis of the PB1 and PB2 genes closely resembled that of the HA gene, while trees generated from the analysis of the PA, NP, and M genes showed similar topology. The NS gene exhibited the pattern of genetic reassortment distinct from those of the PA, NP or M genes. Thus, antigenic drift and genetic reassortment among the influenza B virus strains were observed in the isolates examined. Our findings indicate that the co-circulation of two distinct lineages of influenza B viruses and the limitation of cross-protection of the current vaccine formulation provide support for quadrivalent influenza vaccine in this region.

Vaccine protection of chickens against antigenically diverse H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza isolates with a live HVT vector vaccine expressing the influenza hemagglutinin gene derived from a clade 2.2 avian influenza virus

Vaccination is an important tool in the protection of poultry against avian influenza (AI). For field use, the overwhelming majority of AI vaccines produced are inactivated whole virus formulated into an oil emulsion. However, recombinant vectored vaccines are gaining use for their ability to induce protection against heterologous isolates and ability to overcome maternal antibody interference. In these studies, we compared protection of chickens provided by a turkey herpesvirus (HVT) vector vaccine expressing the hemagglutinin (HA) gene from a clade 2.2 H5N1 strain (A/swan/Hungary/4999/2006) against homologous H5N1 as well as heterologous H5N1 and H5N2 highly pathogenic (HP) AI challenge. The results demonstrated all vaccinated birds were protected from clinical signs of disease and mortality following homologous challenge. In addition, oral and cloacal swabs taken from challenged birds demonstrated that vaccinated birds had lower incidence and titers of viral shedding compared to sham-vaccinated birds. Following heterologous H5N1 or H5N2 HPAI challenge, 80–95% of birds receiving the HVT vector AI vaccine at day of age survived challenge with fewer birds shedding virus after challenge than sham vaccinated birds. In vitro cytotoxicity analysis demonstrated that splenic T lymphocytes from HVT-vector-AI vaccinated chickens recognized MHC-matched target cells infected with H5, as well as H6, H7, or H9 AI virus. Taken together, these studies provide support for the use of HVT vector vaccines expressing HA to protect poultry against multiple lineages of HPAI, and that both humoral and cellular immunity induced by live vaccines likely contributes to protection.

Oseltamivir Resistant Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Infection in Mumbai, India

Objectives: Oseltamivir is an important antiviral agent approved for treatment of infections caused by Influenza virus. The emergence of an Oseltamivir resistant seasonal Influenza A (H1N1) virus in 2007 in Norway and pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) virus in 2009 [Influenza A (H1N1) pdm 09] is of major concern. This study aimed for examining antiviral drug resistance of Influenza A viruses circulating during 2009 Influenza season in Mumbai. Methods: Nasopharyngeal swabs positive for Influenza A virus were inoculated on Madin-Darby canine kidney cell line for virus isolation. Molecular analysis of neuraminidase gene and matrix gene was carried out to detect known mutations contributing to resistance. Resistance to neuraminidase was assayed using a commercially available chemiluminescence based NA-Star assay kit. Results: Genotypically, a total of 47 isolates of Influenza A (H1N1) pdm 09 isolates were observed to harbor mutations known to confer resistance to Adamantane. However, no known mutations conferring resistance to neuraminidase (NA) inhibitors were detected. Resistance to Oseltamivir was observed in a single isolate of seasonal Influenza A (H1N1) isolate with an extremely high IC50 value of 1261 nM. Conversely, the isolate was sensitive to Adamantane. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that NA gene of this Oseltamivir-resistant isolate from Mumbai was antigenically related to human A (H1N1) A/Brisbane/59/2007 vaccine strain. Conclusions: Surveillance on drug susceptibility of circulating strains in Mumbai helped us to identify Oseltamivir resistance in seasonal Influenza virus. The study highlights the importance of continual surveillance on Influenza in India to ensure that antiviral prescribed by clinicians is effective when treating patients for Influenza infections.

