| خلاصه مقاله | Background
Influenza as an extremely contagious respiratory tract disease is assumed a community health problem. Influenza A virus is
a member of the Orthomyxoviridae family that has segmented genome and great antigenic diversity. Influenza viruses
possess multiple conserved epitopes that are designed for universal vaccines. One of these epitopes is matrix-2 protein
ectodomain (M2e) and the other is HA2.
Methods
The gene coding for M2e 2–9, and HA2 1–9 epitopes of influenza virus which are conserved among all subtypes of
influenza A viruses, stimulate immune responses of B-cells and T-cells. In this study, we have constructed new plasmids to
express above-mentioned epitopes as a single recombinant product. To this aim, two peptide genes of N-terminal M2e
(SLLTEVET) and HA2 (GLFGAIAGF) were linked together with a (Gly4Ser) 4 peptide linker
(SLLTEVETGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSGLFGAIAGF), synthesized, and cloned into pGS-21a vector. Afterwards,
the construct was transferred into E. coli BL21 (DE3) cells and induced using isopropyl β-D-1 thiogalactoside (IPTG).
Immunization of mice with these peptides significantly induced humoral immune responses. Three weeks after the last
booster, mice were inoculated intranasally with 1×106 EID50 of H9N2 virus.
Results
In the present study, the recombinant M2e-HA2 fusion protein gene was cloned into pGS-21a vector. The results of
sequencing showed that this gene was properly cloned in vector. Also, SDS-PAGE electrophoresis of purified protein
exhibited a strong single band. Furthermore, Western blot analysis indicated a single band in correct position. Real-time RTPCR studies showed reduction of virus in BALB/c mice lung tissues. Our study indicated that this protein could protect mice
against H9N2 virus.
Conclusions
The recombinant M2e-HA2 fusion protein characterizes a potential candidate for influenza vaccine studies in animal model.
According to the findings, the M2e-HA2 fusion protein induced humoral immunity responses. The findings of this study
suggest that the recombinant M2e-HA2 fusion peptide which is economical to yield can be used for induction specific
antibodies responses. The results of the current study showed that this protein can protect mice by decreasing virus
shedding. |