Influenza A and B viruses expressing altered NS1 proteins: A vaccine approach.

Talon, J; Salvatore, M; O'Neill, R E; Nakaya, Y; Zheng, H; Muster, T; García-Sastre, A; Palese, P · Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A · 2000

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

We propose a rational approach to the generation of live viral vaccines: alteration of virally encoded type I IFN antagonists to attenuate virulence while retaining immunogenicity. We have explored this concept by using the influenza virus. Previously we have shown that the NS1 protein of influenza A virus possesses anti-IFN activity. We now present evidence that influenza A and B viruses encoding altered viral NS1 proteins are highly attenuated in the mouse host, yet provide protection from challenge with wild-type viruses.

Medical subject headings