Evaluating the immune response of recombinant H1N1 hemagglutinin with MF59 adjuvant in animal model as a novel alternative to the influenza vaccine

Abstract

The H1N1 influenza virus is known as a serious pandemic threat across the globe. Vaccination is one of the most effective methods of protection against this virus and the way to reduce the seasonal pandemic risk. The commercial vaccine does not adequately respond to pandemic strains. This study examines the potential function of formulated H1N1 hemagglutinin with MF59 adjuvant against A/PR/8/34 (H1N1). To this end, a recombinant hemagglutinin (rHA) gene of influenza A virus was designed and expressed in SF9 cell by the Baculovirus expression system. Four groups of mice were immunized by rHA in combination with MF59, Alum adjuvant, and virus split only. The immunized mice subsequently used for the humoral immune assay and the results compared with untreated mice (negative group). Besides, both treated and control mice groups were challenged with mouse-adapted influenza virus A/PR/8/34(H1N1) through the intranasal drop. Bodyweight, survival, temperature variation, and the medical conditions of the samples were assessed. Mice immunized with the recombinant protein demonstrated a humoral response to the influenza A virus. Upon virus challenging, co-administration of rHA with MF59 adjuvant could lead to 92% survival of the vaccinated mice within 10 days. The MF59-treated group showed slight weight loss and high-temperature body two weeks after infection. This group also displayed a higher hemagglutination inhibition (HI) antibody titer as compared to the group vaccinated with virus split, and Alum adjuvant. Altogether, the results showed that the recombinant protein with the MF59 adjuvant created better safety than the Alum adjuvant, thereby can be considered as a safe and reliable vaccine against the H1N1 virus for further investigations.