Mallard or chicken? Comparing the isolation of avian influenza A viruses in embryonated Mallard and chicken eggs

BackgroundTo date, the most efficient and robust method for isolating avian influenza A viruses (IAVs) is using embryonated chicken eggs (ECEs). It is known that low-pathogenic avian IAVs undergo rapid genetic changes when introduced to poultry holdings, but the factors driving mutagenesis are not well understood. Despite this, there is limited data on the effects of the standard method of virus isolation of avian-derived viruses, that is, whether isolation in ECEs causes adaptive changes in avian IAVs. Eggs from a homologous species could potentially offer an isolation vessel less prone to induce adaptive changes.MethodsWe performed eight serial passages of two avian IAVs isolated from fecal samples of wild Mallards in both ECEs and embryonated Mallard eggs, and hemagglutination assay titers and hemagglutinin sequences were compared.ResultsThere was no obvious difference in titers between ECEs and embryonated Mallard eggs. Sequence analyses of the isolates showed no apparent difference in the rate of introduction of amino acid substitutions in the hemagglutinin gene (three substitutions in total in embryonated Mallard eggs and two substitutions in ECEs).ConclusionEmbryonated Mallard eggs seem to be good isolation vessels for avian IAVs but carry some practical problems such as limited availability and short egg-laying season of Mallards. Our study finds isolation of Mallard-derived avian IAVs in ECEs non-inferior to isolation in embryonated Mallard eggs, but more research in the area may be warranted as this is a small-scale study.

Isolation and characterization of influenza C viruses in the Philippines and Japan.

From November 2009 to December 2013 in the Philippines, 15 influenza C viruses were isolated, using MDCK cells, from specimens obtained from children with severe pneumonia and influenza-like illness (ILI). This is the first report of influenza C virus isolation in the Philippines. In addition, from January 2008 to December 2013, 7 influenza C viruses were isolated from specimens that were obtained from children with acute respiratory illness (ARI) in Sendai city, Japan. Antigenic analysis with monoclonal antibodies to the hemagglutinin-esterase (HE) glycoprotein showed that 19 strains (12 from the Philippines and 7 from Japan) were similar to the influenza C virus reference strain C/Sao Paulo/378/82 (SP82). Phylogenetic analysis of the HE gene showed that the strains from the Philippines and Japan formed distinct clusters within an SP82-related lineage. The clusters that included the Philippine and Japanese strains were shown to have diverged from a common ancestor around 1993. In addition, phylogenetic analysis of the internal genes showed that all strains isolated in the Philippines and Japan had emerged through reassortment events. The composition of the internal genes of the Philippine strains was different from that of the Japanese strains, although all strains were classified into an SP82-related lineage by HE gene sequence analysis. These observations suggest that the influenza C viruses analyzed here had emerged through different reassortment events; however, the time and place at which the reassortment events occurred were not determined.

Characterization of a Novel Reassortant Influenza A Virus (H2N2) from a Domestic Duck in Eastern China

While H2N2 viruses have been sporadically isolated from wild and domestic birds, H2N2 viruses have not been detected among human populations since 1968. Should H2N2 viruses adapt to domestic poultry they may pose a risk of infection to people, as most anyone born after 1968 would likely be susceptible to their infection. We report the isolation of a novel influenza A virus (H2N2) cultured in 2013 from a healthy domestic duck at a live poultry market in Wuxi City, China. Sequence data revealed that the novel H2N2 virus was similar to Eurasian avian lineage avian influenza viruses, the virus had been circulating for ≥ two years among poultry, had an increase in α2,6 binding affinity, and was not highly pathogenic. Approximately 9% of 100 healthy chickens sampled from the same area had elevated antibodies against the H2 antigen. Fortunately, there was sparse serological evidence that the virus was infecting poultry workers or had adapted to infect other mammals. These findings suggest that a novel H2N2 virus has been circulating among domestic poultry in Wuxi City, China and has some has increased human receptor affinity. It seems wise to conduct better surveillance for novel influenza viruses at Chinese live bird markets.

Different arms of the adaptive immune system induced by a combination vaccine work in concert to provide enhanced clearance of influenza.

