S. Kodihalli et al., A TYPE-SPECIFIC AVIAN INFLUENZA-VIRUS SUBUNIT VACCINE FOR TURKEYS - INDUCTION OF PROTECTIVE IMMUNITY TO CHALLENGE INFECTION, Vaccine, 12(15), 1994, pp. 1467-1472
The fraction NP/HA (nucleoprotein/haemagglutinin) obtained from n-octy
l-beta-D-glucopyranoside-treated influenza A H5N2 virus was highly enr
iched for NP with residual haemagglutinin. This preparation was incorp
orated in ISCOMs. This potent 'immmunostimulating complex' induced the
production of high antibody titres in turkeys. The NP/HA ISCOMs prepa
ration was found to protect turkeys from both homologous and heterolog
ous challenge infection as shown by reduced viral titres in the lung a
nd trachea of vaccinated turkeys. Clearance of the virus from trachea
and lungs was seen at late stages of infection. The vaccine also induc
ed a cellular immune response as measured by T-cell proliferation and
a delayed-type hypersensitivity response. The results reported in this
study demonstrate that the NP/HA ISCOM vaccine is capable of inducing
type-specific immunity and that it has potential utility as a vaccine
in turkeys.