Generation of candidate human influenza vaccine strains in cell culture – rehearsing the European response to an H7N1 pandemic threat

摘要: Background  Although H5N1 avian influenza viruses pose the most obvious imminent pandemic threat, there have been several recent zoonotic incidents involving transmission of H7 to humans. Vaccines are primary public health defense against pandemics, but reliance on embryonated chickens eggs propagate vaccine and logistic problems posed by use new technology may slow our ability respond rapidly in a situation. Objectives  We sought generate an candidate virus suitable for administration humans whose generation amplification avoided eggs. Methods  generated reverse genetics. This virus, known as RD3, comprises internal genes A/Puerto Rico/8/34 with surface antigens highly pathogenic strain A/Chicken/Italy/13474/99 (H7N1). The multi-basic amino acid site HA gene, associated high pathogenicity chickens, was removed. Results  modification did not alter antigenicity resultant single basic motif stably retained following passages Vero PER.C6 cells. RD3 attenuated growth eggs, ferrets. induced antibody response infected animals reactive both homologous other infection humans. Conclusions  is first report genetics propagated entirely mammalian tissue culture. has potential wide range strains.