Current split influenza virus vaccines that induce strain-specific neutralising antibodies provide some degree of protection against influenza infection but there is a clear need to improve their effectiveness. The constant antigenic drift of influenza viruses means that vaccines are often not an exact match to the circulating strain and so levels of relevant antibodies may not be sufficiently high to afford protection. In the situation where the emergent influenza virus is completely novel, as is the case with pandemic strains, existing vaccines may provide no benefit. In this study we tested the concept of a combination vaccine consisting of sub-optimal doses of split influenza virus vaccine mixed with a cross-protective T-cell inducing lipopeptide containing the TLR2 ligand Pam2Cys. Mice immunised with combination vaccines showed superior levels of lung viral clearance after challenge compared to either split virus or lipopeptide alone, mediated through activation of enhanced humoral and/or additional cellular responses. The mechanism of action of these vaccines was dependent on the route of administration, with intranasal administration being superior to subcutaneous and intramuscular routes, potentially through the induction of memory CD8+ T cells in the lungs. This immunisation strategy not only provides a mechanism for minimising the dose of split virus antigen but also, through the induction of cross-protective CD8+ T cells, proves a breadth of immunity to provide potential benefit upon encounter with serologically diverse influenza isolates.

Influenza: An RNA-synthesizing machine.

Crystal structures of the complete RNA polymerases from influenza A and B viruses provide insight into how these enzymes initiate RNA synthesis, and reveal targets for antiviral drug design. See Articles p.355 & p.361 Stephen Cusack and colleagues have solved the crystal structure of the complete influenza polymerase, comprising subunits PA, PB1 and PB2, bound to its viral RNA promoter. In the first of two papers they present the structure of the polymerase from a bat-specific influenza A virus, which is evolutionarily close to human/avian influenza A strains. The second paper presents the structure of the polymerase from a human isolate of influenza B. Together, the structures provide a wealth of information about how the influenza polymerase functions and how the different subunits interact with each other.

The K526R substitution in viral protein PB2 enhances the effects of E627K on influenza virus replication

Host-adaptive strategies, such as the E627K substitution in the PB2 protein, are critical for replication of avian influenza A viruses in mammalian hosts. Here we show that mutation PB2-K526R is present in some human H7N9 influenza isolates, in nearly 80% of H5N1 human isolates from Indonesia and, in conjunction with E627K, in almost all seasonal H3N2 viruses since 1970. Polymerase complexes containing PB2-526R derived from H7N9, H5N1 or H3N2 viruses exhibit increased polymerase activity. PB2-526R also enhances viral transcription and replication in cells. In comparison with viruses carrying 627K, H7N9 viruses carrying both 526R and 627K replicate more efficiently in mammalian (but not avian) cells and in mouse lung tissues, and cause greater body weight loss and mortality in infected mice. PB2-K526R interacts with nuclear export protein and our results suggest that it contributes to enhance replication for certain influenza virus subtypes, particularly in combination with 627K.

Regional and global antimicrobial susceptibility among isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae collected as part of the Tigecycline Evaluation and Surveillance Trial (T.E.S.T.) from 2009 to 2012 and comparison with previous years of T.E.S.T. (2004-2008).

BackgroundWe report here on 14438 Streptococcus pneumoniae and 14770 Haemophilus influenzae isolates collected from 560 centres globally between 2004 and 2012 as a part of the Tigecycline Evaluation and Surveillance Trial (T.E.S.T.).MethodsMIC testing was performed using broth microdilution methods as described by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) using CLSI-approved breakpoints; US Food and Drug Administration breakpoints were used for tigecycline as CLSI breakpoints are not available.ResultsAt least 99% of S. pneumoniae isolates globally were susceptible to levofloxacin, linezolid, tigecycline or vancomycin. Penicillin resistance was observed among 14.8% of S. pneumoniae and was highest in Asia/Pacific Rim (30.1%) and Africa (27.6%); 23.4% of S. pneumoniae isolates were penicillin-intermediate, which were most common in Africa (37.6%). Minocycline susceptibility among S. pneumoniae decreased by 20% between 2004-2008 and 2009-2012. High (>98.5%) susceptibility was reported among H. influenzae to all antimicrobial agents on the T.E.S.T. panel excluding ampicillin, to which only 78.3% were susceptible. β-lactamase production was observed among 20.2% of H. influenzae isolates; 1.5% of isolates were β-lactamase negative, ampicillin-resistant.ConclusionsS. pneumoniae remained highly susceptible to levofloxacin, linezolid, tigecycline and vancomycin while H. influenzae was susceptible to most antimicrobial agents in the testing panel (excluding ampicillin).Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12941-014-0052-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Influenza viruses resistant to neuraminidase inhibitors.

Neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs) are antiviral drugs for treatment and prophylaxis of influenza. By blocking the activity of the enzyme neuraminidase, NAIs prevent new viral particles from being released. The increasing use of NAIs brings into focus the risk of drug resistance arising to the class. There are three levels of antiviral resistance according to the way that resistance can be detected or inferred: genotypic, phenotypic and clinical resistance. For many years seasonal influenza viruses resistance to NAIs was low (0.33%). Recently, there has been described an increasing number of resistant seasonal influenza strains to oseltamivir (2% in adults, 5-18% in children). In 2007 there were published data describing 14% resistant to oseltamivir strains of influenza A/H1N1/ in Europe. Approximately 0.5-1.0% of influenza A/H1N1/pdm09 isolates are currently resistant to oseltamivir. The established markers of the resistance to oseltamivir were found in 2.4% of human and 0.8% of avian isolates of influenza A/H5N1/. It has been not observed a cross resistance among oseltamivir and zanamivir. NAIs resistance in influenza viruses is relative and despite its presence patients with resistant viruses may still benefit from receiving these antivirals. The response to treatment with antivirals remains the most important proof of antiviral effectiveness. The rational use of NAIs is essential to preserve the best choice for treatment and prophylaxis of seasonal, avian and pandemic influenza.

Prevalence and predictors for homo- and heterosubtypic antibodies against influenza a virus.

The effectiveness of trivalent influenza vaccination has been confirmed in several studies. To date, it is not known whether repeated exposure and vaccination to influenza promote production of cross-reactive antibodies. Furthermore, how strains encountered earlier in life imprint the immune response is currently poorly understood. To determine the prevalence for human homo- and heterosubtypic antibody responses, we scrutinized serum samples from 305 healthy volunteers for hemagglutinin-binding and -neutralizing antibodies against several strains and subtypes of influenza A. Statistical analyses were then performed to establish the association of measured values with potential predictors. It was found that vaccination not only promoted higher binding and neutralizing antibody titers to homosubtypic influenza isolates but also increased heterosubtypic human immune responses. Both binding and neutralizing antibody titers in relation with age of the donors mirrored the course of the different influenza strain circulation during the last century. Advanced age appeared to be of advantage for both binding and neutralizing titers to most subtypes. In contrast, the first virus subtype encountered was found to imprint to some degree subsequent antibody responses. Antibodies to recent strains, however, primarily seemed to be promoted by vaccination. We provide evidence that vaccinations stimulate both homo- and heterosubtypic immune responses in young and middle-aged as well as more senior individuals. Our analyses suggest that influenza vaccinations not only prevent infection against currently circulating strains but can also stimulate broader humoral immune responses that potentially attenuate infections with zoonotic or antigenically shifted strains.

Identification and genetic characterization of avian-origin H3N2 canine influenza viruses isolated from the Liaoning province of China in 2012.

A total of 158 serum samples and 510 nasal swab specimens were collected between September 2010 and May 2012, from dogs exhibiting respiratory symptoms, in order to investigate the epidemiology of H3N2 canine influenza viruses (CIVs) in the Liaoning province of China. Serological surveillance demonstrated that 10.8% (17/158) of serum samples were positive for H3N2 canine influenza. Two H3N2 influenza viruses, A/canine/Liaoning/27/2012 and A/canine/Liaoning/H6/2012, were isolated from pet dogs in 2012. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the genes from these two viruses were closely related to those of avian-origin, H3N2 subtype CIVs from China and Thailand. Genetic analysis of eight genes revealed that these two H3N2 canine influenza isolates were highly similar (99.2-99.8%) to the current common strains in Asia. Analysis of the genotype demonstrated that each gene of the two strains in this study had the same genotype (K, G, E, 3B, F, 2D, F, 1E) as those prevalent in H3N2 CIVs. Our findings further confirm that avian-origin H3N2 canine influenza has become established in China. Conducting extensive serological and epidemiological surveillance is necessary to develop an effective vaccine against this disease.

