Recombinant neuraminidase vaccine protects against lethal influenza

The N2 neuraminidase gene of A/Victoria/3/75 influenza virus was engineered to encode a secretable protein (NAs) by replacing the natural N-terminal membrane anchor sequence with the cleavable signal sequence of the corresponding influenza hemagglutinin gene. Soluble NAs was expressed by a baculovirus/insect cell system and accumulated in the medium at levels between 6 and 8 mu g ml(-1). A combination of biochemical and standard chromatographic techniques allowed the purification of NAs to homogeneity. Cross-linking analysis indicated that NAs was partly recovered as an authentic tetrameric protein, while the remaining fraction was composed of dimeric molecules and small amounts of monomeric NAs. Purified NAs was supplemented with low-reactogenic adjuvants and used to immunize mice. After a challenge infection with a lethal dose of homologous mouse-adapted X47 influenza virus, vaccinated animals showed resistance against severe disease symptoms and were protected from lethality. Based on the results of a passive immunization experiment, it may be concluded that preformed antibody plays a central role in the mechanism by which vaccination with NAs confers viral protection. (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd.