Recombinant Hemagglutinin Protein from H9N2 Avian Influenza Virus Exerts Good Immune Effects in Mice

TL;DR

Researchers developed a recombinant protein from H9N2 avian influenza that triggered strong immune responses in mice, suggesting potential for vaccine development.

Contribution

A recombinant hemagglutinin protein from H9N2 avian influenza was shown to induce strong immune responses in mice.

Findings

The recombinant HA protein had a molecular weight of ~84 kDa and showed acid and thermal stability.

Immunized mice had high HI antibody titers (6-8 log2) and elevated IgG antibody levels (1:1,000,000).

The HA protein increased IL-2, IL-4, and IL-5 levels while decreasing several pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Abstract

The H9N2 subtype of avian influenza virus (AIV) causes enormous economic losses and poses a significant threat to public health; the development of vaccines against avian influenza is ongoing. To study the immunogenicity of hemagglutinin (HA) protein, we constructed a recombinant pET-32a-HA plasmid, induced HA protein expression with isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG), verified it by SDS–PAGE and Western blotting, and determined the sensitivity of the recombinant protein to acid and heat. Subsequently, mice were immunized with the purified HA protein, and the immunization effect was evaluated according to the hemagglutination inhibition (HI) titer, serum IgG antibody titer, and cytokine secretion level of the mice. The results showed that the molecular weight of the HA protein was approximately 84 kDa, and the protein existed in both soluble and insoluble forms; in addition, the HA protein exhibited good acid and thermal stability, the HI antibody titer reached 6 log2–8 log2, and the IgG-binding antibody titer was 1:1,000,000. Moreover, the levels of IL-2, IL-4, and IL-5 in the immunized mouse spleen cells were significantly increased compared with those in the control group. However, the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-13, IFN-γ, IL-18, TNF-α, and GM-CSF were decreased in the immunized group. The recombinant HA protein utilized in this study exhibited good stability and exerted beneficial immune effects, providing a theoretical basis for further research on influenza vaccines.

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