Isolation and characterization of H7N9 avian influenza A virus from humans with respiratory diseases in Zhejiang, China

In 2013, the novel reassortant avian-origin influenza A (H7N9) virus was reported in China. Through enhanced surveillance, infection by the H7N9 virus in humans was first identified in Zhejiang Province. Real-time reverse-transcriptase-polymerase-chain-reaction (RT-PCR) was used to confirm the infection. Embryonated chicken eggs were used for virus isolation from pharyngeal swabs taken from infected human patients. The H7N9 isolates were first identified by the hemagglutination test and electron microscopy, then used for whole genome sequencing. Bioinformatics software was used to construct the phylogenetic tree and for computing the mean rate of evolution of the HA gene in H7Nx and NA in HxN9. Two novel H7N9 avian influenza A viruses (A/Zhejiang/1/2013 and A/Zhejiang/2/2013) were isolated from the positive infection cases. Substitutions were found in both Zhejiang isolates and were identified as human-type viruses. All phylogenetic results indicated that the novel reassortant in H7N9 originated in viruses that infected birds. The sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the whole genome revealed the mean rate of evolution of the HA gene in H7NX to be 5.74E−3 (95% Highest posterior density: 3.8218E−3 to 7.7873E−3) while the NA gene showed 2.243E−3 (4.378E−4 to 3.79E−3) substitutions per nucleotide site per year. The novel reassortant H7N9 virus was confirmed by molecular methods to have originated in poultry, with the mutations occurring during the spread of the H7N9 virus infection. Live poultry markets played an important role in whole H7N9 circulation.

Genomic characterization of H14 subtype Influenza A viruses in new world waterfowl and experimental infectivity in mallards (Anas platyrhynchos).

Recent repeated isolation of H14 hemagglutinin subtype influenza A viruses (IAVs) in the New World waterfowl provides evidence to suggest that host and/or geographic ranges for viruses of this subtype may be expanding. In this study, we used genomic analyses to gain inference on the origin and evolution of H14 viruses in New World waterfowl and conducted an experimental challenge study in mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) to evaluate pathogenicity, viral replication, and transmissibility of a representative viral strain in a natural host species. Genomic characterization of H14 subtype IAVs isolated from New World waterfowl, including three isolates sequenced specifically for this study, revealed high nucleotide identity among individual gene segments (e.g. ≥95% shared identity among H14 HA gene segments). In contrast, lower shared identity was observed among internal gene segments. Furthermore, multiple neuraminidase subtypes were observed for H14 IAVs isolated in the New World. Gene segments of H14 viruses isolated after 2010 shared ancestral genetic lineages with IAVs isolated from wild birds throughout North America. Thus, genomic characterization provided evidence for viral evolution in New World waterfowl through genetic drift and genetic shift since purported introduction from Eurasia. In the challenge study, no clinical disease or lesions were observed among mallards experimentally inoculated with A/blue-winged teal/Texas/AI13-1028/2013(H14N5) or exposed via contact with infected birds. Titers of viral shedding for mallards challenged with the H14N5 IAV were highest at two days post-inoculation (DPI); however shedding was detected up to nine DPI using cloacal swabs. The distribution of viral antigen among mallards infected with H14N5 IAV was largely restricted to enterocytes lining the villi in the lower intestinal tract and in the epithelium of the bursa of Fabricius. Characterization of the infectivity of A/blue-winged teal/Texas/AI13-1028/2013(H14N5) in mallards provides support for similarities in viral replication and shedding as compared to previously described waterfowl-adapted, low pathogenic IAV strains in ducks.

