Development of avian influenza vaccine on the basis of structurally modified plant virus

Avian influenza is an infectious viral disease that affects various species of birds, including poultry (chicken, turkeys, ducks and geese). Vaccination is a key strategy in the prevention of epizootics and epidemics of influenza. Now, the actual problem is the development of rapid, safe and effective methods for the production of avian flu vaccines. The using of recombinant flu antigen is a promising approach for creating universal, safe and effective poultry flu vaccines. To increasing of low immunogenicity of recombinant antigens plant viruses and virus-like particles can be applied. We have previously shown that spherical particles (SPs) with unique adsorption property and immunostimulating activity. Here we design the candidate vaccine against the avian flu virus (H5N1). The complexes containing the antigenic determinants of the avian flu virus - hemagglutinin (HA) and the extracellular domain of the M2 matrix protein (M2e) presented on the surface of SPs were developed. By indirect immunofluorescence microscopy the specific antigenic activity of recombinant proteins adsorbed on the SPs surface were demonstrated. The SPs-HA-M2e (SPs-HA62/284-М2е) complexes were highly immunogenic. The candidate vaccine induced a strong humoral immune response to both antigenic determinants of avian flu A virus. HA and M2e adsorption on the SPs allowed a 10-fold increase in the production of blood antibodies to antigens in immunized animals. The advantage of this approach for the vaccine development is high efficiency based on the stability and adjuvant activity of SPs, safety and low cost of using plant viruses. Obtaining veterinary vaccines based on structurally modified plant viruses allows the creation of marker veterinary vaccines. Development and creation of marker vaccines is extremely important for the recovery of the poultry population in agro-industrial complexes. The proposed vaccine can be considered as a candidate recombinant vaccine against avian influenza virus.