Immune response of highly conserved influenza A virus matrix 1 peptides

ABSTRACT Influenza vaccine development is considered to be complicated and challenging. Constantly evolving influenza viruses require continuous global monitoring and reformulation of the vaccine strains. Peptide conserved among different strains and subtypes of influenza A virus are well‐thought‐out to be attractive targets for development of cross protective influenza vaccine based on cellular response. Three highly conserved (> 90%) matrix 1 peptides ILGFVFTLTVPSERGLQRRRF (PM1), LIRHENRMVLASTTAKA (PM2) and LQAYQKRMGVQMQR (PM3) containing multiple T cell epitopes have been assessed for their immunogenic potential in vitro, subjecting peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy volunteers to repetitive stimulation of these chemically synthesised peptides and measuring their interferon (IFN)‐γ level and proliferation by ELISA (Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay) and MTT (3‐(4,5‐Dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐Diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay, respectively. Seven samples were screened for immunogenicity of PM1 and PM2, whereas six samples were tested for PM3. All six samples responded positive (IFN‐γ secretion) to PM3 stimulation, followed by five and three for PM2 and PM1 respectively. Whereas, seven (PM1 and PM2) and four (PM3) samples have shown proliferative response as compared to unstimulated cells. Encouraging immunogenic response generated by these highly conserved matrix 1 peptides endorses their prospective candidature for broadly reactive i...
Source: Microbiology and Immunology - Category: Microbiology Authors: Tags: Original Article Source Type: research