The dynamics of influenza isolates in Uganda: Their implications and way forward

Background:Patientswith severe dengue infectionhave shown to have impaired dengue virus (DV) specific T cell responses and higher viral loads. Our previous data have shown that DV-specific T cell responses are suppressed by IL-10. Therefore, we set out to investigate the possible mechanisms of inhibition of DV-specific T cell responses in patients with acute dengue infection. Methods & Materials: 18 adult patients with acute confirmed dengue infection were recruited following informed written consent. The first blood sample was collected during day 3-5 of illness and the second sample was collected 2 days later. Clinical disease severity was classified according to the WHO 2011 dengue guidelines. Flow-cytometry was done on freshly extracted peripheral blood mononucleocytes (PBMCs). Intracellular cytokine staining was done by stimulating PBMCs with DVNS3 overlapping peptides. Expression of CTLA-4, TIM-3, PD-1, CD27 and CD28 were determined in T cells in general and DV-specific T cells. IL-10 quantitative ELISA was done in the patients and in 10 healthy DV seropositive individuals. Results: Expression of IL-10R was significantly higher in both CD4+ T cells (p =0.007) and CD8+ T cells (p =0.005) in patients with acute dengue when compared to healthy individuals. Expression of CTLA-4 was also significantly higher (p <0.0001) among T cells in patients with acute dengue (mean 411.3, SD±100.2 MFI) whencompared tohealthy individuals (mean256.4, SD±84.4MFI). Expression of CTLA-4 was also significantly higher (p =0.009) in DV-NS3 specific T cells (mean 419.5; SD±69.5) when compared to CD3+ T cells in general (mean 386.6; SD±86.81 MFI) in the same patient. Althoughnot significant (p =0.11) serum IL-10 levels correlatedwithCTLA-4expression inTcells (spearman’s r = 0.48). CTLA-4 expression also significantly (p =0.04) correlated with serum alanine transaminase levels (spearman’s r = 0.59). PD-1 expression was higher in T cells in patients with acute dengue (mean 106.8, SD±65.43 MFI) when compared to healthy individuals (mean 88.71, SD±22.77MFI), although not significant (p =0.85). Conclusion: CTLA-4 expression appears to be higher in T cells in patients with acute dengue and significantly higher in DV-specific T cells, suggesting a role in inhibition of DV-specific immune responses.

Evaluation of antibody response in mice against avian influenza A (H5N1) strain neuraminidase expressed in yeast Pichia pastoris.

Avian influenza has raised many apprehension in the recent years because of its potential transmitability to humans. With the increasing emergence of drug-resistant avian influenza strains, development of potential vaccines are imperative to manage this disease. Two structural antigens, haemagglutinin and neuraminidase, have been the target candidates for the development of subunit vaccine against influenza. In an effort to develop a faster and economically beneficial vaccine, the neuraminidase gene of a highly pathogenic avian influenza isolate was cloned and expressed in the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris. The recombinant neuraminidase (rNA) antigen was purified, and its bioactivity was analysed. The rNA was found to be functional, as determined by the neuraminidase assay. Four groups of mice were immunized with different concentrations of purified rNA antigen, which were adjuvanted with aluminium hydroxide. The immune response against rNA was analysed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and neuraminidase inhibition assay. The mice groups immunized with 25 (mu) g and 10 (mu) g of antigen had a significant immune response against rNA. This method can be utilized for faster and cost-effective development of vaccines for a circulating and newer strain of avian influenza, and would aid in combating the disease in a pandemic situation, in which production time matters greatly.

Study of Oseltamivir and Zanamivir Resistance-Related Mutations in Influenza Viruses Isolated from Wild Mallards in Sweden

Resistance to neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs) is a growing problem in battle against influenza A virus. However, little is known about the resistance of viruses isolated from dabbling ducks, the natural reservoir of the influenza virus. To our knowledge, no low-pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) virus resistant to NAIs has been detected. The aim of this study was to investigate mallard isolates of influenza A virus previously identified to carry oseltamivir carboxylate (OC) or zanamivir (ZA) resistance-related mutations. In this work, 21 viruses belonging to the N1, N3, N6 and N9 subtypes were analyzed using a colorimetric NA inhibition assay. The results of assay showed no NAIs-resistant phenotype for any of the viruses. The R118K mutation was the most recurrent, as it was observed in all subtypes except for N6. IC50 values confirmed the differences in sensitivity to OC or ZA observed in the N1 and N2 groups of NAs. Furthermore, both wild types (WTs) in the N6 and one WT in the N9 subtype were less sensitive to ZA than were genotypically related mutants with R152K and R118K change in the respective subtypes. This may indicate that these and probably even other NAIs resistance-related mutations found in our virus collection were not induced by NAIs residuals in the environment and that the impact of such mutations in an avian influenza could be dependent on subtype, strain and host species.