[Prokaryotic expression of chimeric trimer protein [3M[2]e-HA2-NP] derived from conserved domains of influenza virus A/H1N1 as a promising universal subunit vaccine]

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Influenza A virus is an important respiratory pathogen which can cause high rates of morbidity and mortality during seasonal epidemics and pandemics. Current vaccines are not capable of producing effective immunity against different influenza virus subtypes. Designing universal vaccines using conversed domains of influenza virus antigens can overcome this limitation. The ectodomain of influenza M[2] protein [M[2]e], the hemagglutinin stalk domain [HA2], and nucleoprotein [NP] are the most conserved sequences among subtypes of influenza A viruses. The aim of this study was to attach part of the NP gene into the binary structure of 3M[2]e-HA2 and assessment of expression of a chimer trimer protein in prokaryotic system. This recombinant protein is considered as a promising antigenic candidate for a universal vaccine production